Best Probiotic Supplements Of 2024, According To Experts (2024)

For the best probiotic supplements of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of three accredited nutrition experts, on their top picks for probiotic supplements and the reasoning behind why they recommend them. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team, based on the following factors:

• Price per serving (25%)
• Amount of CFUs or AFUs (25%)
• Added prebiotics (25%)
• Number of panelist recommendations (25%)

Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology.

Probiotics are live microorganisms—such as bacteria and yeasts—present in fermented foods, supplements (both over-the-counter and prescription) and even beauty products. They help the body digest food, destroy bad bacteria and provide vitamins, among other benefits, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Probiotics work mainly by impacting microorganisms found in the microbiome of the large intestine, which houses trillions of bacteria, fungi and microbes (small living things).

Probiotics run the gamut, too, when it comes to types—their name includes a Latin name for genus and species, followed by their specific strain. There are many different strains of probiotics—and each delivers different health benefits. Common probiotics include those in the groups Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Bacillus.

Not all of the probiotic strains in probiotic supplements have evidence-backed health benefits, so it’s important to read the label carefully before selecting a supplement. The Supplements Facts label on the bottle should list the strain(s) of the probiotic, the total weight of the microorganisms in the product and the number of colony forming units, or CFUs, per serving, according to the National Institutes of Health Office on Dietary Supplements.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that act in the digestive tract and affect your gut microbiome. They can help protect against harmful bacteria and improve digestion and gut function. Different probiotic strains yield different health benefits.

Are Probiotics Good for You?

Studies dating back to the 1990s have suggested probiotics may be effective in treating certain gastrointestinal illnesses, possibly delaying the onset of some allergies in children and in the treatment and prevention of vaginal and urinary infections.

Other benefits of probiotics may include the following, according to Harvard Health:

• Improve immune function
• Prevent or treat infection (such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis)
• Improve digestion and absorption of key nutrients
• Help break down protein and fat in the digestive tract

Consuming the right type of probiotic for you may help improve digestion and gut function while also providing protection against harmful microorganisms. However, there is no formal guidance for the use of probiotics in healthy people. Because of this, it’s recommended that you talk with your doctor before deciding on which probiotic to choose.

The health benefits of probiotics are as wide-ranging as the different probiotic strains themselves. Research notes an array of benefits, including nutritional advantages (such as a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome), oral health protection, an improved immune system and intestinal health and much more^[1]Gul S, Durante-Mangoni E. Unraveling the Puzzle: Health Benefits of Probiotics-A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2024;13(5):1436. .

In general, probiotics may help with the following conditions (among others):

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea
• Ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Crohn’s disease
• Vaginal infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Eczema in children

Speak with your doctor about which probiotic strain would be best for your specific needs. For more, check out our full guide on probiotics.

While probiotics may cause gas, they have a strong track record of safety—however, the NCCIH notes that studies are limited on the frequency and severity of side effects. The organization does caution, however, that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater for those with severe illness or compromised immune systems.

Premature infants or those who are currently ill and admitted to the hospital may be at a higher risk of adverse effects.

Currently, there is no recommended dosage for probiotics, and as they’re not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s difficult to know the amount of probiotics you are consuming in food as food manufacturers are not required to include that information on food labels. If you want to try a probiotic regime, it is best to consult with a health care professional to determine what, if any, probiotic supplements you should try.

When Is the Best Time to Take a Probiotic?

You can take a probiotic in the morning or evening, but it may be beneficial to take it about 20 minutes before you eat. This timing facilitates higher amounts of probiotics reaching the large intestine, where they will be most helpful.

Can You Take Probiotics Every Day?

It is best to consult with your doctor to determine whether a daily probiotic supplement will be beneficial for you, especially if your immune system is already weakened or you take other medications.

In some cases, probiotics can provide health benefits and relief from certain conditions—there is even evidence that they may help “turn on” the immune system and aid the body in defending itself against major disease. However, more research is needed to determine whether they’re safe and effective for older adults, as well as for individuals who may have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication.

It’s also important to note that probiotics are considered a supplement and therefore, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like medications. That means it’s difficult to know the quality of probiotics purchased at a grocery or drug store.

It’s always best to consult with a health care professional to discuss whether probiotics could be helpful for you.

How Do You Know When Probiotic Supplements Are Working?

If an individual taking probiotics experiences an improvement to their original condition or symptoms, this may be a sign that they are working. Consult your health care provider to confirm what signs may indicate probiotic supplements are beneficial.

Who Should Avoid Taking Probiotics?

While taking probiotics is generally safe for healthy individuals, people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of experiencing harmful effects like bacterial infections, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Additionally, giving probiotics to premature infants may lead to severe or life-threatening infections.

Fermented foods are generally rich in probiotics. Some of these foods include:

• Yogurt
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Pickles
• Apple cider vinegar

Certain foods contain added probiotics, including cereals, juices, milks, nutrition bars, smoothies and baby formulas.

Probiotics and prebiotics are not the same thing. Prebiotics are non-digestible parts of food and nutrients that nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics help to encourage growth of that good bacteria. Prebiotics naturally exist in foods and drinks like asparagus, artichokes, garlic, tomatoes, bananas, cow’s milk and more.

Probiotics are living microorganisms including good bacteria and yeasts that are found in fermented foods, supplements (both over-the-counter and prescription) and some beauty products.

Since over-the-counter probiotics are supplements and not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as drugs, it’s important to look for third-party certification. Third-party testing can ensure the product actually contains what it says it does, and that it’s free of harmful ingredients like heavy metals. Resources like ConsumerLab.com and Labdoor.com can provide information on a supplement’s certifications and testing.

And, as mentioned above, a probiotic’s health benefits are strain-specific. Speak with your doctor about which strain is best for you and your needs.