What Are The Best Probiotics Brands On The Market?
If your digestion seems a little off, you may be curious whether probiotics could help.
Your gut matters to immunity: by one estimate, gut-associated lymphoid tissue makes up almost 70% of your immune system.
That doesn’t mean a probiotic pill will prevent infections. According to NIH, research on probiotics shows promise for a few uses, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but evidence is weak or mixed for many others.
Most probiotics are sold as dietary supplements, which the FDA does not approve before they are sold. Some products have been found to contain microbes not listed on the label.
If you have a weakened immune system or a serious illness, ask your doctor before taking probiotics. They are not a substitute for medical care.
Here are some of my favorite probiotics brands for you to try out.
Renew Life
Renew Life is one of my favorite probiotic brands.
Its lineup spans a range of strengths and price points, so check current labels for culture counts.
The brand also sells other supplements, such as digestive enzymes, fiber and fish oil.
Some of its products use delayed-release capsules designed to get past stomach acid.
Now Foods
Another one of my favorite probiotic brands would definitely have to be “Now Foods”.
It offers a variety of probiotics at value-oriented prices.
Higher culture counts aren’t proven to work better for everyone, so its range of strengths is useful. Many of its products are vegetarian; check the label if that matters to you.
If taking multiple bacterial strains is not your thing then try out one of their single strain brands like “Acidophilus Two Billion”.
Nature’s Bounty
Nature’s Bounty is a budget-friendly option, with probiotics at several price points.
The brand also sells a wide range of other vitamins and supplements.
If stomach pain is persistent or severe, see a doctor rather than relying on a supplement.
Garden Of Life
The fourth brand on my list, Garden of Life, also sells sports nutrition products, so it is popular with active people.
It offers probiotics at several price points, including formulas marketed for women.
You can also choose from proteins, vitamins and other supplements.
Dr. Tobias
My final probiotic brand has more of the professional customer in mind.
The brand markets its formulas as science-based. As with any supplement, look for the specific strains on the label and check what research exists for those strains.
Check the current listing for the return policy before you buy.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, there are plenty of great probiotics brands to choose from.
Whether you want a budget pick or a higher-strength formula, there are options.
Higher culture counts aren’t always better, and different strains are studied for different uses in the digestive tract.
Probiotics are generally safe for healthy people, but they don’t cure illness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which strain, if any, fits your needs.
Sources
- Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH, NIH
- Allergy and the gastrointestinal system, Clinical & Experimental Immunology (PMC)
