Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, as the gut plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. However, with the abundance of options available, it can be challenging to determine which supplements are the most effective. We explore some of the best supplements for gut health and provide guidelines on how to choose the right one for your individual needs, helping you make informed decisions for a healthier gut. Start a search today to learn more about supplements for gut health.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Capsules
According to Healthline, research shows that taking a probiotic supplement containing specific strains like Lactobacillus gasseri, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum may aid in weight loss. It does so by reducing gut permeability, decreasing inflammation, and promoting bacterial diversity.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily, is a probiotic supplement that offers 30 billion CFUs comprising 14 probiotic strains. The most notable is Lactobacillus gasseri and L. rhamnosus, which may support weight loss. Healthline also notes that its CFU count is guaranteed through best-use date if stored properly. Also, this supplement is dairy-free, and third-party tested for purity and potency.
Ritual Synbiotic+
Ritual Synbiotic+ is a comprehensive supplement containing prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic bacteria. The manufacturer claims it supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and may alleviate bloating, gas and diarrhea based on human clinical trials. Medical News Today adds that it features Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis in a delayed-release capsule. These capsules come in a moisture-controlled container that does not require refrigeration.
They test this product for identity, strength, and quality by the manufacturer, notes the source. It also has verification by a third-party lab for contaminant-free assurance. Medical News Today adds that Ritual Synbiotic+ is suitable for vegans and free from major allergens like gluten. Ritual recommends taking one capsule daily in the morning or evening, without food, with noticeable effects potentially occurring within two to four weeks.
NOW Probiotic-10 Capsules
NOW’s Probiotic-10 is highly recommended by Mascha Davis, a registered dietitian nutritionist, founder of Nomadista Nutrition in Los Angeles to Forbes Health. Davis praises its scientifically validated blend of 10 strains. She also compliments NOW supplements for their rigorous quality control and testing procedures. She tells Forbes Health that the specific blend of this probiotic provides a balanced spectrum of live organisms that naturally exist in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as stated by the company.
Some major highlights of this supplement are that it’s super affordable and that it’s free of dairy, soy and gluten which means it’s safe for people with a lactose intolerance as well as soy and gluten allergies. However, Forbes does caution about potential melting or damage to the product if exposed to warmer temperatures during certain months.
Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS Capsules
Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS contains eight species from six genera, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus. Healthline calls it one of the most affordable options available. The capsules have an enteric coating, which acts as a protective barrier to minimize degradation in the stomach.
Research suggests that enteric-coated probiotics are more effective than non-enteric-coated ones, with a 2019 study demonstrating a significant increase in the delivery of viable probiotics to the small intestine by 20-40 times through enteric coating. Jarrow Formulas guarantees a 5 billion CFU count per capsule with proper storage until the “best used before” date, notes Healthline. The company’s products are tested by third-party laboratories that hold accreditation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics
Culturelle Pro Strength Daily probiotic costs $0.59 per serving, with a serving size of 1 capsule. The key strain is Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), known for being extensively studied and highly effective, says Taylor Wallace, PhD, principal and CEO of food science and nutrition research firm Think Healthy Group to Forbes Health. The specific formulation addresses occasional digestive issues like diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Forbes highlights that the bottle provides a two-month supply and is gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and suitable for vegetarians. However, Forbes also notes it contains titanium dioxide for coloring purposes and isn’t suitable for children under 12.
Align Extra Strength Probiotic Capsules
Align is a trust-worthy brand among physicians and features Bifidobacterium longum 35624. This is a probiotic strain extensively studied for its impact on digestive health, including alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The product’s label indicates that each capsule contains 5 billion live bacteria at the time of manufacturing and maintains 50 million CFUs until the best by” date, adds Healthline.
Healthline highlights that Align stands out among competitors because it’s convenient. It doesn’t require refrigeration, making it suitable for frequent travelers. However, it’s important to note that Align contains small amounts of lactose. The company claims that Align Probiotic undergoes DNA testing to ensure the presence of Bifidobacterium longum 35624. However, Healthline points out that it remains unclear whether the testing is in-house or by a third-party organization.
How to Choose a Probiotic
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people need to understand their needs and consider a few different factors when choosing a probiotic. First thing to do is identify the targeted issue because different strains of probiotics have different effects. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus may be beneficial for digestive health, while Bifidobacterium infantis may help with irritable bowel syndrome.
The second thing the source recommends is checking the potency and number of colony-forming units (CFUs) in the probiotic. While a good probiotic should contain at least one billion CFUs, the Cleveland Clinic notes it’s more important to select one that matches your needs rather than focusing on the CFU count.
Lastly, opt for probiotics that are “shelf-stable” or have “enteric coating.” This will ensure the bacteria survive the stomach and reach the intestines for their beneficial effects. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your specific circumstances.