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Probiotic Supplements and Bottles Against Blue Background

Answer:

Since the effects of individual bacteria strains vary, the first thing to consider when choosing a probiotic supplement is the reason you are taking it. Certain strains, for example, may help with weight loss, lower cholesterol or reduce allergy symptoms, while others have been shown to help with digestive issues, such as diarrhea from antibiotics and irritable bowel syndrome. Products containing multiple strains of probiotics are not necessarily more beneficial than single strains.

The uses and evidence for various strains are summarized in a reference table in the Probiotic Supplements Review (be aware that certain strains should be avoided by people with milk allergies or people taking certain medications).

Once you have identified the right strain or strains, it's important to find a product that provides a dose that's been shown to be effective, and that contains it's labeled dose (ConsumerLab.com tests have found some probiotic supplements to contain less than half the amount of organisms claimed on the label!) To get test results for popular products, plus additional tips for choosing a probiotic supplement, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>

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14 Comments

Babette22833
May 24, 2025

There are so many probiotic brands on the market which one is good for ulcerative colitis? At the moment I am taking Dr. Gundry's Bio Complete 3 and have not seen much improvement.

ConsumerLab.com
May 26, 2025

There is mixed evidence regarding probiotics for ulcerative colitis, and some risk, and for this reason, the American Gastroenterological Association and certain other organizations do not recommend probiotics for ulcerative colitis -- see https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/probiotic-supplements/probiotics/#colitis.

Barbara2930
April 10, 2016

What probiotics are most helpful in preventing diarrhea from ibs?

ConsumerLab.com
April 11, 2016

Hi Barbara - You can find this information in the section about IBS in the Probiotic Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/probiotic-supplements/probiotics/#ibsyndrome

Michele2926
April 06, 2016

I have been taking Probiotics for IBS diagnosed about 3 years ago, and along with some diet changes, it has been nothing short of miraculous. I did have to do some trial and error to find the right bacterial strains. I recommend starting with one of the recommended products with some research for IBS; use a product with the most different strains possible. Stay on it for at least a month; if you don't see a positive result or only a partial result, try different strains. Keep a log. I unwittingly swithced products from one containing 12 strains to one containing 11 and went from awesome to awful cramps, bloating diarrhea etc, but at least now I know which strains work for me.

Elaine2927
April 09, 2016

Thank you for this knowledge. I have not kept a log, but now must do it. I worry about pro-biotics in pill form because of viability. How can dried probiotics be viable and actually get through stomach acid and into out digestive systems? Thank you for an answer.

ConsumerLab.com
April 12, 2016

Hi Elaine - Most probiotics sold in pill form are dried in a way which keeps them in a dormant yet still viable state, coming "back to life" once exposed to water/nutrients. Although this helps to preserve them, it is not a guarantee that all will survive. If exposed to moisture or excessive heat during storage, they can become non-viable. This is why ConsumerLab.com tests probiotic supplements to determine how many viable cells they contain (see the results here: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/probiotic-supplements/probiotics/#results). For more information about this and withstanding stomach acid, see the "What to Consider When Buying" section of the Probiotics Review ( https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/probiotic-supplements/probiotics/#buying), and this CL Answer: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-probiotics-have-to-be-enterically-coated-to-be-effective/probiotics-enteric-coating/.

bdmesq@gmail.com
December 30, 2015

I did see quite a while ago an official scientific study [can't quote alas] that stated that possible[there seems to be quite a bit of evidence to this] even dead bacteria [non viable] from probiotics may have the same effect as the viable form.
I would have left this alone if it was not from a respected source [which I don't remember]
Do you know anything about this statement or do you have any opinion?

ConsumerLab.com
December 31, 2015

Hi Harold - There is some evidence from laboratory and animal studies that non-viable probiotic strains may have some effects; see these two articles (the links are not live but you can copy and paste them in your browser) :

The immunomodulatory properties of probiotic microorganisms beyond their viability (ghost probiotics: proposal of paraprobiotic concept) --http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145061/

The probiotic paradox: live and dead cells are biological
response modifiers -- http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FNRR%2FNRR23_01%2FS0954422410000090a.pdf&code=a678a403f613682501f7ea49a2a202a6

However, to date, there do not appear to be studies in people.

bdmesq@gmail.com
December 31, 2015

Thanks a lot of finding the articles back.
Clinically one should have quite soon an idea of these non-viable probiotics would work as in my experience patients can quite easily judge if they feel better with probiotics.
I don't think we will need double blind studies for this.
With a few tens of patients one should have a reasonable idea, I would think.

Barbara Alverson2920
January 14, 2015

I ordered Periobalance probiotic for gum disease from G.U.M. After taking it for a few days, I experienced severe gastrointestinal problems . Figured out it has sucralose in it and I dont tolerate artificial sweeteners . They didn't show the ingredients on the web site .

ConsumerLab.com
January 15, 2015

Hi Barbara - Thanks for letting us know about your experience with this product. You may be interested in this study using PerioBalance GUM ( https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/%20/probiotics/#periodontitis) which is discussed in the Probiotics Supplements Review.

jill2918
January 14, 2015

It's been said that a majority of probiotics do not survive passage through the acid in the stomach. Is there truth to that statement?

ConsumerLab.com
January 14, 2015

Hi Jill - Please see the "Withstanding stomach acid" section of the Probiotic Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/%20/probiotics/#withstanding

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