Understanding Probiotics

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that support gut health by maintaining a balanced microbiome, which can aid digestion, reduce bloating, boost immunity, and even influence mood and weight management. They’re available in supplements (capsules, powders, or gummies) and fermented foods like yogurt or kimchi. While not everyone needs a supplement—especially if you eat a fiber-rich diet— they’re helpful for issues like IBS, antibiotic recovery, or general digestive discomfort. Benefits are strain-specific, so choose based on your needs (e.g., Lactobacillus for vaginal health, Bifidobacterium for regularity). Always consult a doctor before starting, as they’re not FDA-regulated and may interact with medications.

1. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics

4.6 out of 5

Once Daily Women’s is specially formulated to support women’s unique needs, delivering 50 billion CFU from 16 diverse probiotic strains for comprehensive digestive and immune support. It also includes a whole-food prebiotic fiber blend to help nourish and strengthen beneficial gut bacteria.

This doctor-formulated daily probiotic features the clinically studied strains L. reuteri and L. fermentum to help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria and support healthy pH levels for vaginal and overall wellness.

2. Physician’s CHOICE Probiotics 

4.5 out of 5

This probiotic is crafted to support overall digestive and gut health, making it a great option for anyone seeking to promote a diverse, healthy microbiome. With 60 billion CFU, it’s suitable for both women and men.

Support Your Gut: Each serving delivers 10 diverse, high-quality probiotic strains plus organic prebiotics, working together to help nourish your gut. Expertly formulated to support relief from occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating!

3. Nature’s Bounty Probiotic 10

4.6 out of 5

This Probiotic 10 supplement supports both digestive and immune health, promoting overall wellness with clinically studied strains designed to help maintain digestive balance and immune function.

MULTI-STRAIN PROBIOTIC: Each capsule delivers a blend of 10 unique probiotic strains to help enhance the diversity of your GI microbiome for optimal digestion and overall well-being.

20 BILLION CFU PER CAPSULE: Every serving provides 20 billion live probiotics to help nourish and support your digestive system.

4. BioSchwartz Daily Probiotic

4.6 out of 5

BioSchwartz’s daily probiotic supplement delivers 40 billion CFU plus astragalus to help enhance gut flora balance for both men and women. Designed to ease bloating and discomfort, this formula requires no refrigeration, offering convenience while maintaining potency.

Empower Your Gut: These probiotics are crafted to support immune function and improve digestive efficiency. Powered by Lactobacillus acidophilus, the blend helps nurture a diverse microbiome, defend against occasional digestive upsets, and support whole-body wellness from the inside out.

5. Wholesome Wellness Organic Raw Probiotics 

4.5 out of 5

This probiotic delivers a shelf-stable 100 billion CFU and 34 diverse strains per serving, with 3 trillion CFU per bottle. Created to meet the need for supplements that truly perform, this formula is backed by our Satisfaction Guarantee. It’s a professional-grade, non-GMO, vegan probiotic made without binders, soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, shellfish, additives, or preservatives.

100% Raw Probiotics, Organic Prebiotics & Digestive Enzymes: This doctor-formulated blend combines genuine prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and probiotics for a complete once-daily digestive support supplement.

6. Phillips’ Colon Health Daily Probiotic Capsules

4.6 out of 5

Taking Phillips’ Colon Health Daily Probiotic helps replenish beneficial bacteria while supporting both digestive and immune health.

4-in-1 Symptom Defense: Formulated to help defend against occasional gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Because the colon—your large intestine—is central to digestive wellness, this probiotic targets the area where most of your gut’s good bacteria live, helping to maintain a healthy, balanced microbiome.

7. Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics 

4.7 out of 5

Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics for Men & Women feature the clinically studied strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, shown to withstand harsh stomach acid so it can reach the intestines where it’s most effective.
PROBIOTIC POWER: Each serving delivers 12 billion CFUs of this highly researched probiotic to support digestive and immune health, along with the prebiotic inulin to help nourish beneficial bacteria.

8. Align Probiotic

4.7 out of 5

Align Pro Formula features the unique probiotic strain Bifidobacterium 35624, developed by gastroenterologists and supported by more than 20 years of scientific research.

HELPS SOOTHE OCCASIONAL BLOATING: With its exclusive Bifidobacterium 35624 strain, Align Pro Formula helps ease occasional bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, promoting everyday digestive comfort.

9. Digestive Advantage Probiotics

4.5 out of 5

2 Billion CFU of Patented BC-30 Probiotics: Engineered to survive stomach acid 100× better than yogurt for maximum effectiveness.

More Effective Than 50 Billion: Despite its lower CFU count, BC-30 probiotics survive the digestive tract better than products offering 50 billion live cultures.

IMMUNITY SUPPORT: With 70% of your immune system in your digestive tract, the good bacteria in Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotics help support immune cells in the gut, promoting overall wellness.

10. Culturelle Kids Probiotic + Fiber

4.7 out of 5

Culturelle Kids Probiotic + Fiber comes in flavorless, dissolvable packets with a gentle, non-irritating formula that works naturally with your child’s body to support healthy digestion and regularity.

PROVEN PROBIOTIC STRAIN: Each packet delivers 2.5 billion CFU of the clinically studied Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, along with 3.5 grams of fiber naturally sourced from wheat, fruits, and vegetables to help nourish growing bodies.

How to Choose the Best Probiotic Supplement

Look for:

• CFUs (Colony-Forming Units): At least 10–50 billion per serving for effectiveness.
• Strains: Clinically studied ones like Lactobacillus rhamnosus (for immunity) or Bifidobacterium animalis (for digestion). Multi-strain formulas often work best.
• Third-Party Testing: Certifications from NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab for purity and potency.
• Form and Storage: Delayed-release capsules survive stomach acid; some need refrigeration.
• Extras: Prebiotics (e.g., inulin) feed the probiotics for better results.
• Reviews and Evidence: High user ratings (4+ stars) and backing from dietitians or studies.

Based on expert reviews from sources like Forbes Health, Healthline, and Fortune, here are top picks. Prices vary (~$20–$50/month); check for subscriptions.