Did you know that the best probiotics may help improve your digestive health, reduce inflammation, and support your immune system? We’re accustomed to thinking of bacteria as harmful, so it might surprise you to learn that your body is full of healthy, beneficial bacteria and microorganisms.
These tiny organisms are known as probiotics, and they live in your mouth, intestines, urinary tract and even your lungs. Probiotics help keep you healthy by aiding in digestion, warding off “bad” bacteria, and creating certain vitamins. Sometimes, people benefit from probiotics to build or reestablish the colonies of healthy microorganisms in their bodies.
The market is teeming with probiotic supplements, but they are not all of the same quality. To help you select the best probiotics for your health, we reviewed popular brands and selected five of the best probiotics that we have ultimate confidence in.
Best Probiotics: 5 Must-Try Supplements
- Best Overall: Your Biology Gut+
- Best for Bloating: BiOptimizers P3-OM
- Best for Men: Biotics 8
- Best for Women: Organixx ProBiotixx+
- Best for Immune Health: Clear Gut & Immunity
1. Best Overall: YourBiology Gut+
YourBiology Gut+ is a probiotic supplement that delivers a remarkable 40 billion CFUs (colony-forming units). It’s formulated with prebiotic fiber and does not require refrigeration
Many probiotics need to be refrigerated, but you can keep this one on your desk, in your kitchen cabinet, or on your bathroom counter, adding to the convenience.
The prebiotic fiber helps feed the probiotic bacteria, keeping them healthy and viable in your gut. With 40 billion CFUs, you’re getting a powerful supply of probiotics in every dose.
YourBiology Gut+ contain specially formulated probiotics to survive the acidic contents of your stomach and make it, intact, to your intestines. The company achieves this with their patented MAKtrek® Bipass Technology, which is based on brown seaweed.
YourBiology Gut+ contains four strains of bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. paracasei and B. lactis. The dosing instructions recommend taking one capsule in the morning and another at night.
About the Company
YourBiology focuses on making probiotic supplements that work with your body’s biology, not against it. They saw that many probiotics were not surviving stomach acid and making it into the intestines, where they belong. They solved this problem with their patented MAKtrek® Bypass Technology.
The company continues to innovate and improve their probiotic supplement line based on the input of top scientists and nutritionists. They operate a cGMP-compliant facility and do not add any preservatives to their products. They offer free shipping and discounts on large orders.
Customer Opinions and Results
YourBiology claims that you’ll notice the positive results of their supplement within two weeks, and reviewers tend to find this is true. We saw lots of reviews reporting calmer digestion, less bloating and clearer skin after just a few weeks on this supplement.
Customers tend to find their results peak after about three months. Some report getting sick less often and being able to think more clearly. Lots of reviewers say their bowel movements are more consistent and comfortable on this supplement. Some customers go down multiple pants sizes, and others are relieved to finally have their brain fog lifted.
Pros
- Potent: contains 40 billion CFUs per dose
- Does not require refrigeration
- Formulated by scientists and nutritionists
- Proprietary MAKtrek® Bipass Technology protects bacteria from stomach acid
- Dairy, soy and gluten-free
Cons
- Only contains 4 strains of probiotic bacteria
Specs
- YourBiology Gut+ comes in a bottle containing 60 capsules, which is a 30-day supply.
- Contains 40 billion CFUs per serving.
- The company stands behind this product with a 60-day, money back guarantee.
2. Best for Bloating: BiOptimizers P3-OM
Our top pick in the Best for Bloating category is BiOptimizers P3-OM, which customers often report reduces their gas and bloating within days. We appreciate that this product contains both probiotics and prebiotics for improved digestion.
Its new SUPER-strain helps optimize protein digestion and assimilation, which is great for athletes on high-protein diets. The supplement is designed to multiply in your gut, so you don’t need as many CFUs.
BiOptimizers P3-OM is 100% plant-based and lactose-free, making it appropriate for customers on specialized diets. It can be taken with or without food, which adds to the convenience factor. Since the culture is freeze-dried, it does not require refrigeration and remains viable as it travels through your digestive tract.
BiOptimizers recommends taking 1-2 capsules first thing in the morning and 1-2 capsules right before bed, preferably on an empty stomach. If you are also taking antibiotics, be sure to wait an hour before taking probiotics.
About the Company
BiOptimizers was founded in 2004 by Wage Lightheart and Matt Gallant. These two personal trainers worked with professional athletes and wanted to build the healthiest, most optimized supplements for their customers. They have a remarkable 99.3% customer satisfaction rate. BioOptimizers are so confident in their supplements that they offer a 365-day guarantee.
All of BiOptimizers’ products are made in the US from top-quality ingredients. They often offer multi-bottle discounts and Subscribe ‘N Save customers can save even more with routine deliveries.
Customer Opinions and Results
We saw so many glowing reviews praising this supplement’s ability to relieve bloating and digestive irritability. Customers report that their bowel movements become more formed and comfortable within just a few doses. Some customers even say they sleep better because their digestive tracts are calmer at night.
In addition to better digestion, people often notice improved mental clarity and more energy on this supplement. They can complete longer workouts, avoid fatigue at the end of the workday, or spend more time on the hobbies they love.
Pros
- 100% plant-based and lactose-free
- Freeze-dried to withstand stomach acid
- Can be taken with or without food
- Does not require refrigeration
Cons
- Contains only one strain of bacteria: L. plantarum
Specs
- BiOptimizers P3-OM comes in bottles of 30, 60, or 120 capsules.
- Contains 2.5 billion CFUs per serving.
- The product is backed by a 365-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more at BiOptimizers.com
3. Best for Men: Biotics 8
We chose Biotics 8 as Best for Men because it’s formulated specifically to meet men’s needs. This probiotic supplement is designed to help boost testosterone levels, increase muscle growth and assist with weight loss. Of course, it also has all of the more usual probiotic benefits, such as improved immune function and mental health support.
Biotics 8 contains 10 strains of active, probiotic bacteria to help build a balanced gut microbiome. It’s also fortified with vitamin D, which can help regulate your mood, reduce the risk of depression and improve bone health. The prebiotic fiber from chicory root ensures the probiotic bacteria are nourished when they arrive in your intestinal tract.
Biotics 8 is encased in HPMC capsules, which are plant-based and durable against stomach acid. The supplement is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration, so you can easily take it with you to the office or gym.
The company recommends starting with a dose of 1 capsule per day for 4 days before increasing the dose to 2 capsules per day on days 5 – 9. On day 10, begin taking the regular dose of 3 capsules per day.
About the Company
Biotics 8 is a supplement company that specifically focuses on creating probiotic supplements. They choose their ingredients based on the latest research. Their goal is to support gut health for men of all ages, including young students and men over 40.
Biotics 8 manufactures their supplements in the U.S. in a GMP-certified facility. They offer free shipping on all orders and use lab testing to ensure each bottle contains live cultures with 20 billion CFUs.
Customer Opinions and Results
Customers generally say their results with Biotics 8 grow more and more notable over time. Many customers say their digestion improves within a couple of weeks. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome diminish, and bowel movements become more regular
Within a month, customers report having an easier time losing fat and building muscle in the gym. Some say their thinking also becomes clearer around this time.
As Biotics 8 predicts, customers tend to notice maximal effects after about 3 months on these probiotics. Their digestive tracts are more tolerant of “cheat meals.” Some become less reliant on caffeine for their morning pick-me-up, and they report sleeping better.
Pros
- Contains 10 different probiotic strains
- Formulated with vitamin D
- Contains prebiotics from chicory root
- Designed specifically for men
- Dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free
Cons
- One dose is three capsules
Specs
- Biotics 8 comes in bottles of 90 capsules.
- Contains 20 billion CFUs per serving.
- The company also sells bundles of 3 and 5 bottles. The product is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
4. Best for Women: Organixx ProBiotixx+
Organixx ProBiotixx+ was the Woman’s World Best Single-Strain Probiotic Winner and receives so many glowing reviews from women, so naturally, we chose it as our top recommendation for women looking for a high-quality probiotic supplement.
This probiotic supplement contains Lactobacillus plantarum, a probiotic strain of bacteria that can enhance both gut and brain health. It can help improve mood, stress resilience, and support immune health against the common cold and flu.
PrioBiotixx+ also promotes this supplement for a flatter belly, better nutrient absorption and faster muscle gain. Lactobacillus plantarum is a proteolytic strain, which means it has the ability to break down protein in the gut.
Organixx ProBiotixx+ is resistant to most common antibiotics, making it a good option for women who are being treated for urinary tract infections and other bacterial infections. It’s very hardy — the 2.5 billion CFU doubles every 20 minutes once inside your digestive tract, and they adhere to your intestinal wall to create a healthy barrier.
Organixx recommends taking 1 – 2 capsules with each meal and an additional 1- 2 capsules before bedtime.
About the Company
Organixx is a supplement company that uses real plants and whole foods to create healthier, more advantageous products. They use non-GMO, certified organic ingredients whenever possible. All of their products are made in the U.S. in an FDA-registered and cGMP-compliant facility.
Organixx is one of few supplement companies to contract with a third-party lab for purity testing. Their products are tested for common contaminants including pesticides and herbicides, and they share the results of these tests on their website.
Customer Opinions and Results
Although this product does receive some good reviews from men, the majority of the reviews are from women. Some start taking this supplement after antibiotics irritate their digestive tract. They find that ProBiotixx+ helps re-regulate their bowel movements, calm bloating and increase their tolerance to rich or heavy foods. Some women are able to go down a pants size thanks to the bloating relief they get from this supplement.
Customers also say these probiotics help ease vaginal yeast infections and candida overgrowth. Some women who have struggled with yeast for years finally get relief after a few weeks on ProBiotixx+.
Pros:
- Contains Lactobacillus plantarum, a species known for supporting gut and brain health
- Resistant against many common antibiotics
- Creates a healthy barrier in your intestines
- Made in an FDA-registered facility
- Third-party tested for pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals
Cons:
- Grown in a dairy-based medium; may not be suitable for vegans
Specs:
- Organixx Probiotixx+ comes in a bottle of 60 capsules.
- Contains 2.5 billion CFUs per serving.
- The company offers a 1-year money-back guarantee.
5. Best for Immune Health: Clear Probiotics Clear Gut & Immunity
If you’re taking probiotics to support immune function, we recommend trying Clear Probiotics’s Clear Gut & Immunity. This product is formulated specifically with your immune system in mind.
The formula, which is enhanced with medicinal mushrooms, helps not only build but also stabilize your gut microbiome. As a result, your intestines become better able to absorb the nutrients needed for a healthy immune system. Clear Probiotics recommends this product for those struggling with weak immune systems due to environmental factors, poor diet, or medication.
Clear Gut & Immunity contains more than just probiotic bacteria. Reishi mushrooms are included for their cardiovascular benefits. The formula also contains slippery elm bark, which can help soothe the digestive tract.
All of these ingredients are packaged into slow-release veggie capsules, which break down slowly in your intestines. Since they are vegan, soy-free, gluten-free and made without artificial flavors and preservatives, this probiotic supplement is a good choice for most people on specialized diets.
Clear recommends taking two capsules daily, with or without food.
About the Company
Clear Probiotics’ founder, Greg Bauser, created the company to sell more natural supplements that support overall health, starting in the gut. Their products target the Gut-Brain Axis — the connection between your digestion, moods and cognition.
As a natural supplement company, Clear Probiotics uses whole-herb extraction methods to preserve more of their ingredients’ healthy properties. They use only vegan, non-GMO ingredients and craft all of their supplements in an FDA-registered, GMP-compliant facility.
Customer Opinions and Results
We saw plenty of reviews from customers who say they become sick less often since they began taking Clear Probiotics Gut & Immunity. Several customers report being sickness-free for months at a time. This supplement is well-liked by teachers, nurses and others who are exposed to pathogens on a routine basis.
Customers also applaud the gut health benefits of Clear Probiotics Gut & Immunity. Some say their trips to the bathroom are no longer painful, or that they no longer have cramping. Others say their sleep has improved thanks to relief from indigestion.
Pros
- Contains reishi mushrooms for cardiovascular health
- Formulated with gut-soothing slippery elm bark
- Vegan, soy-free and gluten-free
- Recommended dose is only 2 capsules per day
Cons
- Contains only 2 species of probiotic bacteria
Specs
- Clear Probiotics Gut & Immunity comes in a jar of 60 capsules.
- Packages of 3 and 6 bottles are available.
- Contains 20 billion CFUs per serving.
- Clear Probiotics stands behind this product with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more at ClearProbiotics.com
How We Chose Our Winners
With so many probiotic supplements on the market, we had to be very thorough and discerning when selecting the top 5 best probiotics to recommend. After careful research, we came up with a four-step system for choosing our winners.
Examining Company Reputations
We only considered products that are made in the United States by companies that put customers’ needs first. All of the products listed here come with a guarantee.
The companies that make them are well established, offer good customer services, and comply with relevant industry regulations.
Reading Product Descriptions
The best supplement companies tell you all you need to know about their probiotics and more. We narrowed down our options by focusing on products with simple, clean formulas.
We also gave preference to probiotics that were shelf-stable, vegan or vegetarian, and made with non-GMO ingredients.
Reading Reviews
What do past customers have to say about the product? We read hundreds of reviews to ensure the probiotics do what the company claims they do. When we saw the same, glowing comment again and again, that assured us that a product showed promise.
Staff Testing
Once we had curated a shorter list of potential winners, we put them to the test. Our in-house staff tried various probiotics over the course of a few months and settled on the products above as the best of the best.
What Are Probiotics Good For?
People generally take probiotics for one or more of the following reasons.
Digestive Health
The human digestive tract is naturally colonized with healthy, probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei. These bacterial colonies can become depleted due to illness, poor diet, or certain medications — especially antibiotics.
When your digestive tract becomes depleted of healthy bacteria, you may have symptoms of poor gut health, like upset stomach, bloating and constipation. Probiotics can help re-colonize your digestive tract with healthy bacteria, relieving these symptoms.
Probiotics can also be helpful for people with diagnosed digestive conditions, most notably, irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have shown that probiotics can help slow down the rate at which digested passes through the colon, which improves stool quality and eases other IBS symptoms like bloating, flatulence and cramping.
Brain Health
Researchers are discovering that the brain and gut are closely linked. This connection is referred to as the gut-brain axis. If your intestinal health is suffering, your brain health is likely to suffer, too. As such, taking probiotic supplements can not only enhance your digestive health but also your mental health and cognitive abilities.
Taking probiotics may help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. These supplements may also reduce cognitive decline as you age.
Immune Health
Probiotics can help support immune function in several different ways. Some may directly fight off or out-compete infectious bacteria, such as those that cause gum disease or sinus infections. Others are thought to moderate the function of macrophages, T cells, and B cells, all of which play key roles in protecting your body from invading pathogens.
Certain species of probiotics appear to have more of an effect on immune health than others. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei commonly found in yogurt and miso, appears to modulate immunity. Bifidobacterium, found in yogurt, kimchi, and sourdough bread, may also help enhance immunity and fight inflammation.
Cardiovascular Health
Probiotics may also help keep your heart and cardiovascular system healthy. They appear to do so by reducing your LDL, or “bad cholesterol” levels. Lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, are especially effective here.
They are thought to help break down bile in the gut, which prevents it from being re-absorbed and converted to cholesterol. Lower LDL levels are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.
Clear Skin
Researchers are finding that probiotics may help improve skin health. They are thought to do so by encouraging the skin to produce more ceramides. Ceramides, which are a specific type of lipid, help keep the skin moist. Increasing ceramide production through the use of probiotics may help manage the symptoms of eczema, acne, and dry skin.
When Should You Take Probiotics?
Some manufacturers recommend taking probiotics before a meal. Others recommend taking them with a meal. The research shows mixed results as to which approach is better.
Some bacterial species, like the Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic strain, survive better when consumed about a half hour before a meal. However, studies have shown an improvement in the gut bacteria profile, over time, regardless of whether the probiotics were taken with food.
What seems to be most important is consistency. Take the probiotics on a schedule that makes it easy for you to remember them daily. Check the instructions on your probiotic supplement for guidance relevant to the specific bacterial strains that the supplement contains.
Many people prefer to take their probiotics first thing in the morning, before breakfast. The stomach is less acidic first thing in the morning after an all-night fast. So, more of the bacteria in the supplement may survive your stomach acid and make it into your intestines.
How to Take Probiotics
Most probiotic supplements come in capsule form. You swallow the capsule or capsules with water, as you would any other pill. For best results, follow the instructions on the probiotic supplement you purchase. Here are some more general tips for taking probiotic supplements.
- If the product contains Lactobacillus strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus casei, take it about 30 minutes before a meal, if possible.
- If the product contains Saccharomyces boulardii, you can take it at any time.
- Take probiotics for a full month before deciding whether or not they’re working for you.
- Keep an eye on the expiration date; expired probiotics may not be effective.
- Take your probiotics every day.
How Long Should You Take Probiotics?
The answer to this question depends on your reason for taking probiotics, and also on how your own body responds to the supplements. If you are taking a probiotic for an acute issue, such as diarrhea, you may get the desired effect within a few days.
If you’re taking the probiotics for longer-term effects, such as immune support, weight loss and long-term gut health, you will want to stick with the supplement longer. Studies have shown people who take probiotics for 12 weeks are less prone to respiratory infections than those who are given placebos. Patients with IBS may want to take probiotics indefinitely to help them remain in remission.
FAQs
What are prebiotics?
Probiotics are the microscopic organisms that live in your gut, and prebiotics are substances that serve as a food source for the probiotic bacteria. Most prebiotics are forms of fermentable fiber — fiber that your own digestive tract won’t break down, but that probiotic bacteria can break down.
Examples of prebiotics include inulin and pectin. Inulin can be found in asparagus, onions, chicory root, and bananas. Pectin can be found in apples and most other fruits. Some probiotic supplements also contain prebiotics to ensure the probiotic bacteria have something to feed on once they reach your gut.
Can you get probiotics from food?
Yes, fermented foods tend to be good sources of probiotics to enhance gut health. Different foods contain different probiotic strains. For example, yogurt tends to be high in the probiotic strains Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophilus. Sauerkraut is a good source of lactic-acid producing probiotic strains, and kimchi supplies plenty of Lactobacillus kimchii.
Can probiotics treat a vaginal yeast infection?
Yes, probiotics may help treat and manage the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of the yeast species Candida albicans. This can occur due to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, after a woman takes antibiotics, or as an effect of diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Taking dietary supplements containing probiotics can help re-balance the vagina’s natural microbiome. The bacteria can out-compete some of the yeast and also help acidify the vagina, making it less hospitable to Candida albicans. Studies suggest it is best to take probiotic supplements in conjunction with antifungal medications when treating an active yeast infection.
Do probiotics cause any side effects?
Probiotics do not typically cause any serious side effects. However, some people do experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea after taking probiotics. These symptoms tend to pass after a few days of regular probiotic use.
If you do experience digestive upset after taking probiotics, try reducing your dose temporarily. Build back up to the full, recommended dose over a two or three-week period.
Are probiotics safe for kids?
Most experts agree that probiotics are safe for most children. Parents whose children have compromised immune systems or have been diagnosed with a serious illness should seek a doctor’s advice before administering probiotics. Your pediatrician can also help recommend the best probiotics for your child.
While the research is not clear as to whether or not probiotics have substantial health benefits for children, some studies suggest they may help ease constipation and diarrhea. Other studies find little effect — perhaps because most kids naturally have well-established and beneficial gut bacteria.
Conclusion
If you struggle with poor digestion or are looking for a supplement to support your immune and brain health, you may want to consider probiotics. Research is increasingly demonstrating the importance of a balanced gut microbiome for overall health.
Probiotic supplements may help build and support your own gut microbiome. Each of the probiotic supplements recommended above is a top-of-the-line option that we highly recommend. Read a few reviews, browse the product descriptions in more depth, and select the probiotics that best suit your own health goals.
