Probiotics are among the most popular of all supplements, and sales continue to skyrocket every year. By 2023, sales of probiotic supplements are expected to top $64 billion.
People may take probiotics because they’ve heard they can help relieve symptoms of certain medical conditions, boost immune health, improve symptoms of depression, and even promote weight loss.
But are probiotics really effective?
Top 10 Probiotic Supplements
Should everyone take a probiotic?
If you and your healthcare team decide you could benefit from taking a probiotic supplement, there are many great products on the market to choose from. Depending on your needs, you may want to choose a single-strain or multi-strain probiotic. If you are unsure about the type of probiotic or dosage, consult a doctor.
Top 10 Probiotic Supplements
This article explains what probiotic supplements are, who can benefit from them, how to choose the right type and our picks of the top 10 products on the market.
A quick look at the best probiotic supplements
- Best overall probiotic supplement: Culturelle Digestive Daily
- Best IBS probiotic supplement: Align Extra Strength
- Best probiotic supplement on the shelf: Bio-Kult
- Best affordable probiotic supplement: Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS
- Best Dairy-Free Probiotic Supplement: Garden of Life Dr.Formulated Probiotics Once Daily
- Best Allergen-Friendly Probiotic Supplement: NOW Probiotic-10 25 Billion
- Best Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplement: Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief
- Best Probiotic Supplement for Athletes: Thorne FloraSport 20B
- Best Probiotic Supplement for Diarrhea: Florastor Daily Probiotic for Women and Men
- Best Probiotic Subscription: Ritual Synbiotic+
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in appropriate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.
Probiotics occur naturally in certain foods and in the gut. For example, foods like kimchi, fermented yogurt, and sauerkraut can be natural sources of probiotics.
Probiotics can also be added to foods during processing.
Beneficial bacteria live in your intestinal tract and are involved in a variety of important bodily processes, such as:
B. vitamin production, mood regulation, digestion, immune function, and more (2). Probiotics can also be taken as dietary supplements that contain high doses of a single probiotic strain or multiple probiotic strains.
Probiotic supplements have been linked to some health benefits. Effect of probiotic food supplements.
Top 10 Probiotic Supplements
What are the CFUs?
Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFU). These units represent the number of viable bacteria per dose. Products labeled 1 x 109 CFU contain 1 billion live or viable bacteria per dose. Most dietary supplements contain 1 to 10 billion CFU per dose. However, some dietary supplements contain much higher amounts.
To achieve beneficial effects, probiotics must be taken in fairly large doses. Researchers suggest that probiotics must contain at least 106 (1 million) viable CFUs per gram to survive digestion and exert beneficial effects in the body.
How we select the best probiotic supplements.
We select the best probiotics based on the following criteria:
Verification – All products have been tested to ensure they meet medical and commercial standards.
Effective Dose:
All of the supplements listed below contain a minimum of 106 (1 million) CFU per gram.
Ingredients:
We look for products that are made with quality ingredients and no artificial additives or fillers.
Personal Needs:
Whether you need a specific probiotic strain or are on a gluten-free diet, we offer options to meet a variety of needs and preferences.
What are the benefits of taking probiotics?
Probiotic supplements have been shown to benefit health in a number of ways. However, some of the purported benefits of probiotics are not supported by research, so it is important to always consult a doctor.
before taking a probiotic supplement, especially if you’re hoping to improve symptoms related to a health condition.
May Improve Symptoms of Certain Gastrointestinal Disorders
Some of the most well-studied uses of probiotic supplements relate to the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and IBD.
In a review of 11 studies, 7 of the studies reported significant improvements in symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain in people with IBS who took probiotic supplements compared to placebo. The remaining four studies found no significant improvements.
The review also found that multi-strain probiotics used for at least 8 weeks were most effective in improving IBS symptoms.
Multi-strain probiotics may improve some symptoms in people with IBD, although they appear to be less effective in people with Crohn’s disease.
However, the evidence is currently limited and well-designed studies are needed.
May help with constipation and associated diarrhea and travelers’ diarrhea.
Some probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium lactis, may also help to improve constipation
However, results from studies vary, with some showing no improvement in constipation from probiotic treatment.
However, results from studies vary, with some showing no improvement in constipation from probiotic treatment.
May benefit urinary tract health.
Probiotic supplementation may help maintain urinary tract health and be beneficial for women who suffer from frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Some studies show that treatment with the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 may help reduce UTIs in women.
However, the study results are contradictory. A review of three randomized controlled trials found that taking probiotics did not significantly reduce the recurrence of UTIs in postmenopausal women.
Other Potential Benefits
In addition to the benefits listed above, some research suggests that probiotic supplements may have the following effects:
May Promote Immune System Health: There is evidence that probiotic supplements play a role in maintaining immune health.
Several studies suggest that probiotics may improve immune system health. They work in certain populations, but more research is needed. They can promote weight loss.
Research in this area is ongoing.
May Improve Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Probiotic supplements may help lower blood fat levels in some people, which may lower the risk of heart disease. However, the evidence is currently limited.
May help treat certain emotional and mood disorders: Studies suggest that certain probiotics may help treat depression, but more high-quality studies are needed before solid conclusions can be drawn.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic Supplement for You
If you are interested in taking a probiotic supplement, it is important to first determine whether a probiotic supplement is necessary for your specific health needs.
If you are instructed to take a probiotic, please consider the following:
Probiotic Strains: Probiotics do not come in one size fits all, and certain probiotic strains are much more effective than others for certain conditions and symptoms. Browse nutritional supplements with varieties specifically tailored to your needs.
Intended Use: The effectiveness of probiotic supplements is not only strain-specific but also disease-specific, meaning the right strain and dosage must be appropriate for the condition or symptom being treated (39).
Brand: Method of manufacture, shelf life, and type of formulation can all significantly affect the effectiveness of a probiotic supplement. Therefore, it’s important to buy probiotics from established brands that doctors trust (39).
Storage Requirements: Some probiotics require refrigeration. Proper storage instructions.
In general, probiotics are sensitive to heat. So if they don’t need refrigeration, you should store them in a cool, dry place.
UFC: Product quality is important. It’s important to look for probiotics that contain at least 106 (1 million) CFUs per gram, as research suggests this is the minimum amount needed to exert beneficial effects in the body.
Also, keep in mind that many probiotics may no longer be viable at the time of product purchase as they are highly susceptible to factors such as temperature changes and storage times.
For this reason, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that customers choose products containing CFUs at the end of a product’s shelf life, indicating that a product contains a therapeutic level of CFUs after purchase.
Do you need a probiotic supplement?
Contrary to popular belief, probiotic supplements are neither necessary nor appropriate for most people. it could lead to overstimulation and infection in immunocompromised people.
While some people, including those with IBS and certain types of IBD, may benefit from certain strains of probiotics, most healthy people who eat a nutritious diet and pursue a healthy lifestyle generally do not need probiotic supplements
In addition, some researchers are concerned that the widespread use of probiotics could lead to antibiotic resistance, warning that many studies examining the safety and effectiveness of probiotics are of poor quality.
For these reasons, it’s not a good idea to take probiotics before consulting a doctor.
They can help you decide if a probiotic supplement is right, and provide brand and dosage recommendations.
When to See a Doctor You may consider taking a probiotic supplement if you have gut issues.
But it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor first, as your symptoms could be related to a medical condition that requires specific treatment or medication.
Also, taking a probiotic may do more harm than good for some people, so it’s important to discuss your options with a trusted expert before trying anything new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective probiotic supplement?
The most widely studied and used probiotic strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
However, probiotic supplements are strain and disease-specific, so the most effective strain depends on the condition or problem the supplement is intended to improve.
Is It Okay to Take a Probiotic Every Day?
Because research on the safety and effectiveness of probiotics in people without existing health conditions is still inconclusive, it’s best to talk to a doctor before beginning your daily probiotic intake.
What Are the Signs You Need Probiotics?
Research suggests that probiotics may help improve symptoms associated with IBS and IBD.
If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, or if you’ve been diagnosed with IBD or IBS, you may benefit from taking a probiotic.
Still, you should meet with a doctor first to discuss your options and determine if a probiotic is right for you. If you can benefit from a probiotic, they can help you choose the right strain(s) and suggest a dosage based on your medical history and symptoms.
SUMMARY
Probiotic supplements may help people with certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and urinary tract infections.
Probiotics are not necessary for everyone, however, and the effectiveness of probiotic supplements depends on the strain, dosage, and condition being treated.
Keep in mind that probiotics are not cures in their own right and it is best to work with a doctor to determine if a probiotic supplement is a right choice for your health needs.
Finally, there are many other ways to take care of your gut microbiome and overall health that don’t involve supplements.
Diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep and exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are far more important to health than taking supplements.
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