Who Makes The Best Probiotic

Why You Should Trust Us

Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthlines brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration regulations
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices established by the FDA
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

• Strains:Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
• Best for: IBS-related symptoms, travel

One capsule of Culturelle Digestive Daily probiotic has 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a probiotic strain that may benefit a number of health conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome , plus 200 mg of the prebiotic inulin, which fuels beneficial gut bacteria .

Culturelle guarantees that the stated number of CFUs on the box is viable through the expiration date of the product, something the NIH recommends customers look out for.

Culturelle products are packaged to maintain viability, and the company is certified through NSF International, an organization that independently tests supplements for quality and potency and inspects manufacturing facilities.

Culturelle products dont require refrigeration.

Best Overall: Garden Of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics For Women

• Contains 16 diverse probiotic strains

• Includes a blend of prebiotic fiber

• May cause gas or bloating for some

Who else recommends it? Prevention and Healthline both picked the Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics For Women.

What do buyers say? 92% of 38,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

Beloved by myself and fellow dietician nutritionists alike, these probiotics for women are one of the best out there. They contain 50 billion Colony Forming Units with 16 diverse, specially-selected probiotic strains. Among them are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteriatwo strains that are resistant to stomach acid and bileto help boost immune, digestive, and vaginal health. There is also a prebiotic fiber blend of organic potato and organic acacia fiber to help boost the results. The capsules are non-GMO, gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, as well as vegetarian.

As an added benefit, they are also shelf-stable, meaning you don’t have to keep them refrigerated between uses. This is an ideal perk for women on the goall you have to do is stash it into your purse, gym bag, or carry-on.

Type: Capsules | Colony Forming Units: 50 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian

Price at time of publish: $28

Best Powder: Garden Of Life 5

• Contains 34 studied probiotic strains for digestive health

• Also made of prebiotics, fiber, and enzymes

• Can be added to your smoothies or shake

• Only five servings per package

Looking for a powerful probiotic solution without adding a new daily supplement to your routine? If so, Garden of Lifes 5 Day Max Restore is a potent, fast solution.

This probiotic blend in powder form is rich in different Bifidobacterium strains which have been studied extensively for their effect on the gastrointestinal tract. One daily serving contains 400 Billion CFU of 34 different probiotic strains, 100 milligrams of digestive enzymes, and a rich prebiotic blend from Jerusalem artichoke and banana powder. This powder alone contains 10 grams of fiber per serving, a bonus for anyone seeking to increase their fiber consumption.

Certified organic, non-GMO, and featuring an NSF certificate, this supplement has been independently tested and evaluated against a rigorous set of quality and material safety requirements.

Type: Powder | Colony Forming Units: 400 billion | Dosage: 2 tbs. daily | Certified: Organic, gluten-free, NSF

Price at time of publish: $32

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Best Gummies: Olly Probiotic Gummy

• Contains both probiotics and prebiotics

• Independently tested and evaluated for quality and safety

• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or color

• Contains lower amount of probiotics than most others

Supplements in a gummy form are normally packed with added sugars and artificial colorings. Artificial coloring and sweeteners are known triggers to gastrointestinal distress. Good news: Olly does not use artificial colorings, flavors, or sweeteners in its products.

Providing one billion Colony Forming Units of Bacillus Coagulans and 1.5 grams of a prebiotic blend in one gummy, this product is an excellent choice for consumers looking for options that are not in pill/capsule form. Olly features NSF certification, a symbol to show that products have been independently tested and evaluated against a rigorous set of quality and material safety requirements. Third-party testing is ideal when purchasing supplements as the supplement industry is not regulated.

Type: Gummies | Colony Forming Units: 1 billion | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, B Corporation, NSF

Price at time of publish: $17

Hum Nutrition Gut Instinct

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

If youre after a premium dietary supplement, HUM Nutrition should definitely land on your radar. This brand is well known for its high quality products validated through extensive clinical research. Whats more, this brand is heavily involved in reducing plastic pollution, making their products more environmentally-friendly. HUM Nutrition supplements do not contain any GMOs or artificial sweeteners or colorants, and are free from wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts. As a result, its probiotics may be perfect for those struggling with food allergies and sensitivities.

HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct contains a great selection of 10 different beneficial bacterial strains, and provides an impressive 25 billion CFU per single serving. Its formula is also acid-resistant. Capsules are relatively small and easy to swallow, and they leave no aftertaste. After only a week of supplementation, our tester experienced a significant improvement in their IBS symptoms they reported feeling less bloated, and their stomach cramps were not as intense. Many online user reviews reported similar positive experiences. Given the versatility and strength of this probiotic supplement, it can be considered a great gut health all-rounder.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

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Adjustment Periods And Side Effects

How soon you see changes depends on why you are taking the probiotic. If you are taking a probiotic just to maintain your current health, you may not feel any changes, but that doesnt mean it isnt doing anything.

Because probiotics are considered a dietary supplement, their side effects are usually minimal. You may feel slight stomach discomfort unless you are immunocompromised or very sick. Probiotics are low risk, high yield, and for some people, it could help quite a bit, says Greenwood.

Probiotics For Males And Females

The effects of probiotics may be different in males and females.

In a 2014 study, researchers gave males and females with obesityLactobacillus rhamnosus. The results suggested that females lost weight and fat during the trial, and that they maintained the loss after study completion. The males in the study, however, did not.

A different study in people with Salmonella infection suggested that the effects of taking Lactobacillus plantarum varied according to sex. Although the study authors saw little evidence that this probiotic can treat Salmonella, they noted how males and females experienced the symptoms and clearance of the infection differently.

Scientists need to conduct more studies to establish whether or not probiotic therapy should be different depending on a persons sex.

shows that people with obesity have lower bacterial diversity.

A small 2019 study found that people following a low calorie diet for 15 weeks had changes in their gut bacteria. They also had a reduction in bacteria associated with atherosclerosis, which occurs when the arteries become clogged with plaque.

The links between weight and gut bacteria could indicate that probiotics may be able to support weight loss.

Some suggest that supplementation with synbiotics, using strains such as Lactobacillus gasseri, cause weight reduction in large independent studies. Adding certain fibers may increase these effects.

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When Is The Best Time To Take Probiotics

The best time to take your probiotic depends on the strain. One study concluded that the Saccharomyces boulardii strain could be taken with or without a meal, but the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains survived best 30 minutes before a meal.

Most probiotics on this list contain both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, so it is advised to take them 30 minutes before a meal. However, research is limited. Consult your probiotics’ manufacturer recommendations.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Replenish The Good Dental Probiotic

Features :

• ORAL PROBIOTIC TO IMPROVE UPPER RESPIRATORY & ORAL HEALTH: Do you often get strep throat or other upper respiratory infections and deal with bad breath that gum and mouthwash cant resolve? Do you struggle with tooth decay or gingivitis despite using toothpaste targeting these problems? Your oral bacteria is likely out of balance
• ORAL HEALTH AND BAD BREATH TREATMENT: Our Dental formula helps destroy bad breath bacteria so the good kind can create a healthy mouth environment, providing halitosis treatment. Bad breath pills only cover the symptoms, not cure them. Studies have indicated that the use of probiotic products in the mouth leads to a suppression of foul-smelling gasses along with a reduction of bacteria that produces odor, and regular use helps resolve the health issues causing bad breath.
• PROTECT YOUR GUMS AND TEETH: Studies show certain bacteria strains help protect your teeth and gums. Our Dental probiotic includes BLIS M-18, which helps reduce halitosis because it eradicates the odor-causing S. mutans bacteria.
• CLINICALLY RESEARCHED STRAINS: Our vegan probiotic formula has an optimal balance of each of the following strains for daily supplementation Lactobacillus paracasei , Lactobacillus reuteri , and clinically researched BLIS K-12 , BLIS M-18 strains.
• SUPERIOR SHELF LIFE: Probiotics are only beneficial if they survive. Our Dental formula has LiveBac Patented Processing, which extends shelf life to 18 months w/o refrigeration.

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Make Sure They’re Safe For You

For most people in good health, experts say probiotics won’t cause any issues. If you do get side effects, they’re usually very mild, like a little more gas than usual.

But use caution if you have a serious health condition or your immune system — your body’s defense against germs — is weak. In those cases, it’s best to check with your doctor first to see if they’re safe.

Also talk to your doctor before giving probiotics to your infant, especially if they’re sick.

Can You Take Probiotic Supplements On An Empty Stomach

Research and recommendations vary on this question. Try taking your supplement both on an empty stomach and with food to determine which works best for you. If your stomach is upset with your probiotic supplement, consider whats in it and if you need another product with no allergens. Many supplements are dairy- and gluten-free.

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Tips For Making Your Mango Smoothie Creamier

Several ingredients can be added to make a mango smoothie creamier and more indulgent.

Bananas are a great ingredient to boost the creaminess of a mango smoothie. Bananas are naturally sweet and contain a high level of starch, which breaks down in the blender to give a cold, velvety texture. Greek Yogurt is another good option for achieving a creamy consistency. The milk proteins and lipids in the yogurt add richness to the smoothie, and if you opt for a full-fat version, youll also be adding health-beneficial probiotics.

Avocado is also a good choice for making a mango smoothie creamier. It adds a surprisingly rich and creamy texture and a good dose of healthy fats. If you like a thicker texture, adding rolled oats is a great way to achieve it. The oats break down in the blender, adding a pleasant texture and slightly nutty flavor.

Add an ingredient like nut butter or coconut cream to your frozen mango smoothie for an indulgent twist. Both of these ingredients will add a creamy texture, as well as a boost of flavor and healthy fats. Additionally, they can be an excellent way to help the smoothie stay thick and creamy for longer.

Adding some ice cream is a great way to achieve it if youre looking for an even thicker texture. Vanilla is a classic choice. However, you can use any flavor that pairs well with the mango. If youre looking for a healthier alternative, try a frozen banana or coconut yogurt.

What Types Of Bacteria Are In Probiotics

Probiotics may contain a variety of microorganisms. The most common are bacteria that belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other bacteria may also be used as probiotics, and so may yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii.

Different types of probiotics may have different effects. For example, if a specific kind of Lactobacillus helps prevent an illness, that doesnât necessarily mean that another kind of Lactobacillus or any of the Bifidobacterium probiotics would do the same thing.

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Here Are Three Prebiotic

Beans

Beans support a healthy gut microbiota specifically through their prebiotic fiber, which nourishes some of the microbes that produce short-chain fatty acids, says Duker Freuman. These short-chain fatty acids reduce the pH of the colon, which plays a role in colon cancer prevention, and they inhibit disease-causing species of bacteria, adds Duker Freuman. Plus, recent research suggests that some varieties of beans may also improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which keeps bacteria from getting too close to the inner layers of the gut wall and provoking immune cells. Not to mention that beans are affordable and versatile.

Artichokes

Artichokes are also rich in prebiotic fiber, which selectively feed health-promoting members of our microbiota, including species in the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria genera, says Duker Freuman. She adds that these microbes provoke the intestinal cells to secrete mucus, which improves the mucosal barrier function. They also produce short chain fatty acids, which promote an anti-inflammatory environment throughout the gut.

Bananas

Its time to stop avoiding this starchy fruit, which is advantageous for gut health. Not only are bananas full of potassium, a nutrient that lowers blood pressure, but they are also known for treating constipation. Bananas contain prebiotic fiber and resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that is absorbed slowly in the large intestines and results in fermentation.

Why To Try Some Probiotics

It is essential to discuss the addition of probiotics to your diet with your doctor or another healthcare professional if you are considering doing so. A number of your physicians may recommend giving them a shot to see whether or not they are beneficial to your overall health.

It is essential to remember that not all probiotics function in the same manner and provide the same results. Each one offers perks that are exclusive to itself. In most cases, they do not pose a danger. One simple step to start is to include foods that are high in probiotics in your diet, such as yogurt.

Make sure to consult your doctor or another healthcare practitioner before using any supplements. Your healthcare practitioner may be able to steer you in the right direction and help you figure out the ideal probiotic for you to take, as well as how much you should take and the best probiotic for women when you should take it. Regarding your health, having a conversation is always worth the time you invest in it.

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Best For Vaginal Health: Jarrow Formulas Jarro

Courtesy of Jarrow

• Contains four clinically-studied probiotic strains

• Lowers vaginal pH to control undesirable bacteria

• Food-grade, pH-sensitive coating survives stomach acid

• May oxidize quickly

Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus for women is one of Consumer Labs’ top picks of probiotics for women. Featuring five billion CFU of four clinically studied probiotic strains to support vaginal health, this product is an excellent choice for women looking for additional support to prevent and fight against vaginal inflammation.

According to Jarrow Formulas website, the patented strains used in this product lower the vaginal pH, creating a mildly acidic environment that is not optimal for the growth of undesirable bacteria. Coated with EnteroGuard®, a proprietary food-grade, pH-sensitive enteric coating, these capsules resist stomach acid, optimizing the delivery of bacteria to the lower GI tract.

Type: Capsules | Colony Forming Units: 5 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Vegan, allergen-friendly, vegan, vegetarian

Price at time of publish: $21

Prime Health Daily Probiotic Balance

Strains Present: L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, B. lactis, L. paracasei

CFU Count: 5.75 billion

Price: Starts from $34

Prime Health Daily is one of the largest wellness brands in the U.S. committed to developing high-quality products that can improve various facets of the user’s health.

The Probiotic Balance by Prime Health Daily is an advanced gut support formula that helps improve the digestive system as well as the G.I. lining.

The improvement in the health of the G.I. lining can help prevent symptoms and issues related to a leaky gut.

The makers claim this probiotic supplement to be a D111 Probiotic Breakthrough which aims to crowd out the bad bacteria, allowing the good kind of bacteria to repopulate again.

Probiotic Balance makes all of this possible due to the 5.75 billion CFUs of beneficial microbes. The star probiotic strain of the supplement is Lactobacillus acidophilus. Other probiotic strains that support a healthy digestive system through the product include lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus casei, etc.

Probiotic Balance is free from antibiotics thus you can steer clear of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is also sugar-free and non-GMO.

Note: The supplement is produced in facilities that also process milk and allergens such as eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, etc. Thus, make sure to consult your doctor before starting supplementation of Probiotic Balance.

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