The Top Probiotics Capsules on the Market in 2015

For the sake of convenience and efficacy, many health conscious individuals rely on probiotics capsules to take every day.

Capsules, like powders, do not need to be refrigerated because they usually contain organisms which have been freeze-dried, causing the beneficial bacteria and yeast contained within the capsule to become inanimate, or dormant.

Once the gelatin (or veggie) capsule has dissolved and the probiotics have been released within the digestive tract and encountered moisture, they reanimate and become active.

Among the various forms of probiotic supplements and multi-vitamins, capsules remain the number one choice.

Most have a shelf-life of two-years or longer and many contain multiple species and strains of probiotic bacteria, allowing for a unique blend of treatment protocol within a single daily dose.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Guide to Probiotics Capsules

Some manufacturers use patented forms of encapsulation designed to protect the fragile bacteria until they are able to reach their intended destination in the small intestine or colon. In some cases, this protective measure may not be necessary.

For example, bacteria intended to reanimate in the early stages of the digestive process may only need a gelatin capsule which enables them to survive only until they reach the stomach or small intestine.

On the other hand, coatings which are multi-layered or especially resistant to stomach acids are often required for probiotic bacteria intended to reach the colon, or large intestine, intact.

Large probiotics manufacturers like Probiotic Pearls have special patented coatings which provide a stronger barrier designed to erode slowly through the especially harsh and acidic environment of the stomach. Whether this specialty barrier is really necessary or effective continues to be disputed by other manufacturers.

What is important is that the often delicate and inanimate microorganisms are able to reach their target completely intact so they can quickly colonize and compete with pathogenic organisms residing there.

What to Look for When Shopping for Supplements

Most probiotics capsules contain freeze-dried bacteria and yeast which has been a common and effective method of preservation in the pharmaceutical industry for many years.

Freeze-drying of these simple organisms requires low temperatures and pressure combined together in a way so that all the water is removed from them without damaging the fragile structure of the organism itself. This causes the bacteria to enter a state of suspended animation which is ideal for long-term storage and shelf-life.

When moisture is added back to the bacteria it causes them to re-hydrate, allowing a good number of them to go on to replicate and fulfill their functions as they did previously.

Freeze-drying also allows for multiple strains to be easily combined together in specialty formulas which are designed to work with symptoms related to specific maladies.

For example, antibiotic-related diarrhea is often treated with probiotics capsules containing a formula with at least one Lactobacillus species and one or more strains of Bifidobacterium.

Advantages of Capsules

For individuals seeking relief from specific symptoms may require multiple strains of bacteria daily making probiotics capsules an obvious choice for the sake of convenience.

Capsules can be brought on trips without the need for refrigeration and they are easily dissolved in the GI tract, allowing for maximum use of the living cultures.

People who need a special blend of bacteria, yeast and prebiotics, find that capsules offer a method of administration which is simple and more cost-effective than taking several different supplements all at once.

For some long-term users of probiotics, making their own customized formulas has become a way of life. Probiotics powders can be purchased in bulk from reputable vendors, along with gel capsules and a small scale capable of weighing micrograms.

What at first may seem like an intimidating option quickly becomes old hat and routine.

Side Effects and Dangers

Individuals with compromised immune function should not take probiotics capsules unless under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Although it is considered generally safe for pregnant and nursing women to take probiotics, talk to your obstetrician before adding any supplement to your regimen.

Most people can take probiotics capsules without experiencing any side effects. Those who do experience side effects usually report minor symptoms such as gas, bloating or abdominal discomfort.

In these cases, lowering the dose for 1-2 weeks to allow the digestive system time to adjust usually causes these effects to subside.

Review

The best probiotic capsules can be found in most supermarkets, at health food shops and online through nutritional and specialty probiotic stores.

Pills rarely need to be refrigerated and are the most popular method of ongoing supplementation. This is because they are convenient, easy to use, are easily portable and allow for blending of multiple strains.

Pre-formulated products will usually combine species of symbiotic bacteria known to decrease symptoms of common digestive disorders like diarrhea, constipation, bloating and flatulence.

Individuals with chronic digestive disorders like IBS, IBD and Crohn’s also find probiotic pills effective, convenient and easy to use.

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