2020's Top 5 Probiotics Supplements

Probiotics can work wonders for our skin, gut, immunity, and more.
Learn how to identify one with the potency needed to make an impact.
John Doe

Tom is a lifelong nutrition enthusiast who recently retired from his career in pharmacology to write about natural health. When he isn't researching health products, Tom enjoys exploring local farmers markets and growing his own organic vegetables.

Humans have used probiotics for over 10,000 years.1 Likely discovered by accident, our understanding of their extensive benefits has grown exponentially in modern times.

The vast majority of our immune systems — 70% — resides in our gut.2 Unfortunately, the delicate balance of our gut microbiome, can be thrown off by simple everyday things beyond our control — stress, pollution, lack of sleep, or food.

Probiotics hold the key to balancing the gut microbiome and strengthening our immune system. They protect our bodies from dangerous pathogens, promote energy, enhance mood, and enrich our health in numerous ways.

Not all probiotics are equal, so Smarter Reviews delved into the research for this popular category. We'll break down how to identify a potent supplement and show you our Top 5 Probiotic Supplements on the market today.

A Brief History of Probiotics

Records and artifacts show that probiotics and fermented foods have been used since ancient times.

7,000 B.C. — Ancient Egyptians accidentally created fermented milk products. With noticeable health and preservation qualities, these cheeses, yogurts, and butters became widely used.3

1300 B.C. — Fermented milk offered to God in The Bible — “Abraham offered to God, showed in an oak wood, fermented milk” (The Bible, Genesis 18, 1–8).3

1908 AD — Nobel-prize winner and The Father of Cellular Immunology — Ilya Mechnikoff theorizes that the friendly bacteria in yogurt could improve physical and mental health.4

1935 — First commercial probiotic, Yakult, a fermented milk product, released in Japan.5

2001 — The World Health Organization establishes a definition for probiotics, "live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." 6

2019 —Global probiotics supplement market tops $40 billion annually.7

Health Benefits of

PROBIOTICS

Top 7 Probiotics Benefits

  • Digestive Health
  • Fight Toxins & Pathogens
  • Strengthen Immunity
  • Improve Health
  • Reduce Stress
  • Promote Mood & Memory
  • Healthy Cholesterol

Despite their popularity over the centuries, research into probiotics has taken a dramatic leap within the last 40 years. We now know that there are hundreds of different probiotic strains, and they all perform different functions within our bodies. Some strains enhance our digestive systems, minimizing symptoms like diarrhea or constipation. Some promote clear, glowing skin or healthy hair. Others enhance our mood, energy, or mental clarity. And still others enhance our immunity.

Top Probiotic Strains & Their Benefits:

B. lactis

Proven to enhance immunity and reduce frequency and intensity of respiratory illnesses.

L. rhamnosus

Found to fortify immune function , improve mood, and help battle seasonal allergies.

B. bifidum

Fights off bacteria and other harmful pathogens from entering our bloodstream and making us sick.

L. gasseri

Proven to help with IBS and bowel problems, and even reduce abdominal fat.

L. salivarius

Crucial for good oral health, it also relieves allergy symptoms, lowers cholesterol levels, and enhances immunity.

When it comes to choosing a high-quality probiotic supplement, strain selection is just one factor to consider. Potency, viability, CFU, and clinically studied strains all play a significant role in determining health benefit.

What To Avoid When
Choosing a Probiotic

Limited Strains

Many supplements only contain one or only a few different probiotic strains. Probiotics strains all serve different purposes within the body, so a product with just a few strains limits the overall effectiveness our health. Probiotics supplements offering a more comprehensive approach provide a more substantial and longer term impact on our health and immunity. Look for a supplement with at least 9 individual strains.

Probiotics Without Clinical Studies
Refrigerated probiotics

4 Secrets of A Good Probiotic

High CFU Count
Prebiotics
Clinically Studied Strains
Formulated By A Doctor

We've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today.

1. Alpha Probiotic

by TruMD
647 Votes 9.6/10
Total Ranking

A+

prdct_tag Overall Grade
Ingredient Safety
8.4 AVG.
9.7/10
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
8.4 AVG.
9.7/10
VALUE
8.4 AVG.
9.6/10
RETURN POLICY
8.4 AVG.
9.3/10
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
8.4 AVG.
9.8/10
VOTE AND REVIEW
 

PROS

  • Contains 51 billion live cultures in each capsule
  • 11 diverse strains
  • Endorsed by an MD
  • Each capsule is acid-resistant
  • 100% Vegan
  • NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber is included
  • Only one capsule per day is needed
  • Has no synthetic fillers or binders
  • Each substrain is listed and has been clinically studied.

cons

  • Due to popularity, sometimes it's on backorder/sold out

The Bottom Line

Our Smarter Shoppers have voted 1MD's Complete Probiotics Platinum the most popular daily probiotic they tried. It is one of the best formulas on the market, due to its 51 billion live cultures, 11 robust and clinically studied strains, NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, vegan capsule composition, and no synthetic fillers or additives.

This was the only product we could find that has been endorsed by an MD, specifically a Gastroenterologist (gut and digestive health physician). It was also the only one that listed each of its clinically studied substrains. Our Smarter Shoppers absolutely loved this probiotic blend.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

2. Pro-45

by LiveWell Nutrition
310 Votes 9.0/10
Total Ranking

A-

prdct_tag Overall Grade
Ingredient Safety
8.4 AVG.
9.7/10
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
8.2 AVG.
9.7/10
VALUE
8.3 AVG.
8.0/10
RETURN POLICY
7.8 AVG.
7.4/10
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
7.9 AVG.
7.2/10
VOTE AND REVIEW
 

PROS

  • Provides 45 billion live cultures
  • 11 clinically proven strains
  • No fillers or additives
  • 365-day return policy
  • NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber included
  • Dairy and gluten free, vegetable capsules

cons

  • Not endorsed by an MD

The Bottom Line

LiveWell Nutrition came in at a respectable #2 on our list, with a potent 45 billion CFUs and 11 strains.

Pro45 offers vegetarian delayed release capsules and pure ingredients. We confirmed that there are no unhealthy fillers or additives. We also checked its 365-day return policy and were impressed by how easy and straightforward it was. Our Smarter Shoppers gave this product high marks in the categories of customer service, returns, and overall effectiveness.

Unfortunately, it's not endorsed by an MD, but easy to order through their Amazon store. Though the reviews were stellar and ingredients are pure, the lack of medical endorsement led this product to come in a close second place on our top picks.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

3. Extra Care 50 Billion

by Renew Life
328 Votes 8.6/10
Total Ranking

B+

prdct_tag Overall Grade
Ingredient Safety
8.4 AVG.
9.7/10
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
8.2 AVG.
9.7/10
VALUE
8.3 AVG.
8.0/10
RETURN POLICY
7.8 AVG.
7.4/10
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
7.9 AVG.
7.2/10
VOTE AND REVIEW
 

PROS

  • Provides 50 billion organisms per serving
  • Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules

cons

  • Reports of less capsules in bottle than on label
  • No money-back guarantee
  • Refrigeration recommended for best quality and efficacy

The Bottom Line

Some Smarter Shoppers stated that the storage guidelines of this product was inconvenient.* Although the product contains over 50 billion live cultures, many reviewers believed the product lost its potency due to poor refrigeration by delivery.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

4.Digestive Health Probiotic

by Culturelle
328 Votes 7.3/10
Total Ranking

C

prdct_tag Overall Grade
Ingredient Safety
8.4 AVG.
9.7/10
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
8.2 AVG.
9.7/10
VALUE
8.3 AVG.
8.0/10
RETURN POLICY
7.8 AVG.
7.4/10
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
7.9 AVG.
7.2/10
VOTE AND REVIEW
 

PROS

  • Can be found in retail stores
  • Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules

cons

  • Only offers 10 billion CFUs per serving
  • Contains unhealthy, synthetic fillers
  • Only contains one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG

The Bottom Line

This product only offers one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG. In addition, this product only contains 10 billion live cultures. Smarter Shoppers noticed fairly short expiration dates. This product contains undesirable fillers and added colors such as gelatin, sucrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

5. TruBiotics Daily Probiotic Supplement

by TruBiotics
328 Votes 7.3/10
Total Ranking

C-

prdct_tag Overall Grade
Ingredient Safety
8.4 AVG.
9.7/10
PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS
8.2 AVG.
9.7/10
VALUE
8.3 AVG.
8.0/10
RETURN POLICY
7.8 AVG.
7.4/10
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
7.9 AVG.
7.2/10
VOTE AND REVIEW
 

PROS

  • Can be found in retail stores
  • Is a very well-known brand name*
  • Comes in two package sizes: 30 and 45

cons

  • Only offers 1.5 billion live cultures per capsule
  • Only includes 2 strains
  • Includes fillers such as magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide
  • Does not contain prebiotics

The Bottom Line

TruBiotics is a very popular brand overall since they have the popular One-A-Day vitamins.* However, 1.5 billion live cultures per serving is concerning as a limited provided quantity, and nowhere near the most live cultures we've seen offered among the best brands of probiotic products.* The additives of magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide are also unwanted fillers that do more harm than good.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
CITATIONS
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