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Ritual Gut Health Synbiotic+
- A daily 3-in-1 prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic
- Designed with two of the world's most clinically-studied probiotic strains
- Supports relief of mild bloating, gas, and diarrhea*
- non-GMO Project Verified and Third Party Tested
On Ritual's Website
Our Top-Rated Probiotics
- Best Affordable: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
- Best Probiotic Subscription: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
- Best for Added Prebiotics: Physician's Choice 60 Billion Probiotics
- Best Probiotic for Athletes: Klean Probiotic
- Best Probiotic for IBS: VSL #3 Capsules
- Best Money-Back Guarantee: Align Extra Strength
- Best Probiotic for Diabetes: Pendulum Glucose Control
The Best Probiotic Supplements of 2024
Best Affordable
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
5.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $0.59 per serving
- Serving size: One capsule
- Servings per container: 30 or 50
- Colony-forming units (CFUs) per serving: 10 billion
- Probiotic strains: One ( Lactobacillus rhamnosus )
- Additional noteworthy ingredients: Inulin (chicory root extract)
- Shelf-stable (can safely be stored at room temperature)
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+ (for i-Health, Inc.)
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
On Amazon
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Best Probiotic Subscription
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
4.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $1.67
- Serving size: Two capsules
- Servings per container: 90
- Active Fluorescent Units (AFUs) per serving: 53.6 billion
- Probiotic strains: 24
- Additional noteworthy ingredients: Prebiotic blend (Indian pomegranate)
- Shelf-stable (can safely be stored at room temperature)
- BBB rating: A+
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
On Seed's Website
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Best for Added Prebiotics
Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotics
4.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $0.82
- Serving size: One capsule
- Servings per container: One-month and two-month supply
- CFUs per serving: 60 billion
- Probiotic strains: 10
- Additional noteworthy ingredients: Prebiotic blend (organic Jerusalem artichoke root, organic acacia Senegal, organic chicory root)
- Shelf-stable (can safely be stored at room temperature)
- BBB rating: F
- Trustpilot rating: 2.7 out of 5 stars
On Amazon
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Best Probiotic for Athletes
Klean Probiotic
4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $0.74
- Serving size: One capsule
- Servings per container: 60
- CFUs per serving: 15 billion
- Probiotic strains: Eight
- Additional noteworthy ingredients: Digestive and prebiotic blend (FOS and slippery elm bark)
- Shelf-stable (can safely be stored at room temperature)
- BBB rating: N/A
- Trustpilot rating: 3.2 out of 5 stars
On Amazon
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Best Probiotic for IBS
VSL #3 Capsules
4.6
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $2.20
- Serving size: Two to four capsules
- Servings per container: 60
- CFUs per serving: 112.5 billion
- Probiotic strains: Eight
- Additionally noteworthy ingredients: None
- Refrigeration required
- BBB rating: N/A
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
On Amazon
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Best Money-Back Guarantee
Align Extra Strength
4.3
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $1.43
- Serving size: One capsule
- Servings per container: 21 or 42
- CFUs per serving: Five billion
- Probiotics: One ( Bifidobacterium 35624 )
- Additional noteworthy ingredients: None
- Shelf-stable (can safely be stored at room temperature)
- BBB rating: N/A
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
On Amazon
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Best Probiotic for Diabetes
Pendulum Glucose Control
4.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Cost per serving: $3.30
- Serving size: Two capsules
- Servings per container: 30
- AFUs per serving: Two billion
- Probiotic strains: Five
- Additional noteworthy ingredients: Chicory inulin
- Requires refrigeration
- BBB rating: A+
- Trustpilot rating: 2.3 out of 5 stars
Expert’s Take
Pros & Cons
Meet Our Panel Of Experts
Our best probiotic supplements of 2024 ranking is determined by a Forbes Health panel of experts. They provide their product recommendations, along with reasons they stand out.
Taylor Wallace, Ph.D., C.F.S., F.A.C.N.
Nutrition
Kara Collier, R.D.N., L.D.N.
Nutrition / Metabolism / Glucose
Brittany Werner, M.S., R.D.N.
Nutrition
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Probiotic Supplements of 2024
For the best probiotic supplements of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited nutrition experts, on their top picks for probiotic supplements and the reasoning behind why they recommend them. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team, based on the following factors:
- Price per serving (25%)
- Amount of CFUs or AFUs (25%)
- Added prebiotics (25%)
- Number of panelist recommendations (25%)
Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms—such as bacteria and yeasts—present in fermented foods, supplements (both over-the-counter and prescription) and even beauty products. They help the body digest food, destroy bad bacteria and provide vitamins, among other benefits, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Probiotics work mainly by impacting microorganisms found in the microbiome of the large intestine, which houses trillions of bacteria, fungi and microbes (small living things).
Probiotics run the gamut, too, when it comes to types—their name includes a Latin name for genus and species, followed by their specific strain. There are many different strains of probiotics—and each delivers different health benefits. Common probiotics include those in the groups Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Bacillus.
Not all of the probiotic strains in probiotic supplements have evidence-backed health benefits, so it’s important to read the label carefully before selecting a supplement. The Supplements Facts label on the bottle should list the strain(s) of the probiotic, the total weight of the microorganisms in the product and the number of colony forming units, or CFUs, per serving, according to the National Institutes of Health Office on Dietary Supplements.
Explore Gut Health Supplements From Our Featured Partners
Company Logo | Forbes Health Ratings | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ritual Synbiotic+ Gut Health |
| Shop Now | On Ritual's Website | https://ritual.sjv.io/c/1955282/2014270/17139" rel="nofollow" |
Transparent Labs Gut Health |
| Shop Now | On Transparent Labs' Website | https://transparentlabs.sjv.io/c/1955282/1476213/15725" rel="nofollow" |
Onnit Total Gut Health |
| Shop Now | On Onnit Website | https://onnit.sjv.io/c/1955282/349604/5155" rel="nofollow" |
What Do Probiotics Do?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that act in the digestive tract and affect your gut microbiome. They can help protect against harmful bacteria and improve digestion and gut function. Different probiotic strains yield different health benefits.
Are Probiotics Good for You?
Studies dating back to the 1990s have suggested probiotics may be effective in treating certain gastrointestinal illnesses, possibly delaying the onset of some allergies in children and in the treatment and prevention of vaginal and urinary infections.
Other benefits of probiotics may include the following, according to Harvard Health:
- Improve immune function
- Prevent or treat infection (such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis)
- Improve digestion and absorption of key nutrients
- Help break down protein and fat in the digestive tract
Consuming the right type of probiotic for you may help improve digestion and gut function while also providing protection against harmful microorganisms. However, there is no formal guidance for the use of probiotics in healthy people. Because of this, it’s recommended that you talk with your doctor before deciding on which probiotic to choose.
Health Benefits of Probiotics
The health benefits of probiotics are as wide-ranging as the different probiotic strains themselves. Research notes an array of benefits, including nutritional advantages (such as a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome), oral health protection, an improved immune system and intestinal health and much more[1]Gul S, Durante-Mangoni E. Unraveling the Puzzle: Health Benefits of Probiotics-A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2024;13(5):1436. .
In general, probiotics may help with the following conditions (among others):
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Vaginal infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Eczema in children
Speak with your doctor about which probiotic strain would be best for your specific needs. For more, check out our full guide on probiotics.
Potential Side Effects of Probiotics
While probiotics may cause gas, they have a strong track record of safety—however, the NCCIH notes that studies are limited on the frequency and severity of side effects. The organization does caution, however, that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater for those with severe illness or compromised immune systems.
Premature infants or those who are currently ill and admitted to the hospital may be at a higher risk of adverse effects.
Recommended Dosage for Probiotics
Currently, there is no recommended dosage for probiotics, and as they’re not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s difficult to know the amount of probiotics you are consuming in food as food manufacturers are not required to include that information on food labels. If you want to try a probiotic regime, it is best to consult with a health care professional to determine what, if any, probiotic supplements you should try.
When Is the Best Time to Take a Probiotic?
You can take a probiotic in the morning or evening, but it may be beneficial to take it about 20 minutes before you eat. This timing facilitates higher amounts of probiotics reaching the large intestine, where they will be most helpful.
Can You Take Probiotics Every Day?
It is best to consult with your doctor to determine whether a daily probiotic supplement will be beneficial for you, especially if your immune system is already weakened or you take other medications.
Should You Take a Probiotic Supplement?
In some cases, probiotics can provide health benefits and relief from certain conditions—there is even evidence that they may help “turn on” the immune system and aid the body in defending itself against major disease. However, more research is needed to determine whether they’re safe and effective for older adults, as well as for individuals who may have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication.
It’s also important to note that probiotics are considered a supplement and therefore, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like medications. That means it’s difficult to know the quality of probiotics purchased at a grocery or drug store.
It’s always best to consult with a health care professional to discuss whether probiotics could be helpful for you.
How Do You Know When Probiotic Supplements Are Working?
If an individual taking probiotics experiences an improvement to their original condition or symptoms, this may be a sign that they are working. Consult your health care provider to confirm what signs may indicate probiotic supplements are beneficial.
Who Should Avoid Taking Probiotics?
While taking probiotics is generally safe for healthy individuals, people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of experiencing harmful effects like bacterial infections, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Additionally, giving probiotics to premature infants may lead to severe or life-threatening infections.
What Foods Contain Probiotics?
Fermented foods are generally rich in probiotics. Some of these foods include:
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Pickles
- Apple cider vinegar
Certain foods contain added probiotics, including cereals, juices, milks, nutrition bars, smoothies and baby formulas.
What’s the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?
Probiotics and prebiotics are not the same thing. Prebiotics are non-digestible parts of food and nutrients that nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics help to encourage growth of that good bacteria. Prebiotics naturally exist in foods and drinks like asparagus, artichokes, garlic, tomatoes, bananas, cow’s milk and more.
Probiotics are living microorganisms including good bacteria and yeasts that are found in fermented foods, supplements (both over-the-counter and prescription) and some beauty products.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic Supplement for You
Since over-the-counter probiotics are supplements and not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as drugs, it’s important to look for third-party certification. Third-party testing can ensure the product actually contains what it says it does, and that it’s free of harmful ingredients like heavy metals. Resources like ConsumerLab.com and Labdoor.com can provide information on a supplement’s certifications and testing.
And, as mentioned above, a probiotic’s health benefits are strain-specific. Speak with your doctor about which strain is best for you and your needs.
Final Thoughts
Our top picks for probiotic supplements includes Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic, as it comes recommended by two nutritional experts and is affordable. For those looking to invest a bit more in their probiotic supplement, Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic touts a high potency and diversity of probiotic strains.
Summary: Compare the Best Probiotic Supplements of 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best probiotic for men?
There is not enough information from clinical studies available yet to determine which, if any, probiotics are best for men, though these come expert recommended. It is best to consult with your doctor to decide if probiotics would be helpful for you.
What is the best probiotic for women?
There is not enough information from clinical studies available yet to determine which, if any, probiotics are best for women, though these come expert recommended. It is best to consult with your doctor to decide if probiotics would be helpful for you.
What is the best probiotic for gut health?
More research needs to be done to determine which probiotics are helpful for certain conditions, as well as for individuals without any conditions. Consult with your doctor to decide if probiotic supplements or food items with probiotics in them should be added into your routine.
What are CFUs in probiotics?
A CFU stands for “colony forming unit” and helps consumers understand the number of live microorganisms in a probiotic. An example of how CFU would appear on a label is 1 x 109 (1 billion) CFUs.
What are probiotics good for?
Probiotics may provide a range of health benefits, depending on the strain, such as treating or preventing conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and more.
What do probiotics do for women?
For women in particular, probiotics may boost vaginal health, and may be helpful in conditions like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
What do probiotics do for men?
Probiotics could possibly help men who have gastrointestinal illnesses including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, functional gastrointestinal disorders or Crohn’s disease.
Do experts recommend taking probiotics?
While probiotics are often used to improve certain gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating and constipation, more research is needed to understand which probiotics are helpful and how these supplements affect certain populations.
Are some probiotic strains better than others?
Different probiotic strains may offer different benefits. For example, the strain Streptococcus thermophilus may improve symptoms of lactose intolerance while Lactobacillus reuteri may help improve constipation.
Sources
Footnotes
- Gul S, Durante-Mangoni E. Unraveling the Puzzle: Health Benefits of Probiotics-A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2024;13(5):1436.
References
- H Wilkins, J Sequoia. Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Summary of Evidence. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(3):170-178.
- Probiotics: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Accessed 12/15/2022.
- Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics. Harvard Medical School. Accessed 12/15/2022.
- Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed 12/15/2022.
- Should You Take Probiotics?. Harvard Medical School. Accessed 12/15/2022.
- What’s the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?. SCL Health. Accessed 12/15/2022.
- When to take Probiotics, Morning or Evening?. San Diego Health. Accessed 12/15/2022.
- Microbe. Cambridge Dictionary. Accessed 3/13/2023.
- Colony Forming Unit. Gene Therapy of Cancer (Second Edition), 2002. Accessed 3/13/2023.
- Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods. Accessed 3/13/2023.
- The benefits of probiotics bacteria. Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed 3/13/2023.
- Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Accessed 1/16/2024.
- Probiotics and prebiotics. World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines. Accessed 1/16/2024.
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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Sarah DavisManaging Editor, Forbes Health
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
Kara Burnstine, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., C.D.C.E.S.Nutrition / Weight Loss / Diabetes / Cardiovascular Health / Gut Health
Kara Burnstine has over 20 years of experience in the nutrition field ranging from clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, pharmaceuticals and private practice. In her practice, Kara developed 21-Day Clean Eating Group Programs, coached private clients in weight loss, cardiovascular disease, gut health and autoimmune diseases and utilized motivational interviewing and behavior modification strategies to facilitate habits that create permanent lifestyle changes.Currently, Kara is the owner and founder of Nutrition Your Weigh, Inc.—a concierge nutrition consulting firm specializing in weight loss, diabetes, gut and heart health, as well as corporate wellness. She is also a registered nutritionist and certified diabetes educator at Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami.
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