Best Probiotic Supplement Consumer Reports 2020 (Buying Guide)
Bacteria is usually viewed in a negative light as something that makes you sick. But the fact is that our body contains two kinds of bacteria constantly in and on our body – good and bad bacteria. Human body contains more good bacteria as compared to bad bacteria. Our bodies are home to over a 100 Trillion good bacteria. 
The type of good bacteria I am going to talk about, lives primarily within your gut and you might have heard the term Probiotic. They are microorganisms or good live bacteria that are beneficial to our health, especially our digestive system. 
Probiotics are live organisms, basically bacteria and sometimes yeast that gives some sort of positive health benefit taking and naturally live in your body. When you get an infection, there’s more bad bacteria, knocking your system out of balance. Good bacteria helps eliminate extra bad bacteria, returning the balance. They may also produce enzymes or proteins that inhibit, or even kill harmful bacteria. As we get older, the variety of good bacteria in our bodies are declining. To replenish these good bacteria, taking probiotic supplements is beneficial. Probiotic supplements are commercial products that contain healthy bacteria normally found in the gut. These supplements are a way to add good bacteria to your bacteria community. Sometimes, illness or stress can change the bacterial balance and create digestive and other problems. Thus, probiotics helps to manage the balance. Normally people question, "Is it safe to take probiotics on a daily basis ?". The answer is Yes, it’s totally safe to take probiotics on a daily basis and it is recommended too. I take them twice a day to keep my body fit and fine. What is the best time to take a probiotic? You must be quite confused regarding this question too. The best time to take a probiotic is on an empty stomach. Because, due to the consumption of food, acid is stimulated thus, it is thought that taking probiotics on an empty stomach (mainly first thing in the morning), is ideal because there is less residual acid in the stomach or even you can adjust yourself by consuming it right before you go to sleep. Probiotics are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yogurt, some cheese and other fermented foods, dietary supplements and beauty products. Probiotics are generally well tolerated and considered safe for the majority of the population. However, in the first few days, you may experience side effects related to digestion, such as increase in gas, bloating, constipation or mild abdominal discomfort and even thirst. After you adjust, your digestion should begin improving.
The advantages of probiotics –
- It increases the number of good bacteria which can detoxify your system and help you absorb nutrients more efficiently.
- Probiotics can reduce the risk and severity of diarrhea from a number of different causes.
- If you have been taking too many antibiotics, the probiotics can balance the negative effects of that as well.
- Probiotics can even produce special antibiotics like substances that kill harmful bacteria called bacteriocins.
- These supplements may protect the heart by reducing bad cholesterol levels and by lowering blood pressure.
- Probiotics help to boost your immune system so that your cells are ready to tackle bacterial and viral invaders.
- Probiotics may reduce the risk of severity of certain allergies, such as eczema in infants.
- Probiotics Supplements improve some mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress and memory.
A general recommendation is to choose probiotic supplements with at least 1 billion colony forming units and containing the genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii, some of the most researched probiotics. Nowadays, the probiotics market has been exploding with many kinds of probiotics, commercially available in foods and supplements but here I will be mentioning some amazing ones that will help you to bring out the best results.
10 Best Probiotic Supplements
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Once Daily Women’s Shelf Stable Probiotics.
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Brand – Garden of Life.
Dr. Formulated Once Daily Women’s dietary supplement contains staggering 50 Billion live probiotic cultures and 16 Probiotics strains including L.reuteri and L.fermentum. The supplement is shelf stable so you don’t have to worry about refrigeration. They are Vegetarian, Gluten free, Soy free and Dairy free capsules. Vegetarian Supplement with a high probiotic count to support a healthy microbiome and women’s specific health needs. It’s a doctor-formulated blend specially for women’s vaginal, digestive, and immune health. The Supplement of 30 vegan capsules supports digestive health and constipation relief. Beneficial Probiotics made from diverse strains, including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, that are resistant to stomach acid and bile, exclusively for women’s digestion, immune system health.
Features
- Contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria.
- has 50 billion CFU and 16 different strains.
- pack of 30 vegetarian capsules.
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and Vegetarian Supplement.
Pros and Cons
Take just one capsule per day, May be taken with or without food. And in a few days you’ll notice the change. I’ll suggest you try this, it won’t fail you.
Culturelle Daily Probiotics, 30 Count Digestive Health Capsules
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Brand – Culturelle. Culturelle Daily Probiotic contains 10 Billion Colony forming units that contributes to naturally healthy intestinal flora. The pack contains 30 Vegetarian capsules with no gluten, milk, soy, wheat or preservatives in it. The supplement helps to support gastrointestinal health, helps to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) included in this supplement, helps your digestive system to work better. Helps with occasional digestive upset, including diarrhea, gas bloating. Culturelle Daily Probiotics fights your Digestive Issues. The supplement guarantees it’s purity and potency. I highly recommend you to try it out. It’ll surely give you the best results.
Features
- Free of gluten, soy, milk, wheat, or any preservatives.
- 100% vegetarian product.
- An effective product to support your digestive system.
Pros and Cons
Probiotic is appropriate for everyday use. Take 1 capsule per day to support digestive and immune health.
Renew Life Women’s Probiotics
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Brand – Renew Life Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic is formulated for women’s unique needs and contains 25 billion live probiotic cultures and 12 probiotic strains. Products are made at the highest level of quality, purity and potency to help your gut. They are pure Vegetarian capsules free of gluten, dairy and soy. Ultimate Flora Women’s Care Probiotics is the number one selling women’s probiotics. The supplement helps to support urinary and digestive health, and helps to maintain healthy vaginal PH and yeast levels. Multiple probiotic strains reflect the natural diversity of your gut.
Features
- 25 billion CFU and 12 different strains.
- Pack of 30 Vegetarian capsules
- Formulated for women’s unique needs.
- Free of Gluten, Dairy and Soy.
Pros and Cons
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For best results, take 1 capsule daily, with or without food. Note – Keep out of reach of children.
SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Immunity Formula Daily Gummy Vitamins
Brand – SmartyPants. SmartyPants Kids Probiotic Supplement contains 7 billion CFU per serving to support normal digestion and immunity. This supplement is non-GMO, gluten-free and free of milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, peanuts, wheat, fish allergens and tree nut allergens. It’s a Vegan probiotic supplement. It contains the highest-quality ingredients. No synthetic colors, artificial flavors or sweeteners added. Chewable gummy vitamins for kids with prebiotics and probiotics supplements do not require any refrigeration. The supplement comes in Gummy form in a flavor of Strawberry Creme. It helps to promote immune health and support the growth of helpful bacteria in your child’s gut. It supports healthy gastrointestinal function. The intake of supplements results in Normal digestion.
Features
- 7 billion CFU per serving.
- Pack of 60 vegan gummies.
- Free of gluten, milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, peanuts, wheat, fish, and tree nuts.
Pros and Cons
For Children of 3 years of age and older- take two gummies daily. It can be taken with or without food. Chew each gummy thoroughly.
Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotics
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Brand – Culturelle Culturelle Kids Chewable Tablets are flavoured with Natural Bursting Berry. They are Vegan Capsules free of artificial preservatives, nuts, artificial flavors, artificial colors, gluten, yeast, lactose, egg, dairy, soy, fish and milk items. They are formulated to help restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the intestines to help your digestive system work better and keep you feeling your best. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG present in Culturelle Kids Tablet helps to reduce occasional digestive problems including diarrhea and occasional digestive troubles. Kids of 3+ ages can take 1 chewable tablet everyday.
Features
- Free of gluten, dairy, lactose, milk, added colors, preservatives, yeast and soy.
- Pack of 30 Chewable Tablets.
- Supports immune and digestive health.
Pros and Cons
Take 1 tablet daily to support digestive and immune health. To relieve occasional digestive distress, take 2 tablets per day. If the intake is 2 tablets, take one in the morning and one in the evening. Can be taken with or without food at any time of day. Note – This product is not intended for the children under 3 years of age.
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy, 30 Day Supply.
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Brand – Olly Olly Prebiotic+Probiotic gummies are naturally delicious, scientifically formulated, gluten free gummy supplements. Made with no artificial colors or flavors. This gummy supplement supports intestinal health with a blend of probiotics, to support a healthy digestive tract, and prebiotic fiber that nourishes your gut’s good bacteria, to keep things balanced. These chewable adult probiotics deliver a powerful combination of live Probiotics and Prebiotics Fibre to help keep your natural flora and digestive balance. 500 million CFU of Bacillus Coagulans work with your body’s natural bacteria to support a healthy digestive tract and immune system. If you want to improve your health in a fun-loving way, take these delicious flavored gummies.
Features
- 500 million CFU of Bacillus Coagulans.
- Free of gluten, artificial colors or flavors.
- Supports balanced digestion.
Pros and Cons
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For adults of 18 years and above, chew 1 gummy daily to support your healthy digestive tract and immune system.
Dr Formulas’ Best Probiotics for Women & Men.
Brand – DrFormula Nexabiotic is DrFormulas’ best 23 strains multi probiotic containing Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus and 21 other probiotics with prebiotic and 17.25 Billion CFUs per capsule. Nexabiotic Advanced Probiotics is made in the USA in a FDA inspected GMP NSF Facility. Nexabiotic 60 Vegetarian Capsules do not contain artificial colors and flavors, chemical preservatives, or gluten. It helps you in competing against and reducing levels of bad bacteria and yeast, and helps to restore your digestive balance and maintain a healthy gut flora. Supports the breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and helps to train the immune system and reduce the incidence of atopic diseases like allergies, asthma and eczema. Probiotics support a healthy immune by promoting the production of vitamins, producing compounds that may counteract or kill bad bacteria and yeast. Supports your healthy immune by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of bad bacteria and yeast found throughout the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract.
Features
- 17.25 billion CFU and 23 Probiotic strains.
- Pack of 60 vegan capsules.
- Supports digest health for men and women.
- Freeze-dried probiotics that are room temperature stable.
Pros and Cons
For ages 12 and above take 1 or 2 capsules a day on an empty stomach.
Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement for Men and Women
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Brand – Florastor Florastor is the Only probiotic brand with Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I- 745, a unique probiotic strain with a larger, stronger cell structure other than probiotics. They are gluten-free probiotics offered in Vegetarian Capsules. The ingredients listed on the pack, indicates detailed quantities. Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement strengthens your digestive balance and supports a healthy immune system. It complements your active lifestyle. Florastor brand is advertised as the best probiotic supplement worldwide.
Features
- 100% vegetarian supplement.
- Gluten-free.
- Provides increased intestinal coverage and protection.
Pros and Cons
Take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 in the evening. Within approximately 30 minutes after Indigestion, each Florastor Capsule dissolves in the stomach allowing the yeast cells to help keep your intestinal tract on track. Florastor can only benefit you during days of use.
Nutrition Now PB 8 Acidophilus
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Brand – Nutrition Now Nutrition Now PB 8 Probiotic is made up of 14 billion active cultures and 8 strains of beneficial bacteria. The supplement is free of any soya, tree nuts, gluten, eggs, dairy items and are Vegetarian capsules. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one the most researched strains with profound benefits for your immune system, digestions and also vaginal health. The supplement supports your intestinal balance that can be affected by rich meals, dairy products, preservatives or stress. It’s a daily dietary supplement for men and women with 120 capsules in a pack.
Features
- 14 billion CFU and 8 strains.
- Pack of 120 vegan capsules.
- Free of gluten, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, or eggs.
- Helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Pros and Cons
It’s an adult dietary supplement. Take 2 capsules daily for great impact.
Vitalitown Women’s Probiotics
Brand – Vitalitown Vitalitown Women’s Probiotics contains 13 powerful digestive enzymes, 120 billion max strength living CFUs and 30 Strains carefully selected for women. They are gluten-free probiotics offered in Vegetarian Capsules. Free of artificial fillers, colors, flavors and no yeast, soy, wheat, gluten, diary, corn, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish included. High quality, Pure and natural formula with zero unnecessary ingredients and offers you 100% satisfaction guarantee. Pro + Pre + Digestive enzymes + Cranberry – They all interact together to maximize their strength and maintain natural gastrointestinal and urinary tract balance. Cranberry helps to protect your body from free radicals. It supports your immune and urinary tract detox and protects without sugar and calories.
Features
- Contains 120 billion CFU and 30 strains.
- 13 powerful digestive enzymes.
- Gluten-free, 100% vegetarian capsules.
- Shelf stable.
Pros and Cons
Prefer to take them shortly before food with a full glass of water which helps to dilute the stomach acids and maximizes the health benefits of probiotics. Note- While using any of the product, an increase in stomach gas or bloating may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur (signs of infection such as – high fever, chills, persistent cough).
Wrapping it up
The market is filled with many different choices of the probiotic supplements but it gets hard for us to choose one of them that suits our body and needs. For making it easier for you, I have listed 10 of the best probiotics in the market. Mentioned above are some of the best probiotic supplements that are loved by a bunch of people. Before choosing yours go through them properly. Generally, when someone buys something, they want a good result in return. Thus, if you’ll be trying these probiotics, you’ll see a lot of good changes occurring in your body and making you fit. "Health is Wealth" don’t compromise with your health. I guess this guide would have helped you to choose your amazing probiotic supplement. Thank you for reading!.