5 Popular Probiotic Brands In The US

Gut health largely depends on the gut microbiome, a community of living organisms that helps with digestion and immunity. Among them, strains of beneficial bacteria include probiotics, which are vital for digestion and gastrointestinal well-being. Several fermented foods are probiotic, but modern food habits and restrictions may not allow one to consume adequate amounts. So, in such cases, healthcare professionals may recommend probiotic supplements to help achieve microbial balance and sound gut health.

Probiotic benefits

Probiotics help alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions, enhance immune function, ease depression, and reduce issues like bloating, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues. Probiotic supplements aren’t necessary for everyone, but if recommended, they can provide a multitude of benefits, which are as follows:

• Help break down foods and boost nutrient absorption
• Help recycle bile after digestion
• Maintain vaginal health
• Keep urinary tract infections, bacterial or yeast infections at bay
• Help relieve constipation or diarrhea

Probiotics are usually safe to consume for most people. The best way to determine if probiotics are working for one’s body is to observe the changes in digestive health, such as improvements in bowel movements and overall comfort in the stomach.

Popular probiotic supplement brands in the US

Choosing the right probiotic varies from person to person and depends on one’s health goals. The key factors to consider while buying a probiotic supplement are the type of bacteria in it, the amount of bacteria it contains, and whether it’s suitable for achieving one’s health goals.

Here are a few supplement brands that one can check out:

Align Extra Strength

This one is gluten-free, soy-free, entirely vegetarian, and one of the most studied brands. It contains a patented probiotic strain and helps relieve abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating, especially for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The main species used for this probiotic supplement is Bifidobacterium.

Jarrow formulas On-the-Go Immune Booster

It is an effective probiotic supplement, with around $1.43 per serving. Jarrow formulas On-the-Go Immune Booster is also a good substitute for probiotic capsules. It is also vegan and non-GMO, free of dairy, eggs, fish, wheat, and peanuts, some common food allergens. One can get this supplement in an orange-flavored powder, which can be directly and orally consumed or diluted in water for easier swallowing. It comes in small, travel-friendly packets that help digestion and boost immunity.

NOW Probiotic-10

It is one of the most affordable options, costing about $0.49 per serving. It is dairy, soy, and gluten-free. NOW Probiotic-10 contains around ten helpful bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus plantarum.

Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics

These probiotic capsules are easy to consume and cost about $0.52 per serving. A bottle of this supplement can last for around two months. The Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics capsules are gluten-, dairy-, soy-free, and entirely vegetarian. According to the brand, they are also designed for diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

HUM Nutrition Skin Squad Pre+Probiotic

This probiotic comes in capsule form and contains essential strains like Bacillus subtilis, lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus paracasei. According to the brand, it is effective for gut health and maintains skin health by reducing non-cystic acne breakouts. It is free of allergens, including soy, peanuts, dairy, fish, eggs, and wheat. It also does not use any artificial colors or flavors.

Always consult a healthcare professional to get a probiotic supplement personally prescribed for maximum benefit, aligned with one’s current health.

Most common probiotics used in supplements

Most probiotic supplements, whether in powder, capsules, or other forms, use bacteria species or genera like Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, B. animalis, B. lactis, B. breve, L. acidophilus, and L. reuteri. Apart from improving digestion and immunity, many of these probiotics also help limit the growth of harmful bacteria and break down lactose.

Best probiotic foods

Apart from taking these supplements, one can also try out fermented foods to naturally increase their intake of probiotics:

• Yogurt
  Yogurt is another and likely the most common probiotic-rich food. It helps with digestion, gives a soothing feeling post-meals, and promotes gut health.
• Kefir
  This fermented milk drink comes loaded with probiotics and offers benefits similar to yogurts. Its tanginess adds a flavorful boost.
• Kimchi
  It is a traditional Asian side dish made from fermented vegetables, such as cabbage and radishes, providing an excellent probiotic source.
• Miso
  Miso is a seasoning made from fermented soybeans, barley, or rice; it is savory in taste and is a common probiotic.