12 Min Read

The Best Probiotic Supplements

A balanced gut microbiome - containing a wide variety of live probiotic bacteria and some yeast - is not just crucial for digestion and absorbing nutrients [1]. It’s also a core part of our immune defences, controls our mental health in ways we’re only just starting to understand [2], and influences a vast range of functions in our bodies from controlling our weight to getting a good night’s sleep.

Our in-house nutritionist Ariel Kaur Maan here at Vitamin Guide explains how probiotics help to keep us healthy, what to look for when choosing probiotics, and reviews the top 5 probiotics supplements on the market.

So do probiotic supplements really work? And are they worth the investment?

The short answer is, yes. Substantial scientific evidence suggests probiotics can provide tangible health benefits across a vast spectrum of health factors.

For example, numerous studies show probiotics help relieve diarrhoea, and symptoms of IBS such as bloating, pain, and irregular bowel movements, by balancing gut flora and reducing inflammation [3]. Research indicates probiotics can enhance the immune system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, which helps protect against infections and reduces the risk of certain diseases. Studies find a connection between gut health and brain function, with some evidence that probiotics can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression through the gut-brain axis [2].

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

Why take probiotics?

Modern diets, stress, antibiotics and tummy bugs can deplete beneficial bacteria in the gut, making it harder to get enough probiotics naturally. While many probiotics are found in fermented foods like live yoghurt, sauerkraut or kefir, few of us eat enough to maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

Supplements provide a convenient and reliable way to replenish and maintain healthy levels of probiotics, ensuring consistent support for digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being.

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

The Essential Probiotics Checklist

Choose

✅ 1 - CHOOSE gastro-resistant capsules to protect the bacteria from stomach acid

Choose a supplement with enteric-coated or gastro-resistant capsules to protect bacteria from stomach acid, ensuring they reach the intestines alive.

A supplement with at least 30 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per serving will ensure sufficient numbers of live bacteria to colonise the gut effectively [4].

✅ 2 - CHOOSE a high CFU count over 30 billion

✅ 3 - CHOOSE at least 10 strains of bacteria

Look for a supplement with at least 10-12 different strains to promote a diverse microbiome [4]. Key strains to look for include Lactobacillus (e.g., L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus), Bifidobacterium (e.g., B. longum, B. bifidum) and Saccharomyces boulardii for yeast balance.

✅ 4 - CHOOSE added prebiotics to nurture live colonies in the gut

Prebiotics act as food for probiotics - prebiotics and probiotics together are called symbiotics. Look for prebiotics like inulin or FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to nourish the probiotic bacteria and help them thrive in your gut.

This helps to make sure you get a pure, potent dose of beneficial bacteria without unnecessary ingredients that may cause allergies, tummy upset, or reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics. Plus, it enhances absorption.

✅ 6 - CHOOSE a clean supplement with no additives

Look for a product that guarantees CFU count through to the expiry date, not just at the time of manufacture.

✅ 7 - CHOOSE a clear expiry date and CFU guarantee

✅ 5 - CHOOSE non-dairy vegan probiotics

Dairy-free probiotics are the best choice for vegans and non-vegans alike. Dairy foods are a gut-irritant for many people, so non-dairy probiotics - fermented with prebiotic vegetables like sauerkraut or vegetables - are gentler if you have IBS or other tummy problems.

Avoid

❌ 1 - AVOID probiotics that need to be refrigerated

If a probiotic supplement needs to be refrigerated to stay alive, then just a short time at the wrong temperature could mean you are taking a useless product of dead bacteria. Failures of temperature control at points in the supply chain happen all too often, making fragile refrigerated probiotics a bad buying choice.

Avoid probiotics with only one or two strains unless recommended by a health practitioner, as they cannot provide broad-spectrum benefits and could unbalance your microbiome.

❌ 2 - AVOID single strain formulas

❌ 3 - AVOID supplements targeting a single health benefit

There are numerous probiotic products for gas and bloating, for weight loss, for mood boosting, for calm, for skincare, for immune defences and so on. In reality, unbalancing your gut microbiome might do more harm than good. Choose a broad variety for a fuller range of health benefits.

Probiotic Live Cultures*

by Swallow

✅ 15 different strains
✅ High dose - 35 billion live bacteria
✅ Contains prebiotic inulin
✅ Gastro-resistant capsules
✅ Contains Lactospore® Bacillus Coagulans that resists stomach acid
✅ Vegan & dairy free

PROS

CONS

❌ Not the cheapest option
❌ Only available online

Advanced Bio Cultures Complex*

by VitaBright

✅ 17 different strains
✅ High dose - 45 billion live bacteria
✅ Contains prebiotic inulin
✅ Vegan & dairy free

PROS

CONS

❌ Not gastro-resistant capsule shell
❌ Stock sometimes runs out through high demand
❌ Capsules contain some bulking agents

Everyday

by Bio-Kult

✅ 14 different strains
✅ Bacteria resist stomach acid
✅ Well-researched strains of bacteria

PROS

CONS

❌ Low dose - only 2 billion live bacteria per capsule
❌ Not dairy-free, not vegan, contains soya
❌ No prebiotics

Magnesium Comp. with Zinc + D3

by Bettervits

✅ Easily absorbed with 3 types of chelated magnesium
✅ Added zinc and vitamin D3 to increase absorption

PROS

CONS

❌ Less than the NHS recommended magnesium dose (225 mg)
❌ Contains some additives including bulking agent

Probiotic Complex

by Hey Nutrition

✅ Contains prebiotic
✅ Well-researched strains of bacteria
✅ Vegan & dairy free

PROS

CONS

❌ Slightly low dose - 20 billion live bacteria per capsule
❌ Only 7 bacteria strains
❌ Capsules contain bulking agent

Super 50 Pro

by Healthspan

✅ High dose - 50 billion live bacteria
✅ Bacteria resist stomach acid
✅ Well-researched strains of bacteria

PROS

CONS

❌ Only 4 strains of bacteria
❌ Not dairy-free, not vegan
❌ No prebiotics

Ariel Kaur Maan Registered Nutritionist® (BANT RN)

Ariel has extensive clinical and supplement expertise. She specialises in guiding clients through optimal health strategies and utilising high-quality supplements to help them gain optimal health. 

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review but is a sponsored comparison by theswallowco & vitabright. See                                     

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review.
This comparison and ranking are sponsored by theswallowco & vitabright. For further details, please refer to our