Best Probiotic Supplements

The live bacteria known as probiotics (different from prebiotics) can be super friendly to your gut and immune system and relieve tummy upsets like gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Given their scientifically proven health and skin benefits, probiotics can be a valuable asset to your wellness routine. Here are the probiotic supplements that made our best list.

Best probiotic supplements overview:

• Best overall: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules
• Best budget: Bio-Kult 
• Best for diarrhea: Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement
• Best for IBS: Align Probiotic Extra Strength
• Best for weight loss: Thorne FloraMend Prime Probiotic
• Best for immune health: Metagenics UltraFlora Immune Booster
• Best prebiotic: Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief
• Best allergen-friendly: NOW Probiotic-10 25 Billion

How we chose the best probiotic supplements

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including probiotic strains, cost per capsule, and more, to create a short list of the top probiotic supplements. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best probiotic supplements for each category.

Our picks for the best probiotic supplements

Suggested to promote healthy regulation of your digestive system, Culturelle claims that this daily-use probiotic can effectively fight tummy upsets like IBS and diarrhea. Its pure and potent formula is powered by Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), a probiotic strain that’s most clinically proven to work in favor of your digestive system. Along with prebiotic inulin, the naturally sourced strain can also strengthen one’s immune health.

This vegetarian supplement has no gluten, soy, dairy, or preservatives. The formulation with 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per capsule helps to stabilize the digestive system and prevent it from getting out of control. This product can further alleviate gas and bloating. However, initial use may actually cause these very side effects as your system adjusts to it.

The fact that it doesn’t require refrigeration increases the shelf life of Culturelle’s Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules. However, it’s recommended that you store it in a cool, dry place — away from sunlight — to make it last even longer. Regular use of this probiotic can result in a happier gut overall.

Strain: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) | Capsules: 30

This great-value probiotic does the job of benefitting gut health at a reasonable price. The clinically backed and multi-strain blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and 11 others work harmoniously to help balance your digestive and immune systems. This affordable supplement was formulated for both adults and children to enjoy. The manufacturers suggest daily intake for best results.

The saying “you get what you pay for” sort of applies to this probiotic, as its performance and efficacy don’t compare to its more expensive competitors. You’ll definitely want to weigh your options if you prefer something a little stronger. However, the value of this product makes up for it.

Strain: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and 11 others | Capsules: 120

This top-rated probiotic creates a well-balanced environment in your digestive system. Voted the No. 1 pharmacist-recommended probiotic brand in the U.S., this supplement is uniquely formulated to flush out bad bacteria and make room for the good. 

Florastor contains a special probiotic strain called Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 that provides sufficient gut protection and intestinal coverage. Each vegetarian capsule is filled with 250 milligrams of the strain and has antibiotic-resistant properties.

Your gut is in pretty good hands with this probiotic fighting on its behalf. As long as you’re not allergic to dairy, that is. While it might take time to see positive results, and you’re likely to experience bloating and constipation at the beginning, daily use of this probiotic can ultimately help you keep diarrhea at bay. The probiotic strain in this supplement is especially useful for remedying antibiotic-associated or acute diarrhea.

Strain: Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 | Capsules: 20-100

Those who suffer from IBS might see results from this doctor-recommended probiotic. The patented strain, known as Bifidobacterium 35624, promotes balanced digestive health by supplying good bacteria and supporting normal bowel function. One capsule has five times more active CFUs than other Align products.

This supplement offers 24/7 digestive support to its devoted users. If you occasionally experience gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, it can help to alleviate all three.

Extra Strength is research-backed by its developers but lacks independent third-party testing to certify the research. Based on all of the stellar reviews it’s received, we still recommend giving this probiotic a try if you struggle with IBS.

Strain: Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum 35624 | Capsules: 21

With a proprietary blend of probiotic strains for healthy weight management and total body wellness, this supplement is ideal if you’re on a personal weight loss journey. Thorne’s FloraMend Prime Probiotic comes packaged in acid-resistant capsules to ensure timely delivery of the live bacteria to your lower GI tract. 

This supplement is suitable for the gluten-free crowd. The 5 billion CFUs per serving can benefit several factors regarding your weight, from body mass index (BMI) to waist circumference. 

A common complaint about this supplement is the cost. The price is more expensive than many other probiotic supplements on this list. It also lacks FDA approval. But other than that, Thorne’s FloraMend Prime Probiotic is a winner when it comes to weight management.

Strain: Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium longum MM-2, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 Blend | Capsules: 30

Friendly to your gut and immune system, this daily probiotic features two dynamic strains that boost your sinus, nasal, and respiratory health. The two immune-boosting strains are Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and lactobacillus plantarum.

The Metagenics UltraFlora Immune Booster’s premium-quality formula is backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Just a heads up: The brand requires a “practitioner’s code” for you to purchase, which you can retrieve from your primary care provider.

Strain: Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 and Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 | Capsules: 60

A go-to for remedying IBS-related symptoms, this potent probiotic provides major relief for the most irksome digestive issues (e.g., bloating and abdominal pain). It’s formulated with research-backed probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. 

In addition to the 20B CFUs of probiotic strains per serving, it’s also powered with a Low-FODMAP Certified prebiotic called Sunfiber. Prebiotics work synergistically with probiotics to further support IBS relief. 

Ther-Biotic is pretty pricey for a daily probiotic supplement. As you can see, our best budget pick costs significantly less. The fortunate thing about this product is that it’s shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration. However, its efficacy may decline in hot and humid environments. Just store it in a cool, dry place, and you’ll be fine.

Strain: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum | Capsules: 21

Free of most major allergens, this all-inclusive probiotic supplement is great for individuals with common dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten, dairy, and soy). The potent blend contains 10 clinically validated probiotic strains for healthy gut flora and immune function.

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating ultimately subside with the daily use of this supplement. It’s formulated to promote maintenance of your intestinal lining, the detoxification process, and intestinal motility. Thus, it’s fairly worth the price.

The supplement requires refrigeration, meaning it’s not shelf-stable. It also lacks FDA approval. With a product like this, you sometimes have to take the bad with the good.

Strain: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and more | Capsules: 30

In a nutshell

Hands down, the Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules wins the title of best overall. It’s packed with all the right ingredients at the right dosages to help regulate digestion and remedy IBS. Coming in as runner-ups, the other supplements listed in this guide serve as suitable alternatives, too, depending on your health goals.

How to pick the right probiotic supplement for you

One thing to keep in mind is that the health benefits of probiotics will vary by strain. Before deciding on the right supplement for you, we recommend consulting with a doctor for further guidance. See below for other important factors. 

Formulations

• Probiotic strains. This refers to the type, quality, and quantity of present strains. Those looking for weight loss may benefit from lactobacillus gasseri and lactobacillus  rhamnosus strains, while those with IBS may want to opt for Bifidobacterium bifidum strains, which can significantly reduce IBS-related symptoms, such as bloating.
• Clinical backing. Does the supplement have research-backed dosages for the health goal you’re trying to achieve? Is it third-party tested? These factors legitimately support the supplement’s efficacy with the health issue it’s intended to target, whether that’s diarrhea or general digestive problems.
• CFU. What’s the number of colony-forming units (e.g., live bacteria) per capsule? The higher the CFUs, the higher the capsule’s potency. 

Value

• Price. How much does the product cost? Supplements with more clinically-backed dosages or probiotic strains will likely cost more. If quality matters to you, you may have to cough up more cash for higher-quality supplements.
• Number of capsules. How many capsules do you get per bottle? Consider whether the number of capsules equates to (at least) a one-month supply of supplements. 

FAQ

What’s the most effective form of probiotic? 

This depends on your end goal. If you’re aiming to remedy IBS, there are special probiotic strains for that. The same goes for diarrhea and other digestive problems. Speak with a doctor for more accurate guidance on strains most effective for your needs. 

What’s the best gut health supplement on the market?

In our eyes, it’s Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules. With a clinically proven 10 billion CFUs per capsule, the probiotic leads way to improved digestion and healthier immune function. 

What’s the No. 1 probiotic?

All probiotic strains serve different purposes. Therefore, it’s tough to narrow this down, as it depends on what specific health issues you’re trying to target. We recommend Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules, our No. 1 overall pick, thanks to its research-backed probiotic dosage per capsule and shelf-stable nature.