Home
/ CL Answers
/ Do probiotics that come in different forms, like gum or lozenges, really work?

www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-probiotics-that-come-in-different-forms-like-gum-or-lozenges-really-work/probiotic-gum-lozenges/

Save to favorites

This feature is restricted to active members.

Join now to save favorites and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Already a member? Sign in here.

Our Members Asked:

Do probiotics that come in different forms, like gum or lozenges, really work?

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 06/06/2019 | Initially Posted: 04/29/2015

Answer:

There is some clinical evidence showing that probiotic gum or lozenges may be beneficial for conditions affecting the mouth or throat, such as gum disease and throat infections. There do not appear to be studies on their effects on gastrointestinal symptoms, as shown with probiotic pills, drinks and powders. You can learn more about probiotic gums and lozenges, plus evidence of other uses of probiotics, and our tests of popular products, in the Probiotic Supplements Review.

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Already a member? Sign In Here.

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

Comments

Related CL Answers (13)

Does Oral-B Glide or other dental floss contain toxic chemicals called PFAS? Where else are PFAS found, and how can I avoid them?

Some brands of dental floss, including Oral-B Glide, may contain potentially toxic chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to one study. Get the details in ConsumerLab's answer.

Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Dental Floss -- Woman Looking at Dental Floss

Has the probiotic VSL#3 been changed or discontinued? Is Visbiome a good alternative?

Find out if the probiotic formula VSL#3 has been changed and how it compares with Visbiome. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

VSL #3 vs. Visbiome -- box of VSL#3 and Visbiome

Are liquid or gummy vitamins better than tablets, capsules or softgels?

Find out if liquid or gummy vitamins and supplements are better than tablets, capsules or softgels, are better absorbed, or better for people who have had gastric bypass or who have other conditions.

Are Liquid Vitamins Better? -- liquid vitamin bottle and dropper

Are lozenges and sublingual pills considered dietary supplements?

Learn more about lozenges and sublingual pills (such as echinacea, zinc and B12) including safety warnings.

Do any supplements help with gum disease or periodontitis?

Supplements for healthy gums may help with gum disease or periodontitis. Learn more about omega fatty acids, lycopene, and probiotics.

I eat one to two cups of Greek yogurt every day. Do I still need to take a probiotic supplement?

Find out if eating Greek yogurt is sufficient to obtain probiotics, or if supplements can still help.

Once I've taken probiotics for a few months, will the positive bacteria remain in my system, or do I have to keep taking them?

Find out how long you should take probiotics through understanding how long the positive bacteria remain in the system.

Is it best to take probiotic supplements with or without food? It seems like everyone has a different recommendation.

When is the best time to take probiotic supplements? Learn if you should take your probiotic with or without food.

Have you heard of the probiotic, Keybiotics? Does it do what it claims, and is it worth the money they charge?

Whole Body Research Keybiotics probiotic information, including its ingredients and possible cheaper alternatives.

When is the best time to take probiotics to prevent diarrhea from antibiotics - before, during, or after the course of antibiotic treatment?

When is the best time to take probiotics to reduce the risk of diarrhea from antibiotics?

Are enteric coated supplements better than non-enteric coated ones?

Learn about the pros and cons of enterically coated supplements, including ingredient absorption,safety and price.

I am curious why some probiotics do not require refrigeration even though they contain some of the same bacteria in probiotics that require refrigeration? Which probiotics need to be refrigerated?

Refrigerating certain probiotic pills and other probiotic supplements is important. Get tips on how to store probiotics properly.

Do probiotic pills require refrigeration? -- Probiotic supplement

Which supplements help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?

Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.

Older woman sitting on her bed and holding her stomach due to gas and bloating

Related Reviews (1)

Probiotics

Join our FREE Newsletter and Become a Member to View the full Review!

Become a Member to View the Latest Update: in our Review

First Name

Email Address

I want to subscribe to ConsumerLab news emails, and I understand that I will have the option to become a full member in the next step.

* We do not sell or share your personal information with anyone else, ever.

Already a member? Sign in here.

Recent CL Answers

Which deodorants and antiperspirants are contaminated with benzene and which are not?
Which ingredients should toothpaste contain, and which should be avoided?
Flu Vaccines: How do different flu vaccines compare and which is best for older people?

Be the first to comment

(0/2500)

Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to CL Answers

Join Now

Already a member? Sign In Here.

Join now at www.consumerlab.com/join/

Join our FREE Newsletter and Become a Member to view the full answer to Do probiotics that come in different forms, like gum or lozenges, really work?

First Name

Email Address

I want to subscribe to ConsumerLab news emails, and I understand that I will have the option to become a full member in the next step.

* We do not sell or share your personal information with anyone else, ever.

Already a member? Sign in here.

Submit your comment

This feature is restricted to active members.

Join now to add comments and get all member benefits, including over 1,300 reviews.

Join Now

Already a member? Sign in here.

Agree to Comment Terms

Please abide by the following:

If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
Please be respectful in your tone.
Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will posts that exceed 2,500 characters.

For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.