The Best Probiotics Supplements Available – Comparison and Review

Probiotic supplements are a convenient means of adding beneficial bacteria and fungi to a daily diet plan.

These bacteria are found naturally residing within the human microbiome and are considered healthy because, when present in sufficient number, they confer a beneficial effect on their human host.

Common foods like onions, yogurt and soy sauce all contain various strains of probiotic organisms, but foods usually do not contain enough bacteria in a single serving (or even two) to create the healthful effects of probiotic supplements which have been demonstrated in clinical trials.

For convenience and standardized dosing, people often turn to dietary supplements with certain strains of probiotics which are readily available in capsule or pill form.

These can provide many millions, or even billions, of viable living bacteria and fungi and deliver it directly to the intended site within the GI tract.

Most probiotic bacteria live within the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Some species are used specifically to treat disorders or infections caused by overgrowth of harmful bacterial agents.

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* ❯

Best Probiotic Supplements

Supplements can be found in several forms, most commonly though they are taken in capsules, pills, pearls tablets, suppositories or liquids.

Some supplements are added to food products. For example acidophilus is often added to yogurt or milk. But, while yogurt is a healthy food for most people, it isn’t always feasible to eat three or more servings each day.

Instead, many people include probiotic foods as a normal part of their diet but prefer to rely on the standardized doses in supplement form to ensure they are getting the correct dose needed for health benefits. Supplements are available in many forms:

Capsules are usually gel capsules which dissolve while they are in transit through the digestive tract. Capsules are particularly good for probiotic microbes which colonize the early stages of the GI tract.

If the probiotic contained within a capsule needs to reach the large intestine, then most manufacturers apply a special coating to assure survival of the bacteria as it passes through the harsh environment of the stomach and small intestine.

As the capsule dissolves, the bacteria immediately begin to compete with other bacteria in the immediate environment. One example of this is the Probiotic Pearls brand.

As long as enough cells are viable, they should be able to establish dominance over pathogenic and problematic bacterial agents.

Pills are especially useful to deliver probiotics to the colon (large bowel). Pills can be coated with enteric protective layers designed to erode and degrade slowly as the pill moves through the gastrointestinal tract.

Bacteria are sensitive to light, oxygen and moisture, thus the microorganisms within the pill need as much protection as possible until reaching the colon.

Tablets are similar to pills except they may be chewable or dissolvable. The microorganisms contained in tablet form are especially hardy and able to withstand the extreme environments to which they will be exposed without much protection.

Many probiotic supplements for kids are designed in a chewable tablet form to make administration easier.

Liquid probiotic supplements are utilized for infants, young children and those who are unable to swallow pills or capsules. It is important to pay close attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer regarding storage and expiration of liquid probiotics.

Most liquid probiotic supplements need to be kept refrigerated continuously from the point of manufacture onward. If ordered online, they will be shipped in cold-pacs.

Most doctors recommend capsule or pill forms, though as long as the cultures are viable and present in sufficient quantity, and are able to reach their intended destination without being killed, using liquid or chewable tablets should be fine.

How Much Probiotics Should I Take?

The recommended dose for probiotic supplementation varies according to species and the symptoms, if any, being treated.

For example, an otherwise healthy woman treating bacterial vaginosis might take 10 billion CFUs of Bifidophilus (a combination of bifidobacterium and acidophilus), while a woman taking antibiotics who wants to prevent bacterial vaginosis might supplement with 100 million CFUs each day throughout the course of antibiotic treatment.

If treating a specific symptom like flatulence or bloating, or if treating inflammatory processes, ascertain the probiotics in the supplement selected are the right species to treat your symptoms.

Also, that the selected supplement contains enough living, viable cells to create the point of critical mass needed to proffer the health benefit.

Are There Risks Associated with Using Probiotics?

Probiotics are found naturally in many common foods and are considered to be generally safe to use. When compared to most prescription medications which come with a long list of side effects, probiotics are often considered a healthier, affordable option.

Individuals whose immune system has been weakened should talk with their doctor before taking probiotics. Also, those with Short Bowel Syndrome are cautioned to speak with their doctor before starting a probiotic regimen.

Healthy pregnant women and nursing mothers should discuss all supplements with their doctor before including them in a daily regimen.

Infants and children should be given probiotics according to the dose recommended by their doctor. Though no long term effects have been noted in children, there is insufficient research available on this front.

Probiotics supplements usually have no side effects on healthy individuals, though some people have reported gas or abdominal discomfort when first adding these products to their regular health regimen.

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