The Best Probiotics to Buy on Amazon
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023
Health experts reveal their top picks for the best probiotic supplements available on Amazon for every need, like improving digestion.
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What are probiotics?
Many health fads come and go, but others move from trend to proven health benefits. Probiotics, aka the good-for-you bacteria that live in your gut and are also found naturally in fermented food as well as supplements, fall into the proven category. “We are just scratching the surface understanding all of the ways that probiotics benefit our health, but some of the big ones include for weight maintenance, digestive health, allergies, mental health, and immunity,” explains Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of the healthy eating and information website Abbey’s Kitchen. When choosing a probiotic, she recommends looking for one that contains multiple strains of bacteria, since each type of bacteria has unique functions. (Also, brush up on what else you need to know about probiotics.)
Best for improving digestion
$19.42
For improved digestion, Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, New York City-based registered dietitian, recommends Life Extension FlorAssist GI with Phage Technology, a unique probiotic that’s been shown to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and promote the growth of the good bacteria. “Specifically, Florassist GI combines 15 billion CFU (colony forming units) of potent probiotics with innovative bacteriophage technology,” she says. “Bacteriophages, also known as ‘bacteria eaters are designed to attach to a unique strain of unwanted bacteria in the intestines and leave the ‘good’ ones alone, creating a healthy and balanced microbiome.” To keep your gut as healthy as possible, you’ll also want to avoid these foods are bad for your digestive system.
Best for mixing into food
$29.81
Nature’s Sunshine Probiotic Eleven probiotic supplement contains 11 probiotic strains that deliver a whopping 18 billion good bacteria and offers complete support of the gut biome. It also includes prebiotics, which help encourage the growth of healthy microorganisms living in your gut. Miriam Amselem, holistic nutritionist, fitness trainer, and yoga instructor, who’s been using the probiotic supplement for 11 years, likes to open the capsule and mix the powder in water or a smoothie, which makes for a convenient way to give probiotics to children. (These are the probiotic brands nutritionists trust most.)
Best for boosting your mood
$51.15
Looking for a mood boost? Take New Chapter’s Mood Support Probiotic and you can reap one from your probiotic supplement while simultaneously boosting your gut health. “Our GI tract contains a multitude of neurons that affect our mood and wellbeing, and a huge proportion of our neurotransmitters are made in the gut,” explains Jennifer Hanway, a board-certified holistic nutritionist. “Our gut is often thought of as our second brain as the two are so interlinked.” This probiotic supplement contains specific bacterial strains and herbs (such as passionflower and lavender) that support balanced wellbeing and mood and reduce occasional anxiety.
Best for gastrointestinal issues
$62.95
Visbiome High Potency Probiotic is a probiotic that also doubles as a medical food, meaning it may help with certain ailments including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and pouchitis. “Daily dosing depends on the specific condition you’re treating—two to four capsules per day are recommended for people with IBS, for instance,” says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. Note that it does require refrigeration. (Here’s how to tell if you need a probiotic.)
Best for anti-inflammation
$17.99
“Align Extra Strength Daily Probiotic Supplement contains fermented botanicals for anti-inflammation such as aloe, turmeric, peppermint, coriander, and artichoke,” explains Amselem. “The probiotics contain 10 billion per capsule and doesn’t require refrigeration, which is hugely convenient.” It is widely trusted by doctors, however, it’s on the expensive side for a probiotic supplement. (Add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to help reduce pain.)
Best for overall health
$23.99
Culturelle Digestive Health is one of the more popular probiotic brands, since it’s been around for quite some time, but also because it works. Users rave about its ability to aid their digestive system and improve overall gut health. Gorin recommends this one for those who travel often since it doesn’t require refrigeration. (Check out these health benefits of probiotics—beyond digestion.)
Best for vaginal health
$40.00
If you’re looking for a probiotic that’s targeted to support feminine health, Metagenics UltraFlora Women is your go-to. It’s specifically formulated to prevent vaginal infections as well as urinary tract infections. “The blend of probiotics helps you maintain healthy vaginal flora,” explains Gorin. Take one capsule daily for optimal protection.
Best for overall women’s health
$16.98
For women’s general health, Rizzo recommends Renew Life #1 Women’s Probiotic because it has 25 billion live cultures from 10 different probiotic strains. “This abundance of cultures and strains reflects the natural diversity of your own gut,” she describes. “It contains strains that support digestive and immune health, as well as Lactobacilli to promote vaginal health.” (Psst, women over 50 should know these 50 health secrets.)
Best for weight loss
$16.15
Swanson Lactobacillus Gasseri Probiotic is popular for both its ability to support digestive health as well as metabolism. “It contains lactobacillus gasseri, the specific strain of probiotic that has been shown in scientific studies to support fat metabolism and weight loss,” says Kara Landau, RD, Australian prebiotic gut health expert dietitian and author.
Best probiotic powder
$29.99
Uplift Food Daily Uplifter, a fortified vanilla-flavored powder, offers both specific probiotic strains that have been shown in clinical studies to support mood. “It has a unique blend of three different types of prebiotics to fuel the probiotics in the gut, together with anti-inflammatory nutrients such as vitamin D and magnesium all from natural plant-based sources, in one versatile delicious tasting organic vanilla powder,” says Landau.
Best probiotic gummy
$16.00
If taking a pill isn’t your thing, Rizzo suggests trying this Align Prebiotic + Probiotic Supplement Gummies, a dualbiotic, which comes in a gummy form. “They contain a prebiotic fiber, called inulin, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut, plus a probiotic, Bacillus coagulans, which adds to the bacteria in your gut,” she explains. “Those who worry about sugar will be happy to know that Align Gummies are naturally flavored and contain less than 1 gram of beet sugar per gummy.”
- Abbey Sharp, RD, founder of Abbey's Kitchen
- Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, New York City-based registered dietitian
- Miriam Amselem, holistic nutritionist, fitness trainer, and yoga instructor
- Jennifer Hanway, a board-certified holistic nutritionist
- Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City
- Kara Landau, RD, Australian prebiotic gut health expert, dietitian, and author
Originally Published: July 10, 2019
