Best Probiotic Supplements 2023: Top 5 Probiotic Pills Reviews
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Multi-GI 5
- It has a general gut health benefit.
- It is available for sale on online retailers.
- Both prebiotics and probiotics are present.

Gundry MD PrebioThrive
- Improves digestion, immunity, and energy
- It contains five advanced prebiotic ingredients
- 90-day money-back guarantee

1MD Complete Probiotics
- Made with clinically studied ingredients
- Free from gluten and preservatives
- All orders ship free in the U.S.
The human body is host to many microorganisms, both good and bad – it’s called the human microbiome[1]. The microbiome is made up of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that have the potential to impact numerous aspects of health and wellness. In addition to supporting a strong immune system and healthy metabolic function, the microbiome plays a role in supporting regular digestion.
Maintaining the proper balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract is essential for healthy digestion. Probiotics are live bacteria[2] and yeasts that naturally reside in the body and support this balance. The term probiotic is also used to describe a dietary supplement that contains probiotic bacteria.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of probiotic supplements and talk about their benefits. You’ll also see our top picks for the five best probiotic supplements on the market.
Best Probiotic Supplements On The Market In (November. 2023)
- Multi-GI 5 – Best Flavor
- Gundry MD PrebioThrive – Editor’s Choice
- 1MD Complete Probiotics – Most Potent
- EU Natural Flourish Probiotics Gut & Digestive Health – Most Natural
- Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Women – Best for Women
- BioTrust Pro-X10™ – Best Value
How To Choose the Best Probiotic Supplements?
- Probiotic Strains
- Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
- Digestive Enzymes
- Quality And Safety
The market is flooded with probiotics, but one probiotic supplement isn’t guaranteed to be as good as another. When shopping for a probiotic supplement, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for and to know how to differentiate between an effective product and an ineffective one.
Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for a probiotic supplement:
Probiotic Strains
The benefits of a probiotic supplement are tied to the probiotic strains used. The best probiotic supplement will include numerous probiotic strains and high numbers of colony-forming units (CFUs). Experts generally recommend[3] choosing probiotic dietary supplements that contain the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Saccharomyces. These are the probiotic strains supported by the most scientific research.
Some of the top probiotic strains include the following:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus)
- Lactobacillus casei (L. casei)
- Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum)
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus)
- Bifidobacterium animalis (B. animalis)
- Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum)
- Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium)
- Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici)
- Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans)
- Bacillus indicus (B. indicus)
- Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis)
When shopping for probiotic dietary supplements, think about the issue you’re trying to resolve and choose your probiotic organisms accordingly. You might choose a different supplement for digestive health benefits than for immune health benefits.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii, for example, are effective[4] in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome seem to respond[4] best to Bifidobacterium strains, especially in combination with Lactobacillus strains.
Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
The second most important thing to look for in a probiotic supplement is the number of colony-forming units or CFUs. This simply refers to the number of beneficial bacteria in the product. Experts recommend at least 1 billion CFUs per gram to provide health benefits. Generally speaking, the higher the CFUs, the better.
Digestive Enzymes
Many probiotic supplements provide an extra gut health boost by including digestive enzymes in the formula. Both probiotics and digestive enzymes have the potential to support gut health but in different ways. Whereas gut bacteria help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your body, digestive enzymes help[5] you break down food more efficiently. Both of these, in combination, can help relieve digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
Quality And Safety
When it comes to quality, be sure to look for a probiotic that contains live bacteria. If you’re going to be taking probiotics, you want to make sure they’re going to work. Just keep in mind that these products may require refrigeration to keep them fresh. Always check the label for proper storage instructions.
Another thing to check when shopping for any dietary supplements is third-party testing. Many companies hire scientists to formulate their products, but it’s a good idea to choose a company that has its products tested by a third-party lab to verify their quality and safety.
5 Best Probiotic Supplements For A Healthy Gut In 2023
Multi-GI 5
Multi-GI 5 is a digestion-boosting supplement that makes use of 12 gut-health boosters. By taking one scoop of powder daily, you can purportedly support weight control, healthy digestion, a balanced gut flora, and energy.
- It has a general gut health benefit.
- It is available for sale on online retailers.
- Both prebiotics and probiotics are present.
- Shipment takes 15-20 days
- Some reviews claim side effects that include diarrhea
Multi-GI 5 is a gut health supplement manufactured by Unify Health Labs, which you bought online for $ 70 per bottle. The former American Idol Judge Randy Jackson launched Unify Health Labs to share his holistic health technique with the world. Today the Los Angeles-based company makes some top-notch nutritional supplements that focus on numerous health goals.
Unify Health Lab aims for gut health in three ways using three formulas. It combines probiotics, prebiotics, and a complementary blend for digestive health. A total blend of different ingredients, giving you “all-around health support consistent with Unify Health Labs.
With that said, many of the ingredients found in the GI blend resonate with others, in particular, the 433mg GI blend combines L-Glutamine, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice DGL Root Extract, ProDURA, and Zinc-Carnosine Complex.
Like any other supplement, Multi-GI 5 is quite expensive although a few are inclined to pay a higher price for a high-quality level.
Gundry MD PrebioThrive
From one of the most trusted names in dietary supplements, Gundry MD PrebioThrive improves digestion, boosts energy, and assists in supporting healthy gut flora.
- Improves digestion, immunity, and energy
- It contains 5 advanced prebiotic ingredients
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Fairly pricey
- It doesn’t contain probiotic bacterial strains
Gundry MD was founded by Dr. Steven Gundry, a Yale graduate specializing in biology and evolutionary science. After spending 30 years as a world-leading cardiac surgeon, Dr. Gundry set out on a mission to study and understand the human microbiome. His research led him to create Gundry MD along with a collection of supplements designed to dramatically improve human health, happiness, and longevity.
PrebioThrive is a digestive supplement that combines five advanced prebiotic ingredients to promote a healthy digestive system. This supplement supports gut health, immunity, and energy by providing the nutrients beneficial bacteria need to thrive. It is powered by the prebiotic benefits of acacia gum, agave inulin, flaxseed, galactooligosaccharides, and guar gum. It is soy-free, sugar-free, lectin-free, and comes in powder form, designed to be mixed with liquid.
1MD Complete Probiotics
If you’re going to invest in your digestive health, you want a product that works. 1MD Complete Probiotics is a potent formula made with clinically proven ingredients.
- Made with clinically studied ingredients
- Free from gluten and preservatives
- All orders ship free in the U.S.
- Fairly pricey
- Limited options for payment
1MD Nutrition is dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier lives by integrating advanced science and nature into all of its products. This company uses the latest research and technology to create innovative health supplements that support whole-body health. They are committed to transparency and use only clinically researched ingredients.
This probiotic supplement from 1MD Nutrition is a complete probiotic that supports the digestive tract’s natural microbial balance. It supports the gut and immune health through 11 potent probiotic strains, providing a guaranteed 51 billion colony-forming units in each serving. It comes in delayed-release capsules that are easy to administer and ensure that the live bacteria reach the intestines to do the most good. This supplement also contains Nutraflora Prebiotic to nourish the probiotics and ensure the optimal efficacy of the product.
EU Natural Flourish Probiotics Gut & Digestive Health
It’s important to be mindful of what you put in your body, and that goes for dietary supplements. EU Naturals uses all-natural ingredients with no fillers or contaminants.
- It contains 18 probiotic strains
- Guaranteed 14 billion CFUs per serving
- Contained in an acid-resistant capsule
- Somewhat pricey
EU Naturals offers a collection of feel-good formulas designed by medical and herbal professionals. They use super-clean ingredients, and their products are lab-verified for 100% potency. Everything is blended in the USA and free from fillers and contaminants. This company has a reputation for promoting science-backed, life-approved wellness, and everything comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Flourish Probiotics for Women are uniquely designed to support women’s health. They contain 18 probiotic strains – a total of 14 billion CFUs – in a stomach acid-resistant capsule to ensure optimal efficacy. This probiotic supplement not only promotes digestive health but urinary health as well, helping ensure proper pH balance to combat UTIs. In addition, to live bacteria, this formula contains prebiotics to nourish the probiotics as well as other all-natural ingredients for additional health benefits.
Garden Of Life RAW Probiotics For Women
Women have unique needs, and they deserve a probiotic supplement formulated with them in mind. Garden of Life RAW Probiotics for women deliver women-focused benefits for vaginal health, digestive health, and overall health
- Uncooked, untreated, and unadulterated
- Formulated for women’s health and digestion
- It contains 32 probiotic strains and 85 billion CFUs
- May cause gas and bloating at first
Garden of Life has a mission to empower extraordinary health. This company uses clean, traceable, clinically studied ingredients and sustainable practices to empower its customers to achieve extraordinary health. Garden of Life believes in whole-food ingredients and third-party certifications, so you can trust them to have your best interests in mind. Their products are free from fillers, binders, and synthetic ingredients of any kind.
Formulated specifically for women’s health, Garden of Life RAW Probiotics for Women promotes vaginal, digestive, and immune health. This supplement contains a whopping 32 probiotic strains with a guaranteed 85 billion CFUs. It contains whole-food vitamins and minerals as well as dairy-digesting enzymes, so it is a comprehensive gut health product. Because it is a raw product, it is entirely uncooked, untreated, and unadulterated with no fillers or binders.
BioTrust Pro-X10 Advanced Probiotic
High-quality dietary supplements can be pricey, but BioTrust offers excellent value with their Pro-X10 Advanced Probiotic. Subscribe and save to receive 20% off every order.
- Promotes a healthy balance of gut flora
- Save 20% on a subscription
- The synbiotic formula contains probiotics and prebiotics.
- Fewer CFUs than other options
- The serving size is two capsules rather than 1
BioTrust is a trusted brand that strives to be “naturally honest.” This company never cuts corners, whether it’s sourcing ingredients, manufacturing, or testing its products. They employ a dedicated team of research and development specialists who scour the internet for the most innovative ingredients. They use only the best clinically supported ingredients, all free from antibiotics, artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. They conduct their own microbiological testing and manufacture their products in GMP-Certified facilities for safety.
Pro-X10 Advanced Probiotics is a digestive supplement designed to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. It contains 10 billion CFUs of tested bacterial strains, including Bacillus subtilis, a heat- and acid-resistant soil-based probiotic. This supplement utilizes acid-resistant microencapsulation technology to improve the viability and ensure the live delivery of the probiotics. Plus, the synbiotic formula contains prebiotics to nourish live bacteria. Best of all, you can save 20% off every order when you sign up for a recurring subscription.
Benefits Of Probiotics
The term probiotic[6] refers to good bacteria and/or yeasts that can be found naturally in the body. Though bacteria is often considered a bad thing, probiotic bacteria are necessary to support healthy immune function, gastrointestinal health, and other overall health and wellness aspects. Probiotic supplements containing live probiotics can help support a healthy microbiome, keeping good and bad bacteria in balance.
Intestinal Health And Digestion
The primary benefit of probiotics as they relate to digestive health has to do with the gut microbiome. Promoting a healthy balance of good bacteria in the digestive system may help resolve issues with diarrhea, especially when it is a side effect of antibiotic use[7].
Probiotics have also shown potential in reducing the symptoms of certain digestive disorders. Individuals with mild ulcerative colitis[8] have shown improvement using certain probiotic strains including Bifidobacterium strains and Lactobacillus strains. Probiotics don’t seem particularly effective for Crohn’s disease[9] but may help with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS[10]).
Immune Health
While probiotics are best known for their ability to improve gut health, they may also boost immune function. By promoting optimal balance in the body’s microbiome, probiotics may help protect against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. There is limited evidence to show that probiotics are truly effective against common illnesses like cold and flu, but there are studies to show the benefits of probiotics for respiratory health.
A review[11] published in the journal Nutrients in October 2020 took an in-depth review of published research regarding probiotics and the immune system with a focus on respiratory health. It concluded that probiotic use was associated with lower risk and shorter duration of mild respiratory tract infections.
Mental Health
The connection between gut health and mental health may seem tenuous, but an increasing number of research studies[12] are supporting the link. Numerous studies[13] have shown that probiotic supplements can help improve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and even autism.
A 2016 randomized controlled trial[14] published in Nutritional Neuroscience showed improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and general health in chemical workers consuming 100 grams of probiotics per day. In an 8-week study[15], probiotic supplements were associated with decreased depression levels and reduced levels of inflammatory markers.
Women’s Health
In addition to supporting a healthy balance of gut flora, probiotics also support healthy vaginal flora. Though scientific evidence supporting the use of probiotics for vaginal health is limited, there is potential[16] in cases where an imbalance in the vaginal flora causes gynecological conditions. These include bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
While evidence supporting the use of probiotics for women’s health is somewhat lacking, some women find that they help with symptoms of common vaginal health and urinary tract issues.
Dosage
Dosage varies from one supplement to another, largely depending on the number of colony-forming units in the product. For children, recommended dosage[17] ranges from 5 to 10 billion colony-forming units per day. For adults, recommendations range from 10 to 20 billion CFUs.
Before taking a probiotic, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Qualified healthcare professionals can help you determine which bacterial strains will deliver the beneficial effects you want. They may also be able to help you decide on the right number of CFUs and the proper probiotic dosage. Just know that you may experience bloating, gas, and changes in your stool patterns when you first start taking probiotics. These side effects[18] should go away with regular use.
Final Thought
Digestive issues like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are incredibly common. If you’re looking for a way to restore digestive balance and relieve these symptoms, probiotics might help. These supplements contain live bacteria that help sway the gut microbiome in a healthy direction to resolve the symptoms of bacterial imbalance.
Probiotic supplements are a dime a dozen, but they aren’t all created equal. Take to heart our recommendations for choosing a reputable brand and a quality product and consider one of our five top picks reviewed above. With regular use, a daily probiotic can improve your digestion and your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probiotics are strains of beneficial bacteria that deliver health benefits. They support the optimal balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut microbiome.
Probiotics can be found in fermented foods as well as yogurt and dietary supplements. A healthy diet contains natural sources of probiotics, but many people still benefit from taking supplements.
The best probiotic supplement contains numerous bacterial strains in high enough concentrations (colony-forming units) to deliver health benefits. Choose a bacterial strain based on the condition you’re trying to treat.
Some people experience gas, bloating, or irregular bowel movements when they first start taking probiotic supplements, but these adverse effects[18] should go away with regular use. There is also a low risk for allergic reactions.
+ 12 sources
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- Shreiner, A.B., Kao, J.Y. and Young, V.B. (2015). The gut microbiome in health and in disease. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, [online] 31(1), pp.69–75. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290017/
- Azad, Md.A.K., Sarker, M., Li, T. and Yin, J. (2018). Probiotic Species in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota: An Overview. BioMed Research International, [online] 2018, pp.1–8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964481/
- Dethlefsen, L., Huse, S., Sogin, M.L. and Relman, D.A. (2008). The Pervasive Effects of an Antibiotic on the Human Gut Microbiota, as Revealed by Deep 16S rRNA Sequencing. PLoS Biology, [online] 6(11), p.e280. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19018661/
- Saez-Lara, M.J., Gomez-Llorente, C., Plaza-Diaz, J. and Gil, A. (2015). The Role of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Other Related Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Human Clinical Trials. BioMed Research International, [online] 2015, pp.1–15. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25793197/
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rahimi, F., Elahi, B., Derakhshani, S., Vafaie, M. and Abdollahi, M. (2008). A Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of Probiotics for Maintenance of Remission and Prevention of Clinical and Endoscopic Relapse in Crohn’s Disease. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, [online] 53(9), pp.2524–2531. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18270836/
- Moayyedi, P., Ford, A.C., Talley, N.J., Cremonini, F., Foxx-Orenstein, A.E., Brandt, L.J. and Quigley, E.M.M. (2008). The efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review. Gut, [online] 59(3), pp.325–332. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19091823/
- Lehtoranta, L., Latvala, S. and Lehtinen, M.J. (2020). Role of Probiotics in Stimulating the Immune System in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, [online] 12(10), p.3163. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/3163/htm
- Steenbergen, L., Sellaro, R., van Hemert, S., Bosch, J.A. and Colzato, L.S. (2015). A randomized controlled trial to test the effect of multispecies probiotics on cognitive reactivity to sad mood. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, [online] 48, pp.258–264. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25862297/
- Wang, H., Lee, I.-S., Braun, C. and Enck, P. (2016). Effect of Probiotics on Central Nervous System Functions in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, [online] 22(4), pp.589–605. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27413138/
- Mohammadi, A.A., Jazayeri, S., Khosravi-Darani, K., Solati, Z., Mohammadpour, N., Asemi, Z., Adab, Z., Djalali, M., Tehrani-Doost, M., Hosseini, M. and Eghtesadi, S. (2015). The effects of probiotics on mental health and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in petrochemical workers. Nutritional Neuroscience, [online] 19(9), pp.387–395. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25879690/
- Akkasheh, G., Kashani-Poor, Z., Tajabadi-Ebrahimi, M., Jafari, P., Akbari, H., Taghizadeh, M., Memarzadeh, M.R., Asemi, Z. and Esmaillzadeh, A. (2016). Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic administration in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition, [online] 32(3), pp.315–320. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26706022/
- Ciorba, M.A. (2012). A Gastroenterologist’s Guide to Probiotics. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, [online] 10(9), pp.960–968. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3424311/