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Probiotics

Trying to find the best probiotic supplements? Our tests found that not all products enough cells (CFUs) to match what's been shown to work. See our results, comparisons, and Top Picks for popular brands and get the evidence for specific probiotic strains for uses such as IBS, diarrhea, gas, allergies and colds, infections, weight loss and more. Plus, get information about proper storage, safety, side effects, and drug interactions with probiotics.

Probiotics Review

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CL Answer

Is it true that yogurt and kefir can trigger migraines?

Learn about the risks of migraines and headaches from yogurt, kefir and other dairy products.

Yogurt & Dairy Causing Migraines -- women with migraine headache, head pain

CL Answer

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.

Greek Yogurt

CL Answer

Do probiotics help with lactose intolerance?

Find out if probiotics can help with lactose intolerance. ConsumerLab's answer explains, including some foods that may cause fewer symptoms in the lactose intolerant.

Woman with Stomach Pain Holding Glass of Milk

News Release

November 06, 2015

Some Surprising Results from Tests of 43 Probiotic Supplements and Kefir Drinks

White Plains, New York, November 6, 2015 — How many beneficial organisms are in probiotic supplements and kefir drinks? Are any contaminated with pathogens, such as E. coli, and do those labeled as "gluten free" or "99% lactose-free" live up to their claims? To find out, ConsumerLab.

CL Answer

I developed a rash soon after starting a probiotic. Is it possible to be allergic to probiotics?

Find out if probiotics can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, and why.

Young Woman Scratching Forearm

Clinical Update

5/15/2021

Misleading Kefir Claims

Recent testing of several popular kefir beverages in the U.S. found that none contained their claimed amount of live probiotic cells -- although a popular yogurt did. See the results, by brand, in the Kefir section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.

CL Answer

Is the probiotic "Milk Test," as described on many websites, really an effective way to test the quality of the bacteria in probiotic supplements at home?

Is the probiotic "Milk Test" an effective at-home test of the quality of the bacteria in probiotic supplements?

Milk and Probiotics Against White Background

Clinical Update

11/07/2015

Triglyceride-Lowering with a Probiotic

Studies with probiotics have demonstrated modest lowering of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, but the evidence has been mixed regarding triglycerides. A recent study in which a probiotic was added to a kefir drink showed a 17% reduction in triglycerides along with a modest reduction in LDL — effects not seen with the kefir alone. Details are found in the Probiotics and Kefirs Review >>

Clinical Update

5/01/2021

Does Kefir Lower Cholesterol?

Can drinking kefir that contains probiotics, decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome? See what a new study found the Cholesterol-Lowering section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.

Clinical Update

1/31/2016

Probiotic May Help Prevent ADHD

A study found that none of the children given a specific probiotic around infancy (as well as to their mothers) developed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to 14% of those given a placebo. Details about this preliminary but intriguing study and the commonly-available probiotic used are found in the Probiotic Supplements and Kefirs Review >>

Clinical Update

6/21/2015

Probiotic Foods and Social Anxiety

A new study shows that consumption of fermented foods like yogurt and kefir (which are likely to contain probiotic organisms) was associated with lower levels of social anxiety. This suggests that such foods may serve as a low-risk intervention for reducing social anxiety. More about the study is found in the Probiotics Review >>

CL Answer

What is the best way to take curcumin? Is it better to take it all at once or in divided doses?

Find out the best way to take curcumin and turmeric supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability, plus the best way to cook with turmeric spice. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer

Supplements for Age-Related Muscle Loss

Find out if protein supplements, fish oil, vitamin D, and other supplements can help older adults build and maintain muscle, and help prevent age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).

CL Answer

Which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately?

Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins & Minerals That Should Be Taken Together or Separately -- various vitamins in spoons

CL Answer

Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?

Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.

Supplements Making Acid Reflux Worse -- Man with acid reflux pain

CL Answer

7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat

Some pills can be difficult to swallow and can even become lodged in the throat or cause damage to the esophagus. Learn seven practical tips to help avoid getting pills stuck in the throat.

Pill Getting Stuck in Throat

Product Review

Lactose Intolerance Products Review (Lactase Enzyme Supplements and Lactose-Free Milks)

Choose the Best Lactase Enzyme Supplement and Lactose-Free Milk. Find a CL Approved Lactose Intolerance Product.

Lactase Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of tart cherry juice?

See the evidence for tart cherry juice health benefits from clinical studies. Find out if tart cherry has anti-inflammatory effects, if it can improve sleep, lower high blood pressure, or help for muscle pain and osteoarthritis.

Tart Cherry Benefits -- glass of cherry juice and two tart cherries

CL Answer

Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

Information about heart health supplements & vitamins that help with cholesterol, including sterol esters, CoQ10, and vitamin D, and which may be bad for the heart, like calcium.

CL Answer

How are you staying healthy during the coronavirus pandemic?

Tips for staying healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tips from ConsumerLab members for maintaining physical health, mental health and social well-being during COVID-19.

Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Pandemic -- Couple at Home, Looking Out the Window