Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide various health benefits when consumed. They can help balance the gut microbiome, support the immune system, improve digestive health, and more. However, not all probiotics are the same. Different strains of bacteria may have different effects, and the quality and quantity of probiotics in supplements can vary widely. Therefore, it is important to choose a probiotic supplement that suits your needs and preferences.

To help you find the best probiotic supplement for you, here are some factors to consider:

  • Your health goals. Depending on what you want to achieve with probiotics, you may need to look for specific strains or combinations of strains that have been shown to help with certain conditions or symptoms. For example, some probiotics may be more effective for women’s health, weight loss, skin health, or mental health than others.
  • The CFU count. CFU stands for colony forming units, which is a measure of how many live bacteria are in each dose of a probiotic supplement. Generally, higher CFU counts mean more potent probiotics, but this is not always the case. Some probiotics may work well at lower doses, while others may require higher doses to have an effect. The optimal CFU count for you may depend on your health status, age, diet, and other factors.
  • The bacteria strains. There are hundreds of different types of bacteria that can be classified as probiotics, but they belong to two main groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Within these groups, there are many different species and strains, each with their own characteristics and benefits. Some common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Some probiotic supplements may contain only one strain, while others may contain a blend of multiple strains. The best choice for you may depend on your health goals, personal preference, and tolerance.
  • The prebiotics and postbiotics. Prebiotics are substances that feed the probiotics and help them grow and thrive in the gut. Postbiotics are substances that are produced by the probiotics and have beneficial effects on the body. Some probiotic supplements may include prebiotics, postbiotics, or both, to enhance the efficacy and stability of the probiotics. However, some people may be sensitive to certain prebiotics or postbiotics and experience side effects such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to read the label carefully and consult your doctor before taking any probiotic supplement that contains prebiotics or postbiotics.
  • The safety and quality. Probiotic supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that their quality, purity, and potency may vary depending on the manufacturer and the source of the bacteria. To ensure that you are getting a safe and effective product, look for probiotic supplements that have been tested by third-party labs, certified by reputable organizations, and manufactured in facilities that follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs). You should also check the expiration date, storage instructions, and allergen information on the label, and avoid products that make unrealistic or exaggerated claims.

Based on these criteria, we have selected some of the best probiotic supplements on the market, according to our research and the opinions of registered dietitians. Here are our top 10 picks, in no particular order:

  • Culturelle Digestive Daily. This is a popular and widely available probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, one of the most studied and effective probiotic strains. It has 10 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults and children over 1 year old. It can help support digestive health, immune health, and overall wellness. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly1
  • Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic. This is a premium and innovative probiotic supplement that combines 24 strains of probiotics with prebiotics and postbiotics. It has 53.6 billion AFUs (active fluorescent units) per capsule, which is a more accurate measure of viability than CFUs. It can help improve gastrointestinal health, skin health, heart health, and metabolic health. It is also vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and allergen-free. It comes in a monthly subscription model that includes a reusable glass jar and a refillable travel vial2
  • Bio-Kult. This is a multi-strain probiotic supplement that contains 14 strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus. It has 2 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults and children over 1 year old. It can help support digestive health, immune health, and urinary tract health. It is also gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian-friendly3
  • Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS. This is an affordable and effective probiotic supplement that contains 8 strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactococcus. It has 5 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults and children over 4 years old. It can help support intestinal health, immune health, and vaginal health. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegetarian-friendly. It has a special enteric coating that protects the probiotics from stomach acid and enhances their delivery to the intestines4
  • Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily. This is a high-potency probiotic supplement that contains 14 strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. It has 30 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults. It can help support digestive health, immune health, and weight management. It is also organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly. It contains organic prebiotic fiber from acacia gum to nourish the probiotics5
  • NOW Probiotic-10 25 Billion. This is an allergy-friendly probiotic supplement that contains 10 strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. It has 25 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults. It can help support digestive health, immune health, and oral health. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and vegan-friendly. It has a delayed-release capsule that ensures the probiotics survive the stomach acid and reach the intestines.
  • Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief. This is a pre- and probiotic supplement that contains 4 strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Propionibacterium. It has 20 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults. It can help support digestive health, especially for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegetarian-friendly. It contains a prebiotic called Sunfiber, which is a soluble fiber that can help regulate bowel movements and feed the probiotics.
  • Thorne FloraSport 20B. This is a probiotic supplement designed for athletes and active individuals. It contains 3 strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus. It has 20 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults. It can help support digestive health, immune health, and exercise performance. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and vegetarian-friendly. It has a unique beadlet technology that protects the probiotics from heat, moisture, and stomach acid.
  • Florastor Daily Probiotic for Women and Men. This is a probiotic supplement that contains a unique strain of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii. It has 250 mg of yeast per capsule, which is equivalent to 5 billion CFUs. It is suitable for adults and children over 2 months old. It can help support digestive health, immune health, and bowel regularity. It is also gluten-free, non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, and kosher-certified. It can be taken with or without food, and does not require refrigeration.
  • Ritual Synbiotic+ Probiotic Capsules. This is another premium and innovative probiotic supplement that combines 9 strains of probiotics with prebiotics and postbiotics. It has 12 billion CFUs per capsule and is suitable for adults. It can help support digestive health, immune health, skin health, and general wellness. It is also vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and allergen-free. It has a delayed-release capsule that protects the probiotics from stomach acid and delivers them to the intestines. It also has a minty tab that freshens the breath and masks any unpleasant taste.

These are some of the best probiotic supplements that you can find on the market today. However, keep in mind that probiotics are not a magic bullet for any health problem, and they may not work for everyone. Before taking any probiotic supplement, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any medication. You should also follow the dosage and storage instructions on