We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Nutrition Products & Services The 12 Best Probiotic Supplements for Gut Health, According to an RD Probiotic supplements are not all the same—we break down the different types and who they most benefit. By Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD Updated on February 22, 2024 Medically reviewed by Kristie Reed, PharmD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Brian Kopinski By now you may have heard that probiotics may provide health benefits by regulating our gut microbiome and promoting healthy digestion. That's because when you have a dysregulated gut microbiome, you may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and cramping. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help create a well-populated, diverse microbiome that functions as it should, since the fiber in these foods feeds our gut bacteria. But if you're eating a healthy and balanced diet and still experiencing digestive discomfort, taking the right probiotic can help relieve these symptoms by addressing the root cause. While probiotics may not be necessary for everyone, choosing the best probiotic for your specific needs depends on a variety of factors including gastrointestinal issues, the severity of your symptoms, and more (however people with certain underlying conditions should avoid taking probiotics). Our team of registered dietitians carefully reviewed dozens of probiotics from the top brands and manufacturers. We refer to the American Gastroenterological Association's (AGA) guidelines that clarify the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and pay close attention to the strains of probiotics and the number of CFUs (colony-forming units, which indicate the number of alive and active bacteria in a given supplement) in each product, as well as added ingredients, third-party testing, and value. Editor’s Note Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take. Be mindful that many health-promoting products (such as protein bars and powders, greens powders, and supplements) include probiotics in their formulation. Be leery of consuming several products that contain probiotics simultaneously—you don't want to overdo it. How Long Does It Take a Probiotic to Work? How long it takes for a probiotic to work depends on the strain, the potency, and what you are taking them for and your baseline gut health level. We recommend speaking with a medical provider for individual guidance. Probiotics alter the microbiome, so when they are first introduced, some people may experience temporary symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms will dissipate after a few days. If these symptoms don't dissipate after a few days, you should seek help from a medical professional. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Now Probiotic at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Value: Nature's Bounty Probiotic at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Subscription: Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic at Seed.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Inflammation: Ritual Synbiotic+ at Amazon ($56) Jump to Review Best For Women: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics For Women at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Culturelle Daily Probiotic at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best for Gas: Schiff Digestive Advantage at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Vegan: HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best For Athletes: Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete at Amazon ($95) Jump to Review Best for Traveling: Florastor Probiotic at Amazon ($63) Jump to Review In This Article Expand How Long Does It Take a Probiotic to Work? Our Picks Where We Stand Who Shouldn't Take Probiotics Who Can Benefit from Probiotics How We Selected What to Look for Our Experts Who We Are Best Overall Now Probiotic Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On IHerb $26 Pros In house and third-party testing Vegan, Kosher and Halal Non-GMO Cons Contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which may not be suitable for those with IBS Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 100 | Dose: 25 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for those interested in a highly tested product for general immune and intestinal health who do not have IBS. Why We Recommend It Among the trillions of bacteria living in our gut, each species plays a different role that scientists are constantly researching. Now-Probiotic 10 contains a blend of 10 probiotic strains that have been clinically identified as supportive for a healthy immune system; some of these strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum. These probiotics may support intestinal lining integrity as well as the ability of food to move through the gut. We like that NOW prioritizes quality standards and third-party testing for safety, as it is both GMP and UL-certified. They also use DNA fingerprinting technology to verify the identity and potency of the probiotics before production. This is also budget-friendly, as some probiotics can run upwards of $1 per serving, whereas NOW's probiotic is less than a quarter per serving. Things to Consider Keep in mind that this probiotic contains 25 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units), and while 10–20 billion CFUs have been shown to be sufficient, higher CFUs may be beneficial for those who have had major alterations to the gut microbiome. NOW offers 20-billion, 50-billion and 100-billion CFU products, but speaking to a healthcare provider is best for deciding dosage. Best Value Nature's Bounty Probiotic Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $8 View On IHerb $8 Pros Contains the same strain typically used to create yogurt Free of any artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners Easily found in many stores Cons Doesn’t contain a blend of probiotic strains Key Specs Serving Size: 1 tablet | Servings per Container: 120 | Dose: 100 million CFU Who It’s For Best for those wanting a lower-dose, single-strain product—someone who is new to probiotic supplements, for instance. It is also good for those who don't care for yogurt but want to reap some of its potential benefits. Why We Recommend It Nature's Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic keeps things simple with one probiotic strain—Lactobacillus acidophilus. Because it is one of the more researched strains, it is included in many probiotic supplements. While further research is still necessary, some studies show that it may help reduce and prevent diarrhea. It's also shown to help lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol potentially. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that's commonly used in the production process of yogurt. Yogurt is created by fermenting cow's milk with bacteria; you then eat this bacteria, which is why yogurt is considered a good probiotic food. Things to Consider Research shows that at least 1 billion CFUs per serving may be most beneficial, so note that this product is only 100 million CFUs per serving. Best Subscription Seed DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic Seed View On Seed.com Pros Contains both prebiotics and probiotics Allergen friendly Third-party tested Cons More expensive Requires subscription Key Specs Serving Size: 2 capsules | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 53.6 billion AFU Who It’s For Best for those looking for a product that has both prebiotics and probiotics and may help with IBS. It is also good for people who eat fewer fruits or vegetables. Why We Recommend It If you're tired of constantly reordering supplements, a subscription-based probiotic is a good idea. Seed's DS-01 Daily Synbiotic contains 24 different strains of probiotics, which are selected to improve digestion, boost immunity, and support overall health. Being that this is a synbiotic, it contains a combination of prebiotics and probiotics that work together to improve gut health and overall well-being. The prebiotics (plant fibers that feed bacteria in your gut) in Seed's synbiotic are sourced from Indian pomegranate and Scandinavian chaga mushrooms to help support the best environment for the probiotics to thrive. This product also contains digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that may further support gut health. Seed uses "ViaCap," a 2-in-1 technology where the probiotic capsule is encased in a prebiotic capsule to ensure the bacteria survive through the digestive tract and make it to the colon. Things to Consider The FDA has authorized the study of the effects of Seed's DS-01 Synbiotic on patients with IBS. This Phase 2 randomized clinical trial will tell us more about the gut microbiome in patients with IBS and the potential role of Seed's product in improving these patients' quality of life. If you have IBS and are interested in this supplement, be sure to consult a healthcare professional first. The 6 Best Digestive Enzymes of 2024 Best for Inflammation Ritual Synbiotic+ Ritual View On Amazon $56 View On Ritual.com Pros Extremely transparent company USP certified Non-GMO and vegan Option for subscription-based purchase Cons More expensive Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 11 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for those interested in a highly tested blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics targeting inflammation in the gut. It is also good for people who want to be sure the supplement reaches the part of the gut where it is needed most. Why We Recommend It If you're struggling with inflammation, Ritual Synbiotic+ is a product you'll want to consider. Not only does each capsule contain two highly clinically researched probiotics shown to help reduce the inflammatory response of the gut—Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis—but they also contain a prebiotic and postbiotic blend. Prebiotics are essentially non-digestible fibers that serve as food to help probiotics thrive. Conversely, postbiotics are the organisms that are produced when probiotics (the living bacteria) feed on prebiotics (non-digestible components of food) through a fermentation process. Postbiotics can provide energy to the cells in our gut for "good" bacteria to flourish, while other postbiotics can help limit the growth of "bad" bacteria. Ritual's Synbiotic+ capsules are "delayed-release capsules," meaning they won't release their contents until they reach your colon, as opposed to getting released in your stomach. The stomach is an acidic environment that can kill bacteria, so you want these probiotics to stay alive until they reach your gut, where they are needed. We love that the company holds itself to the highest quality standards. You can trust that what is written on the label is what you are getting, and Ritual is transparent about its supply chain, testing, and sourcing, including sharing the source, supplier, and manufacturer of each ingredient. Things to Consider These capsules contain a minty liquid to avoid any unpleasant flavors, but this may not be appropriate for those with an allergy or a general distaste for mint. Best For Women Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics For Women Walmart View On Amazon $33 View On Walmart $33 View On Vitamin Shoppe Pros NSF certified Consumer Lab approved Non-GMO, gluten-, dairy- and soy-free Cons 16 strains may not be ideal for everyone Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 50 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for women who want a probiotic blend for both gut and vaginal health, especially those concerned with reoccurring UTIs and yeast infections. Why We Recommend It Garden of Life's Dr. Formulated, Once Daily Women's Probiotic contains a blend of 16 different strains of probiotics. Specifically, there is some evidence in clinical trials that the L. reuteri and L. fermentum probiotics in this product may defend against yeast infections (otherwise known as the vaginal overgrowth of Candida albicans) and reduce urinary tract infection (UTI) reoccurrence in women. This product also contains some of the other previously discussed strains, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, that support digestive and immune health. On top of the 50 billion CFUs of probiotics, there's also a prebiotic fiber blend made of potato starch to help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Things to Consider While 16 strains may seem impressive, not all probiotic strains are ideal for everyone; consider if having a variety of strains is right for you by discussing this with a healthcare provider. The 6 Best Over-The-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines for Fast Relief Best Drugstore Culturelle Daily Probiotic Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On IHerb $26 View On Target $18 Pros Budget-friendly Contains a prebiotic Useful for antibiotic-associated diarrhea Cons Just one strain of probiotic Some people may be sensitive to inulin Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 10 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for those looking for a probiotic that is conveniently found in many drug stores at a reasonable price. Also good for those just getting started on a probiotic, as the single strain targets gut health, especially after antibiotic use. Why We Recommend It Culturelle Daily Probiotic is our top pick for anyone who wants to buy a probiotic supplement at the drugstore, as it is widely available and budget-friendly. Culturelle keeps things simple by including just one strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been researched in hundreds of studies. Lactobacillus rhamnosus can survive the acidic conditions of your stomach to make it to the large intestine, where it best benefits you. It can help restore the gut after you use antibiotics, prevent diarrhea, and potentially improve symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as it strengthens the gut barrier. This product also contains inulin, a plant fiber that is considered a prebiotic. You can find inulin in foods like artichokes, bananas, oats, and wheat. Inulin helps keep things moving in the gut and can help keep you fuller for longer as it is a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers form a gel-like consistency as they pass through fluids in the digestive tract, giving you that full feeling. Things to Consider While inulin is a great source of soluble fiber, some people are sensitive to it; if you do have some sensitivity, you may experience symptoms such as bloating, abdominal distension, and pain. The 9 Best Vitamin D Supplements, According to a Dietitian Best for Gas Schiff Digestive Advantage Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Walmart $9 View On IHerb $25 Pros Third-party tested Contains an enzyme blend Budget-friendly Cons More research may be needed for all the strains in this supplement Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 96 | Dose: 1 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for those experiencing bloating and excessive gas. Also ideal for those who may have a deficiency in digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion. Why We Recommend It Gas can form in our gut when we don't digest certain carbohydrates such as fibers, sugars, and starches, which reach our gut bacteria in the large intestine, where they are fermented. If you find yourself struggling with this sort of gas, we recommend Schiff's Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotics for Intensive Bowel Support. Although additional research is needed, there is some evidence suggesting that the probiotic in this supplement—Bacillus coagulans—may contribute to improvement in abdominal gas and bloating in adults. It also contains an enzyme blend of protease, amylase, and lipase. These digestive enzymes are naturally produced in the pancreas to help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively. Essentially, if you are breaking down food more thoroughly, there is less of a chance that these foods will cause gas in the gut. Things to Consider Remember that some probiotic strains are more researched than others, and the verdict is still out on the mechanisms and exact benefits of all. While there is some research on the strain in this product, it is not one of the most researched strains. Best Vegan HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct Amazon View On Amazon $26 View On Humnutrition.com Pros Clean Label Project verified Research-backed ingredients Formulated with Registered Dietitians No artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors or preservatives Free of potential contaminants Cons May cause constipation in some Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 25 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for those who want a vegan product that contains a mix of strains, including ones that address gut and skin health. Also ideal for those who may have sensitivities to additives, artificial flavors, colors, and potential contaminants. Why We Recommend It If you follow a vegan diet, we recommend Hum Gut Instinct to ensure your supplement is also vegan. Similar to our top pick, this probiotic contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis—two highly researched strains for overall gut health and immunity—in addition to eight other probiotic strains. To highlight a few others, the Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium breve in this product may improve skin hydration and elasticity as well as promote more bowel movements while decreasing abdominal irritation. With one small, easy-to-swallow, once-a-day capsule taken on an empty stomach, you get a great variety of 25 billion probiotic organisms. The company has its own list of what it considers harmful ingredients, called "The Tricky 12," which it avoids in all of its products; among others, these include artificial colors and flavors, hydrogenated oils, EDTA, and derivatives. Plus, we love that this brand is Clean Label Project verified, meaning it has been third-party tested for harmful contaminants, metals, and residues. Things to Consider The ingredients HUM deems unsafe in their "Tricky 12" do have some research backing their reasoning for exclusion. While the evidence varies, some ingredients have more concrete evidence than others. If you’re sensitive to these ingredients, HUM could be a suitable option for you. The 9 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Skin Health Best For Athletes Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete Amazon View On Amazon $95 View On Klaire.com Pros NSF Certified for Sport Made with non-GMO ingredients Made without common allergens No synthetic colors or flavors Cons More expensive Needs to be refrigerated Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 120 | Dose: 25 billion CFU Who It’s For Best for athletes who want a product that is free of banned substances and verified through extensive third-party testing. It is also ideal for those who have a variety of concerns and would benefit from a 12-blend strain of probiotics for inflammation, immunity, digestion, and even oral health. Why We Recommend It Although the Klaire Labs Ther-biotic Complete Supplement is on the more expensive side, it's ideal for athletes looking for a product that is free of contaminants and upheld to higher standards of manufacturing. This probiotic is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it is third-party tested for contaminants and prohibited substances for athletic competitions. Each of these capsules contains 12 different probiotic strains, totaling 25 billion CFUS. Some stand-out strains include Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus salivarius, for which may be beneficial for inflammation and immunity as well as oral health. These capsules also utilize capsule technology to keep the probiotics safe from being broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes, ensuring they reach the place in the gut where they are needed. Things to Consider Unlike our other picks that don't need to be refrigerated, this product should be kept cold. Best for Traveling Florastor Probiotic Amazon View On Amazon $63 View On Walmart $47 Pros Can prevent traveler’s diarrhea NSF Certified and third-party tested Can help promote immune health Cons One dose is two capsules Key Specs Serving Size: 2 capsules | Servings per Container: 50 | Dose: 500 mg Who It’s For Best for those who are traveling and want a probiotic that can help prevent traveler's diarrhea. It also may help those who have IBS with diarrhea. Why We Recommend It Florastor Probiotic may be your best bet if you're worried about your gut health and plan to travel. This product contains something a bit different than others on our list: Saccharomyces boulardii. This is derived from yeast and functions as a probiotic by neutralizing "bad" bacteria. It's also known as baker's or brewer's yeast. This yeast is commonly used for traveler's diarrhea (TD); while the research has its limitations, the use of Saccharomyces boulardii during traveling has shown reduced outcomes of developing TD. If you aren't using this for travel, it may still be beneficial for overall gut health to help maintain balance in bacterial organisms. Things to Consider Keep in mind that brewer's yeast may interact with some medications, like those for diabetes, and can worsen symptoms of Crohn’s. Therefore, check with a health professional before taking this if you are on any medications. Best for Gut Health Pendulum Akkermansia Probiotic Capsules Amazon View On Amazon $66 View On IHerb View On Pendulumlife.com Pros Delayed release, acid-resistant capsule Plant-based May help strengthen the gut lining Cons Not a good choice if you want a blend of probiotics It may cause digestive upset in some Key Specs Serving Size: 1 capsule | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 100 million AFU Who It’s For Best option if you are looking to strengthen your gut lining or need additional support with balancing insulin and glucose. Why We Recommend It Inflammatory diseases can compromise the integrity of our gut lining, and Pendulum’s Akkermansia is our top probiotic pick to help support its repair. Akkermansia is a probiotic strain that can strengthen intestinal walls and even stimulate GLP-1 production, which helps you maintain a healthy weight by balancing insulin and glucose levels. Akkermansia acts by breaking down mucin—the protein found in the mucus lining of our gut, providing lubrication and immune protection; as Akkermansia eats up the mucin, your body makes more to help repair your gut lining and reduces gut permeability. Some research in mice also showed that Akkermansia increased GLP-1 production, which is a hormone controlling glucose absorption; the mice saw a decrease in weight and improved insulin sensitivity. While more research in humans is needed, Akkermansia is showing promising results, especially in those with inflammatory bowel diseases (UC and Crohn’s). Note that the dosage of this product is measured in AFUs instead of CFUs. AFUs—or Active-Fluorescent Units—measure live and active microbes more precisely using fluorescent markers. Things to Consider This product contains chicory inulin, which is a good fiber source. Fiber acts as a prebiotic, since the colon cannot absorb it and instead feeds our gut bacteria. However, while the chicory inulin can help decrease constipation in some, it can cause bloating, abdominal cramping, gas, and loose stools in others. Best Probiotic with Multivitamin AG1 by Athletic Greens AG1 View On Athleticgreens.com View On Drinkag1.com Pros Strong third-party testing Also serves as a multivitamin Easy to take and travel with Cons Long list of ingredients may interfere with some medications Expensive Key Specs Serving Size: 1 scoop | Servings per Container: 30 | Dose: 7.2 billion CFU Why We Recommend It Athletic Greens (AG1) is a green powder, multivitamin, probiotic, and prebiotic all in one. Unlike most other probiotics or multivitamins, it also has stress adaptogens, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and mushroom powder. If you are already taking some or all of these items as individual supplements, AG1 can be a single replacement. It's easy to use—simply mix one scoop (or travel sachet) with eight ounces of water for each serving per day. The two probiotic strains used in this powder are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Each serving also provides two grams of fiber and a variety of fruit and vegetable powders. AG1 has a strong commitment to testing its ingredients. It is third-party tested for ingredient purity, lack of heavy metals, and pesticides, and is NSF Sport Certified, meaning it's tested for banned substances for athletic competitions. Things to Consider While this can be a convenient way to get in a variety of nutrients, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking it, especially if you are on medications or have any health conditions. The ingredient list is long, and many ingredients have the potential to interfere with medications. Also, note it's designed to take the place of a multivitamin, but it's lower in some minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium compared to other multivitamins. It's also more expensive than other supplements. Where We Stand When it comes to probiotic supplements, there is limited research on some strains and their combinations. There is also individual variance for how your body may respond to a probiotic supplement. Now Probiotic-10 25 billion is our top pick because it provides a blend of highly researched probiotic strains and is conveniently shelf-stable, budget-friendly, and highly tested. If you're going on a trip, we recommend Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement to prevent traveler's diarrhea. Who Shouldn't Take Probiotics Though many companies and influencers encourage everyone to use probiotics, they are, in fact, not beneficial for everyone, and different strains have different effects on different people. Most healthy people who eat a varied diet may not need a probiotic. Probiotics can trigger uncomfortable symptoms for some people, such as gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea as your microbiome adjusts. These side effects should go away after a few days. If these symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. Preliminary research has shown that probiotics may be harmful to people with certain underlying conditions or diagnoses, such as those with critical illness, AIDS, organ transplantation, necrotizing enterocolitis, cancer, and allergies. In such cases, probiotic supplementation may lead to life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart), and sepsis. Current research shows that probiotic supplementation likely does not provide any more significant relief compared to a low-FODMAP diet for those with IBS. Research in the future will help clarify if and what probiotics may be helpful for those with IBS. There have been a few cases where diarrhea resulting from probiotic use may be a sign of more severe complications. Issues like sepsis and fungus in the blood may occur in people who are already severely ill or have compromised immune systems. Who Can Benefit from Taking Probiotics If you don't eat a lot of high-fiber foods or have a limited diet, you may benefit from a probiotic. If you have occasional, slight digestive discomfort, probiotics may help regulate your gut health. A healthcare professional can help you determine if a probiotic, and which one, may be best for you. Based on current research, people with the following gastrointestinal diagnoses can benefit from probiotic supplements: Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Antibiotics can sometimes create an imbalance, or dysbiosis, of microbes within the microbiome and trigger frequent loose stools or diarrhea. To re-balance the microbiome, research has shown that the use of Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast-based probiotic taken within 48 hours of the first dose of antibiotics, can reduce the risk of antibiotic-induced diarrhea. The AGA suggests if someone is not at risk for Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection in the gut that impacts those who are immunocompromised, then it's not always necessary for probiotic supplements, as antibiotic-induced diarrhea is a temporary condition. Pouchitis: Some people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may eventually need a procedure called Ileoanal anastomosis or J-pouch surgery. Once the J-pouch is in place, there is a risk of an infection known as pouchitis. To help prevent pouchitis, the AGA recommends the use of a specific 8-strain probiotic supplement over all others. In an analysis of seven studies, this 8-strain combination was seen to prevent pouchitis in 90% of study participants. Although this is an impressive number, the number of people included in the studies was low, and therefore, this information cannot be applied to everyone with IBD. Because research is still evolving, the AGA notes that a probiotic is not always necessary. How We Selected Probiotic Supplements Third-party testing: Probiotic supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. Strain: Probiotics are classified by their strain, which includes the genus, species, subspecies (in some cases), and a series of letters and numbers similar to a ZIP code to specify them further. Some strains even have nicknames. The most common microbes used in probiotic supplements are species of Lactobacillus (L), Bifidobacterium (B), Saccharomyces (S), Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus. Some recommendations will specify the strain or the strain nickname. Depending on the condition, different strains are most suitable. When selecting probiotic supplements, we made sure to include only strains that are highly researched, keeping in mind that further studies are necessary. Different strains have different effects in the body, so we can't make blanket statements about probiotics being helpful or not. It depends on the strain or strains and the health status of the person taking them. Colony Forming Units: We looked for products that contain between 10 and 20 billion CFUs, as this is the most researched dose. What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement Form: Only live microorganisms offer health benefits. Since probiotic manufacturers are required to list the total amount of microbes on the label, which includes both alive and dead microorganisms, it is impossible to know how many are alive and, therefore, beneficial. Quantity at end of shelf life: As probiotic supplements sit on the shelf or in your cupboard, they can lose potency. Look for probiotic supplements that list their CFU quantity at the end of their shelf life instead of the quantity at the time they were packaged. Quantity is typically listed in Colony Forming Units or CFU, and the amount varies by the type of probiotic and its use. Our Experts Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, a Registered Dietitian and one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors. Beth Rosen, MS, RD, CDN, a non-diet Registered Dietitian specializing in GI nutrition and disordered eating with over 25 years of experience. Suzie Finkel, MS, RDN, CDN, a dietitian specializing in digestive nutrition. The 6 Best Fiber Supplements of 2024, According to a Dietitian Who We Are As a Registered Dietitian, Shushy Rita Setrakian is passionate about converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends, research, and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices. Shushy received her M.S. in Nutrition Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and later established her own nutrition and fitness practice, where she helps clients reach individual goals through education and skill development. Alongside her practice, she is one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors and spent hours combing the research on probiotics. 29 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: what you need to know. Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al. AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. 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Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;34(5):518-528. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000002362 National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics: fact sheet for health professionals. By Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD Shushy has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends, research, and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit