Probiotics for Gut Health
“The composition of our gut microbiota and its activity as a microbial community is closely related to our health and well-being.”
What are probiotics for gut health?
Probiotics for gut health are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract. These beneficial bacteria form what is known as the intestinal microbiota or gut flora and must always be in balance to maintain good digestive health.
Probiotics can be found in some foods, such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, and are also available in supplement form. When consumed, probiotics can colonize the gut and improve the composition of the gut microbiota, which can provide a number of health benefits, such as improved digestion, strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation and preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, among others.
It is important to note that the benefits of probiotics vary according to the species and strain of microorganism. Just as there are intestinal probiotics, there are also vaginal probiotics with their own strains that normally live in the woman’s vagina.
How do probiotics act on the intestinal microbiota?
Probiotics for gut health act on the intestinal flora in several ways. First, they can colonize the gut and compete with pathogenic bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, which helps maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microbiota. They can also produce organic acids and other substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
In addition, probiotics can stimulate the immune system, both locally in the gut and throughout the body, helping to support immune health and thus helping to prevent infection and disease.
Probiotics can also improve food digestion and nutrient absorption, which can improve overall health.
Probiotics also have the ability to modulate the inflammatory response. Some strains of probiotics for gut health reduce intestinal inflammation, which may be beneficial in treating disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.
How do they differ from prebiotics?
As explained above, probiotics are live microorganisms, while prebiotics are non-digestible compounds found in some foods, such as dietary fiber, that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
In short, a prebiotic is the food of the probiotic.
In summary, probiotics are microorganisms that colonize the intestine and prebiotics are compounds that are not digestible by humans but are digestible by the good microorganisms in the intestine, causing them to proliferate and giving rise to their beneficial effects on digestive and general health.
What are gut health probiotics used for?
Probiotics for gut health have several advantages and potential fields of application in human health. Some of the most prominent benefits from taking them are:
Are gut probiotics safe?
In general, probiotics for gut health are safe for most people and offer a number of health benefits.
In some cases some people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as gas, bloating or diarrhea that disappear within a few days.
People with weakened immune systems should avoid taking probiotics as well as seriously ill people who should first consult with their specialist.
Top 40 Best Probiotics for Gut Health
These are our top picks for gut health:
Align Probiotic Gummies
1 billion probiotics
Gummies
1 Strain
Align Probiotic DualBiotic is a pleasant-tasting gummy containing 1 billion colony forming units (cfu) of LactoSpore®, a registered trademark containing a single probiotic species: Bacillus coagulans.
It is a product with several thousand evaluations, all very positive, made by its consumers
The microorganism it contains, Bacillus coagulans, is common in the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and diversity of the microbiota.
Unlike other acidolactic bacteria, Bacillus coagulans is the only one with the property of producing spores during its life cycle, which gives it a special resistance when crossing the gastrointestinal tract, thus reaching the final part of the large intestine practically intact.
Bacillus coagulans creates an environment that improves the absorption of nutrients, reduces digestive problems and helps fight against allergic situations. It has the capacity to produce short chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate) which are very important for their energy contribution to the intestinal cells and for creating an acid environment that hinders the growth of pathogenic species.
Clinically validated, it has proven to be a safe and effective bacterium in the treatment of diarrhea in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (1)(2).
It contains Inulin, obtained from Chicory Root, a Prebiotics fiber that reaches the large intestine and promotes the growth of the native or indigenous microbiota.
It has also been shown that the administration of Bacillus coagulans together with inulin-derived prebiotics reduces abdominal pain and improves constipation in cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (3).
Manufactured by Align Probiotic, a brand of the American group Procter & Gamble, which provides an extra guarantee to this product.
It has several thousand very positive ratings from its consumers.
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Align Probiotic Digestive Support
1 billion probiotics
Chewable tablets
1 Strain
Align Probiotic Digestive Support is a probiotic supplement with a single strain in its formula.
It contains 1 billion cfu/tablet of Bifidobacterium longum 35624. This particular strain is indicated for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as confirmed by several studies and clinical trials conducted with this strain (4)(5).
They are chewable tablets, which makes it easier to take them without the need to administer them with a drink.
It has a pleasant banana and strawberry flavor and does not have soy or gluten derivatives, which makes it suitable for people with celiac disease.
Manufactured by Align Probiotic, a brand belonging to the US multinational Procter & Gamble and with clinical applications recommended by the Clinical Guide of the Alliance for Education on Probiotics (AEProbio) in both the USA and Canada.
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Culturelle Probiotic
10 billion probiotics
Capsules
1 Strain
Culturelle Probiotic contains one of the most studied and known probiotic species: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, with almost 1000 studies and over 200 clinical trials conducted with it. It is a very robust bacterium with great resistance to passage through the gastrointestinal tract. It’s among the best probiotics for digestive health.
Each Culturelle Probiotic capsule provides 10 billion cfu of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. This product also contains Inulin, a Prebiotics fiber extracted from Chicory Root.
This strain has multiple therapeutic indications, including the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (7). It also improves intestinal discomfort such as gas and bloating.
On the other hand, this probiotic is also a good option for the reduction of the side effects produced by the treatment for the eradication of Helicobacter Pylori (8)
Highly recommended product, with many and very positive evaluations by its consumers.
Manufactured by the DSM group, a Dutch company with more than 100 years of history and whose last 20 years have been dedicated to nutrition and health solutions.
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Just Thrive probiotic
500 millon probiotics
Gummies
1 Strain
Digestive Advantage Probiotic Supplement from the American company Schiff. It contains 500 million cfu of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30.
This strain of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 has shown therapeutic efficacy in diarrhea associated with irritable bowel disorder, according to a trial conducted with 52 people with this type of pathology and which showed how patients who took the probiotic improved their symptoms compared to those who took a placebo (9)
Another similar study showed a reduction in gastrointestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, flatulence) after meals in patients taking this probiotic compared to those taking a placebo (10)
In addition, Just Thrive probiotic contains lactase, an enzyme that helps hydrolyze the lactose present in most dairy foods and which causes numerous discomforts to all those who are lactose intolerant.
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Just Thrive probiotic & antioxidant
3 billion probiotics
Capsules
4 Strains
Probiotic supplement with 4 strains of bacteria of the same genus Bacillus.
It has a total of 3 billion of microorganisms of the following strains
- Bacillus indicus HU36
- Bacillus coagulans SC-208
- Bacillus clausii SC-109
- Bacillus subtilis HU58
These are strains that have the ability to sporulate, which gives them greater resistance to other probiotics of other genera.
Among the diverse therapeutic activities that we can find in these strains, we can highlight the antioxidant activity thanks to the carotenoids that Bacillus indicus HU36 produces (11) as well as its activity against pathogenic microorganisms thanks to the production of antimicrobial substances that Bacillus subtilis HU58 carries out (12).
On the other hand, Bacillus coagulans SC-208 (1)(2) has shown therapeutic activity against diarrhea caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome and there is also an aid to the modulation of the immune system thanks to Bacillus clausii SC-109 (13).
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Garden of Life Primal Defense
5 Billon probiotics
Capsules
13 Strains
Primal Defense is Garden of Life’s line of probiotics for gut health based on a blend of microorganisms called Homeostatic® Soil Organisms (HSOs). These are microorganisms that would be naturally present in food if they had not been treated with pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals, and it is precisely these microorganisms that Garden of Life Primal Defense provides.
Each Garden of Life Primal Defense capsule contains 5 billion of 13 probiotics from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Bacillus as well as a common yeast in these products, Saccharomyces boulardii.
The recommended dose is 3 capsules per day, which is a daily dose of 15 billion cfu.
Garden of Life Primal Defense helps maintain a balanced intestinal microbiota and a strong, healthy immune system. It thus helps to regulate the intestinal movement and improves the immune system while making us have a better digestion and without discomfort.
It is a product of excellent quality and very well valued by consumers, which will provide an adequate balance of beneficial bacteria against pathogenic microorganisms while creating a healthy intestinal environment.
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Garden of Life 50 and wiser
85 billon probiotics
Capsules
32 Strains
Two specific Garden of Life Raw Probiotics products designed for men and women over 50 with probiotics for gut health, vitamins and digestive enzymes.
Both Garden of Life Raw Probiotics products have a practically similar composition with 85 billion microorganisms from 32 species of beneficial bacteria, among which are 10 species of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and 22 probiotic species derived from kefir that also has this product since in its composition there is also a kefir culture concentrate that is a natural probiotic obtained from fermented milk and with some resemblance to yogurt.
The only difference that exists between them is the amount of some of the minerals that there are in the product since this one varies according to the product for men or for women.
In addition, in the case of the Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for men over 50, the presence of Lactobacillus fermentum stands out, with beneficial properties for maintaining cholesterol within the correct range (14).
In the case of Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for women over 50, the presence of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two very important probiotic species for women’s vaginal health, stands out. The microbiota is mainly formed by bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and tends to decrease with age.
In addition to more than 30 probiotics, Garden of Life Raw Probiotics also has 9 vitamins (vitamin C, D, E and several B group vitamins) with a contribution close to 100% of the daily needs depending on whether you are a man or a woman.
Garden of Life Raw Probiotics also provides essential minerals, Calcium, Iodine, Magnesium, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium and Molybdenum that are involved in essential processes in our body and that we do not always acquire with our diet.
Finally, to facilitate digestion, the product also has several digestive enzymes such as lactase, which degrades the lactose in milk, or proteases, for the digestion of proteins.
In short, Garden of Life Raw Probiotics is a very complete product because of its great amount of probiotic, vitamins, minerals and digestive enzymes. It has numerous positive evaluations by its consumers and also has the guarantee of Garden Of Life, one of the main manufacturers of probiotic products in the United States.
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Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care
100 billon probiotics
Capsules
34 Strains
Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Ultimate Care has no less than 100 billion of a total of 34 beneficial bacteria, many of them derived from kefir, making it one of the most powerful probiotics on the market.
These microorganisms included in this product help digestion, promote regularity, support the immune system and help to have an intestinal microbiota balanced with a healthy bacterial population since what this product does is to replace all those bacteria that for various reasons, treatments, medication, age, etc. have been decreasing.
Garden of Life RAW Microbiome Ultimate Care also contains digestive enzymes – proteases – that help digest proteins as well as fruits such as Red Bell Pepper that provide vitamins (including vitamin A, vitamin C or vitamin K) and antioxidants.
Finally, it also contains Green Pea, Carrot, Plum, Cherry, Strawberry and Raspberry which also provide minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
It is therefore a very complete product, with a large amount of probiotics for gut health from more than 30 different species in addition to the contribution of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Garden of Life ensures that in its Raw Probiotics line all its components are kept at low temperature throughout the manufacturing process, storage and transport, so that all its components are kept intact as they have not been degraded by the effect of heat.
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Garden of Life Ultra Probiotic
90 billon probiotics
Capsules
15 Strains
In this case, it is a very potent probiotic supplement from Garden of Life as it contains 90 billion of 15 probiotics for gut health. It’s probably the best probiotic with lactobacillus acidophilus. It’s probably the best probiotic with bifidobacterium lactis hn019.
In this way, the health of the microbiota or intestinal flora and especially the large intestine, specifically the colon, is enhanced. The presence of the Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM ® strain stands out, a bacterium which, in combination with Bifidobacterium infantis, has shown an improvement in the symptoms (abdominal pain, swelling, diarrhea, etc.) in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, according to a study carried out with 26 patients with this pathology (6)
Like other probiotics from Garden of Life Dr. Formulated, it contains Potato Resistant Starch and Acacia Fiber, two prebiotics that promote the development of indigenous microbiota in the gut.
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Garden of Life Probiotics Urinary Tract
50 billon probiotics
Capsules
16 Strains
Probiotic supplement specially designed for the prevention of urinary tract infections, especially in women, as this is one of the most common infections of the female gender.
This probiotic is formulated with a compound called Pacran®, a registered trademark of Decas Botanical Synergies, with Cranberry powder that has been shown to be effective to support urinary tract health, since it contains proanthocyanidins, the active component responsible for this antiseptic activity (15).
It has 50 billion of 16 probiotic species, among them Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Lactobacillus reuteri, being the latter a very important microorganism due to its presence in the vaginal microbiota.
Probiotic very suitable for women since in addition to its antiseptic activity of the urinary tract, it also contains vitamin D3, very important for the absorption of calcium and therefore also important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
As with other probiotic products from Garden of Life Dr. Formulated probiotics, it also contains prebiotics, specifically potato Resistant Starch and Acacia fiber. Prebiotics fiber promote the growth of native microbiota in the intestine.
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Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Prostate
50 Billon probiotics
Capsules
15 Strains
Another Garden of Life probiotics specially designed for men over 45 for its ability to prevent urinary tract disorders and especially those related to benign prostate hyperplasia.
This therapeutic effect is due to the presence of a compound called Fowens® formulated from Cranberry and responsible for this activity, as demonstrated in a clinical study conducted on 124 volunteers with high PSA values (16).
This Garden of Life product also has 50 billion of 15 different probiotic species. Its formula also includes vitamin D3, very important, among other functions, in the absorption of calcium.
Finally, it also has prebiotics fiber, specifically Resistant Starch and Acacia Fiber.
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Garden of Life Mood Probiotics
50 billon probiotics
Capsules
16 Strains
Garden of Life Probiotic Supplement with 50 billion of 16 microbial species
In addition to its properties for the rebalancing and balance of the intestinal microbiota, what stands out in this product is the presence of the strains Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175.
In a study conducted on 25 volunteers, it was shown that the oral administration of these bacterial strains has beneficial effects for the treatment of psychological problems related to stress which makes it especially indicated in those patients who have a certain tendency to anxiety and depression situations related to stress (17).
On the other hand, it also contains Ashwagandha root. This compound is not a probiotic. It is a herb to which numerous medicinal properties are attributed. One of the best knowns is its ability to reduce stress (18).
It also contains various derivatives of the Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) with antioxidant properties.
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Garden of Life Probiotics Digestive and Immune care
90 Billon probiotics
Capsules
11 Strains
Garden of Life Probiotics with 90 billion of 11 different probiotic species
In Garden of Life Probiotics Immune + the presence in the formula of the Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 strains stands out, all of them very well studied and with very specific therapeutic applications.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is perhaps the most studied bacteria and on which more clinical trials have been conducted. It is a bacterium that has been well studied in relation to its activity on the immune system (19).
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, very studied in the treatment of the symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome (1)(2) and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 that improves the transit time through the gut, reduces symptoms of intestinal disorders (constipation, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain) (20) and stimulates the cellular response of the immune system (21).
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Renew Life Probiotic
15-50 Billon probiotics
Capsules
12 Strains
A product of Renew Life probiotic, a company with more than 25 years in the probiotic supplements sector and which has in its portfolio a series of probiotic supplements of identical formula but different presentations of 15, 30 and 50 billion cfu of beneficial microorganisms.
Renew Life probiotic contains the strains Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 which together with Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 have been shown to improve digestive health, with a lower incidence of diarrhea.
Similarly, this group of bacteria provides a rebalancing of the microbiota or intestinal flora with a capacity to modulate the immune system and reduce the incidence of bacterial vaginosis in women (22).
It also includes Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 that improves gastrointestinal transit in patients with constipation problems (20).
The formula also contains Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® a combination that supports the immune system. In a study of 465 people, this combination of probiotics was shown to have an effect on the incidence of colds, so people taking these two bacteria had a lower incidence than those taking a placebo. There was also a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (23).
Also, noteworthy is the presence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a much studied strain and, as we have already mentioned when discussing Culturelle probiotics, it is a very robust probiotic with therapeutic capacity in the treatment of diarrhea associated with antibiotics, as well as for treating the side effects produced during the treatment of eradication of Helicobacter pylori (7).
Very complete probiotic supplement, with registered and patented strains and with several applications to improve health.
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Nature’s Way Fortify Probiotic
50 Billon probiotics
Capsules
7 Strains
Fortify Optima has 50 billion of microorganism and is therefore one of the probiotics for gut health on the market with the largest number of beneficial bacteria.
Formula specially designed for men and women over 50 to restore the microbiota that is lost as we age. The strains contained in the formula are:
- Bifidobacterium lactis (Bl-04®)
- Bifidobacterium infantis (Bi-26)
- Bifidobacterium lactis (Bl-07®)
- Bifidobacterium lactis/bifidum (Bb-02)
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14)
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM®)
- Lactobacillus gasseri (Lg-36)
Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04® stands out for its therapeutic efficacy in allergic processes such as hay fever, and Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-07® has the ability to modulate the immune system and combat digestive discomfort by stabilizing the intestinal microbiota, and more obviously, discomfort that is due to treatment with antibiotics.
On the other hand, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® together with Bifidobacterium infantis has shown its efficacy in the treatment of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (6) and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, a well studied strain, is very resistant to gastrointestinal conditions (acid and bile) and with great capacity of adhesion to epithelial cells that prevent the proliferation of pathogenic species.
The seven probiotic strains come from the American company Danisco (Dupont), which always offers probiotics for gut health of proven quality and with numerous clinical trials that support their efficacy.
Another probiotic from the American company Nature’s Way.
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Visbiome Probiotics
112.5 Billon probiotics
Capsules
8 Strains
Visbiome Probiotics contains the original VSL#3 formula, which was designed by Dr. Claudio De Simone, and which until 2016, was marketed under the trade name VSL#3. Since then, the VSL#3 trade name product does not contain Dr. Simione’s original formula but another very similar one, but without the clinical studies that support the original formula.
The Visbiome Probiotics formula, and therefore Dr. Simone’s original formula, contains 112.5 billion of the following 8 strains:
- Lactobacillus paracasei DSM 24733/SD5218
- Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 24730/SD5209
- Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 24735/SD5212
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus DSM 24734/SD5210,
- Bifidobacterium longum DSM 24736/SD5220,
- Bifidobacterium infantis DSM 24737/SD5219,
- Bifidobacterium breve DSM 24732/SD5206,
- Streptococcus thermophilus DSM 24731/SD5207.
Visbiome has shown therapeutic activity in the treatment of diarrhea in children caused by rotavirus (24), as well as in diarrhea associated with antibiotics (25) and in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as diarrhea (26) and bloating (27) Also noteworthy is its use for remission of ulcerative colitis as demonstrated in a clinical trial conducted on 34 patients with this pathology (28).
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Florastor Probiotic Capsules
? Billon probiotics
Capsules
1 Strain
Florastor is a probiotic supplement with a single strain, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. It is a healthy yeast for the gut and therefore balances the intestinal microbiota.
The Saccharomyces boulardii lyo CNCM I-745 yeast is indicated for various pathologies that produce diarrhea, associated with antibiotics (29), traveler’s diarrhea (30)(31), as well as in the diarrhea produced by Clostridium difficile (32). This is also stated in the World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines recently updated in February 2023.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 improves digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes and improving digestive problems due to enzyme deficiency. Also, patients with diarrhea benefit from this probiotic due to improved enzyme activity and osmotic effects that make the stools less liquid (33).
It has also shown its efficacy as a treatment for the eradication of Helicobacter Pilory (34).
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Nature’s way Pearls Probiotic
1 Billon probiotics
Capsules
6 Strains
Pearls Probiotic is another product of Nature’s way, an American company with more than 50 years in the natural health products market and with a wide range of products.
Nature’s way Pearls Probiotic is one of the most highly rated and best valued products. Unlike other manufacturers, all the probiotics in this product are registered strains from world-renowned collections.
Each pearl probiotics has 1 billion viable bacteria from a total of 6 probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lr-32®
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04®
- Bifidobacterium longum BB536
- Bifidobacterium breve M-16V
- Bifidobacterium bifidum bb-02
The exclusive formula of Probiotic Pearls includes a capsule with a special coating that makes it more resistant to the acidic environment of the stomach and bile, thus ensuring that the microorganisms reach the intestine without being previously degraded.
All of them are very common probiotic bacteria among probiotics for gut health and care of the colon, the final part of the large intestine, as well as probiotics that also strengthen the immune system.
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V has been tested in several thousand children with numerous studies, where it has been seen how this microorganism stimulates the increase of bifidobacteria in their intestine.
Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 has been widely studied for its therapeutic effect on immunity and allergies, as well as diarrhea associated with antibiotics.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® is one of the most studied probiotic strains in vitro and with more clinical trials in both humans and animals, being one of the best probiotics today. It has enormous potential to strengthen general health and gastrointestinal health in particular, as well as to boost immune function and reduce the disruption caused by antibiotic intake and irritable bowel symptoms.
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Nature’s way fortify age 50 probiotic review
1 Billon probiotics
Capsules
5 Strains
Nature’s way Pearls Probiotic – For the over 50s it is focused on an older patient where the presence of bifidobacteria declines over the years.
To this end, Nature’s Way offers Pearls Adult 50+ with 1 billion 5 bifidobacteria:
- Bifidobacterium longum BB536
- Bifidobacterium breve M-16V
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04®
- Bifidobacterium infantis M-63
- Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02
Bifidobacteria intake helps return the proper level of bifidobacteria to the intestine, which decreases as we age.
In addition, daily consumption protects against occasional bloating, constipation, and digestive discomfort. It helps to have more regularity, immunity and health in the colon.
The product is supplied in capsules (pearls) which, like the previous product, also has a triple layer that gives it greater resistance to passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
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Nature’s way Probiotics
1 Billon probiotics
Capsules
4 Strains
Another Nature’s Way probiotic. As is customary with this brand, it always identifies not only the species but also the strain which also denotes a product quality that is not always available from competitors.
In this case it is a probiotic with 1 billion bacteria from 4 strains:
- Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®
- Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04
- Bifidobacterium longum BB536
The strains used by Nature’s Way in this product are from prestigious companies such as the American Danisco (Dupont) or the Japanese Morinaga Milk.
L. acidophilus NCFM®(a Howaru probiotic) is one of the most studied strains with proven therapeutic ability in treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation (6).
L. plantarum LP-115 has showed an ability to increase the immune response with increased IgG (35).
In another study, in this case in a combination with B. lactis BI-04 and L. acidophilus NCFM® showed to reduce the symptomatology in the case of birch pollen allergy (36).
B. longum BB536 is the strain registered by the Japanese company Morinaga Milk. Although it is not well known among the probiotic products we usually find on the market, it is a clinically documented bacterium with healthy effects for the body by modulating the microbiota, improving intestinal health and alleviating allergic disorders (37).
A differentiating characteristic of this product is the presence of Lactoferrin, a protein present in breast milk which has, among other properties, the protection of the organism against infections playing a fundamental role in the immune response (38).
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Nutrition Essentials Probiotic
90 Billon probiotics
Capsules
11 Strains
Symbiotic Probiotic Supplement from Nutrition Essentials with a 900 billion probiotic of bacillus coagulans 15 B and a prebiotic fiber, FOS (Fructooligosaccharides).
This is one of the best-selling products on the internet, with almost 40,000 positive comments from its consumers.
It is a product that also has a much higher probiotic load than the rest, since it has no less than 900 billion CFU’s of Bacillus coagulans,
Among its properties, improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in both children (39) and adults (40).
It is also effective in treating women who are on antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis (41) as well as patients with acute diarrhea (42) and for treating constipation (43).
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Healthy Origins Probiotic
30 Billon probiotics
Capsules
8 Strains
Probiotic from Healthy Origins, an American company with a wide range of health products.
Healthy Origin Probiotic has 30 billion of 8 strains:
- Lactobacillus. acidophilus La-14
- Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33
- Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lr-32
- Lactobacillus casei Lc-11.
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04
- Bifidobacterium longum Bl-05
- Bifidobacterium breve Bb-03
The 8 strains are correctly identified, something that not all manufacturers do, and are from the firm Danisco (Dupont) one of the most internationally recognized probiotic producers.
Among their beneficial properties, the capacity of resistance to stomach acid and bile, the inhibition of growth of pathogenic microorganisms and the modulation of the immune system stand out.
They are also strains with a long history of use, which makes the product safer. It is therefore a product that has all the guarantees of recognized strains and with clinical studies that demonstrate its therapeutic effectiveness.
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Nature’s Bounty Probiotic
20 Billon probiotics
Capsules
10 Strains
A very complete probiotic supplement with 20 billion of 10 probiotics strains:
- Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
- Lactobacillus paracasei DSM 13434
- Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 15312
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lb-87
- Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35
- Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33
- Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04.
- Lactobacillus casei Lc-11
One of the strains is Lactobacillus plantarum 299v with therapeutic effects for diarrhea (44)(45). This strain is also recommended for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, as confirmed by clinical studies (46)(47)(48).
In addition, Nature’s Bounty probiotic is formulated with Lactobacillus paracasei DSM 13434 and Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 15312, with studies demonstrating their therapeutic efficacy in reducing the risk of contracting the common cold (49).
Also, noteworthy is the presence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lb-87 with a high capacity to adhere to the intestinal wall, thus inhibiting colonization by pathogenic bacteria. This last characteristic is also present in Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33 and Lactobacillus casei Lc-11, two other probiotics present in the formula of this Nature’s Bounty probiotic.
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Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics
70 Billon probiotics
Capsules
10 Strains
Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotic containing 70 billion of 10 strains of probiotics:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1®
- Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12
- Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05
- Lactobacillus casei UALc-03
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus DSM 33560
- Lactobacillus salivarius UALs-07
- Lactobacillus brevis UALbr-02
- Bifidobacterium longum UABl-14
- Bifidobacterium bifidum UAB-10
- Streptococcus thermophilus UASt-09
It is one of the probiotics for gut health with the highest concentration of beneficial bacteria for the organism (70 billion) in addition to being a common species in this type of probiotic products.
All the strains are from Chr. Hansen, which guarantees safety and efficacy. Some of them are from the Science Chr. Hansen range, which means more documentation on them and with more supporting clinical data.
Among them, the Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS®-1 strain stands out, as this is a strain from UAS Lab LLC, a company with more than 35 years in the field of probiotics, and which has been studied in clinical trials in both animals and humans.
Among the beneficial effects of this Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS®-1 strain, we have:
- Reduces the duration of respiratory infections as demonstrated in a study of 225 children (50).
- Production capacity of acidophilin, an anti-pathogenic substance avoiding being colonized by “bad” bacteria.
- Reduces symptoms of lactose intolerance, diarrhea, vomiting and cramping (51).
- Constipation
- In combination with species of the genus Bifidobacterium, it improves the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (52).
- Prevention of Traveler’s Diarrhea
- It is also a strain capable of surviving passage through the gastrointestinal tract and modulating intestinal microbiota.
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New Chapter Probiotics
5 Billon probiotics
Capsules
3 Strains
This probiotic supplement has a total of 10 billion cfu from 3 strains, 5 billion of the strains Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and another 5 billion strains of Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast with beneficial effects.
Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 improve the problems of irregularity as well as hard stools, according to a clinical study conducted with 300 patients (53).
They also improve symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome according to a clinical study conducted in 70 IBS patients (54).
On the other hand, Saccharomyces boulardii is able to bind to pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella, preventing them from colonizing the digestive system. It creates a hostile environment for pathogenic microorganisms through the synthesis of some acids derived from capric and caproic acid.
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Andrew Lessman Probiotics
10-25 Billon probiotics
Capsules
4 Strains
It is a mixture of 4 beneficial probiotic, 10 billion or 25 billion of good bacteria for our organism.
- Bifidobacterium lactis HN019/BL-04
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14
- Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115
- Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37
As it has been already commented in other products containing Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, it is a microorganism that improves the gastrointestinal transit in patients with constipation problems (20).
Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04, on the other hand, stimulates the immune system. In a study of 115 people, prior administration of Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 was shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infection in the group taking the probiotic compared to the group taking the placebo (55).
It also contains the strains Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 that together with Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 have been shown to improve digestive health, a lower incidence of diarrhea, modulation of the immune system and a lower incidence of bacterial vaginosis in women while providing a rebalancing of the microbiota or intestinal flora (22).
Probiotic from the brand Andrew Lessman, name of the founder of ProCaps, an American company dedicated to probiotic supplements and vitamins (Andrew Lessman vitamins) for more than 30 years.
Product with many beneficial properties for the organism despite the fact that its formula has only 4 probiotic strains.
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TruBiotics Daily Probiotic
2 Billon probiotics
Capsules
2 Strains
Probiotic supplement from the well-known German laboratory Bayer. It has 2 billion CFUs of two of the most studied probiotic strain combinations: Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12.
This combination of probiotic microorganisms has shown numerous therapeutic effects in the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea (56), constipation (57) as well as in accelerating the recovery of the microbiota or intestinal flora after treatment with antibiotics (58).
Very simple formula with only 2 probiotics for gut health and not very powerful, with only 2 billion cfu. Despite this, the guarantee is given by the fact that the laboratory behind it is Bayer, one of the best known worldwide.
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Thorne FloraSport Probiotics
20 Billon probiotics
Capsules
4 Strains
Probiotic supplement with a premix called Howaru® Restore made up of 20 billion of these 4 probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®
- Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37™
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07™
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04™
These 4 strains have been shown to have excellent therapeutic efficacy in patients with diarrhea due to antibiotics, reducing the number of episodes, shorter duration of the diarrhea and less liquid stools as well as a reduction in symptoms associated with diarrhea such as fever, abdominal pain and bloating (61).
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Genestra Brands HMF Travel
35 Billon probiotics
Capsules
5 Strains
Genestra Probiotic contains a mixture of 35 billion of the strains
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60)
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-21)
- Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL-20)
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL-34)
- Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 which is indicated for various situations that produce diarrhea, such as traveler’s diarrhea (29)(30)
These strains of Bifidbacterium and Lactobacillus form the so-called Lab4® consortium with numerous clinical studies that support their beneficial properties in adults, children and infants on digestive and immune health and even mood.
Some of these properties are to reduce colds, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, improved immune function, reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and even reduced anxiety.(23)(24).
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Hyperbiotics Pro 15
5 Billon probiotics
Capsules
15 Strains
Probiotic from the company Hyperbiotics with 5 billion of 15 probiotic strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium:
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Lactobacillus casei
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Streptococcus thermophilus) which are some of the most common species and have benefits at the intestinal level, improving digestive processes and strengthening the immune system.
None of the species indicates which strain is involved, which prevents a direct relationship between the different species and the benefits for the organism.
What differentiates this product from the rest of the competition is the use of BIO-tract®, a technology patented by Probi USA Inc. and which, according to the manufacturer, confers resistance to probiotics when they pass through the gastrointestinal tract, resisting the very acidic pH of the stomach and thus guaranteeing that they reach the intestine alive and intact, which is where they carry out their function.
With this BIO-tract®, Hyperbiotics claims to have 15 times more survival of microorganisms than competing probiotics supplements using standard capsules.
Hyperbiotic is a North American company, based in Nevada. It has a wide range of health supplement products.
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Pro 50 Vitamin Bounty
50 Billon probiotics
Capsules
13 Strains
Symbiotic that provides 50 billion cfu of 13 strains of a Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as well as the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii de las que no especifica su cepa.
It also contains several types of fiber that act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of microbiota native:
- Hordeum vulgaris
- Avena sativa (this one even with properties to lower cholesterol level (59)
- Triticum aestivum,
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) also with properties to lower cholesterol (60)
Vitamin Bounty Pro 50 Probiotic has several thousand positive comments from its consumers.
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Flora Advanced Adult Probiotic
34 Billon probiotics
Capsules
7 Strains
Probiotic with 34 billion microorganisms of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
These are strains of the Canadian company Lallemand Inc, with almost 100 years dedicated to the development of bacteria, yeasts and probiotics for gut health.
There is not much published information about these strains in particular, although there are some studies that show that the strains Bifidobacterium bifidum HA-132, Bifidobacterium breve HA-129, Bifidobacterium longum HA-135, Lactobacillus acidophilus HA-122 and Lactobacillus plantarum HA-119 are able to rebalance the microbiota in elderly patients who take a diet rich in protein as a result of sarcopenia they suffer due to age (62)
However, the species contained in this product are common in intestinal probiotics and therefore exert their function of rebalancing the microbiota when it is altered by some treatment (e.g. treatment with antibiotics)
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Solgar Probiotics – Acidophilus 40+ Plus
1.5 Billon probiotics
Capsules
5 Strains
Solgar is a North American company with recognized prestige in the field of nutritional supplements for more than 70 years and since 2021 is part of Nestlé, which gives us a plus of product guarantee.
Solgar Acidophilus 40+ is administered in capsules and each one has 1,500 million microorganisms of the probiotic species:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5
- Lactobacillus paracasei (L.casei 431)
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12
- Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4
Unlike other brands and manufacturers, Solgar declares in its labeling the specific strain of each species. It is also in this case of registered strains from collections of recognized prestige such as Chr. Hansen and Valio Ltd.
Among the benefits identified in these strains we have L. acidophilus LA-5 and B. lactis BB-12, which are two strains that have been generally studied together because of the symbiosis that exists between them, besides being very safe, with good tolerance and without adverse effects. This combination of L. acidophilus LA-5 and B lactis BB-12 has been shown to improve constipation in elderly patients (63).
It also has L. rhamnosus GG, which together with the combination of LA-5 and BB-12 was able to normalize the microbiota more quickly after antibiotic treatment (64).
Regarding L. casei 431®, it is one of the strains with more studies. It is related to a better immune response before symptoms of respiratory infections, reducing their duration (65).
Finally, let us mention Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4, one of the only two species recognized as part of yogurt. It is associated with improved gastrointestinal function, reducing discomfort, especially when administered together with B lactis BB-12 as in this case.
A very complete probiotic supplement with patented strains from renowned collections of recognized prestige.
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Solgar Probiotics Ultibio
20 Billon probiotics
Capsules
1 Strains
Solgar Ultibio contains in its formula 20 billion ufc of a single probiotic strain: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v. Numerous studies have been carried out on this strain that confirm its therapeutic capacity and indication for the treatment of diarrhea as well as for the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
According to the Alliance for Education on Probiotics (AEProbio) of the United States and Canada, this is a strain for which studies have confirmed its indication for the treatment of diarrhea (43)(44)
Similarly, the Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strain is recommended for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, as confirmed by studies (45)(46)(47)
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Now Probiotic 10
25-100 Billon probiotics
Capsules
10 Strains
Product with 10 probiotic strains. All of them are strains from the firm Danisco, dedicated to health supplements and belonging to the Dupont group, one of the largest North American industrial groups.
The product has several presentations: 25, 50 and 100 billion cells of the same probiotic microorganisms:
It is composed of 6 lactobacilli:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14
- Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115
- Lactobacillus casei Lc-11
- Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lr-32
- Lactobacillus salivarius Ls-33
together with 3 bifidobacteria:
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04
- Bifidobacterium breve Bb-03
- Bifidobacterium longum BI-05
and a streptococcus,
- Streptococcus thermophilus St-21.
In addition to the beneficial effects of bifidobacteria for the rebalancing of the gastrointestinal tract, a study revealed how the strains L. paracasei Lpc-37, B. lactis Bl-04, L. acidophilus La-14, and L. plantarum Lp-115 show an ability to improve intestinal health, reducing the negative effects of antibiotic intake, diarrhea, as well as a modulation and rebalancing of intestinal microbiota (22).
S. thermophilus acts in the same way (66), being also one of the few two species that are part of the authentic yogurt.
The product has several presentations: 25, 50 and 100 billion cells of the same probiotic microorganisms and with excellent positive comments from consumers.
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Inessa Probiotics
10 Billon probiotics
Capsules
1 Strain
Product with a single probiotic: 10 billion cfu of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
It is important to note that this particular strain (GG) is the one on which most studies (about 1000) and clinical trials (about 200) have been conducted. It is a robust strain, stimulates the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and secretes antimicrobial substances such as mucins that prevent the proliferation of pathogens.
It strengthens the immune system and has very positive effects on digestion as well as on the treatment of diarrhea (66)(67).
It also has L-Glutamine, one of the essential amino acids very important as a source of intestinal energy and with a very important role in the functioning of the Tight Junctions of the intestinal cells that allow having the correct intestinal permeability (68).
Unlike other products, this one does not contain any type of prebiotic which avoids possible intolerance problems that can occur and is also suitable for those people who are following a low fiber diet, such as the low FODMAP diet (Low Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyol). It is a good choice as a probiotic since its composition has been widely studied and verified. The product is manufactured by Inessa, a British company with more than 10 years dedicated to health care products and with very good evaluations by its consumers.
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Olympian Labs Probiotic
25 Billon probiotics
Capsules
8 Strains
Probiotic from the American company Olympian Labs. It has several probiotic products in its portfolio.
In the case of Complete Prebiotic & Probiotic, the product contains 25 billion 8 strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The strains used in this product originate from the Canadian company Lallemand Health Solution, founded almost 100 years ago and consolidated internationally as a manufacturer of probiotics.
Although the product has the guarantee of having strains of recognized origin, we cannot specify certain therapeutic activities and clinical applications of these strains since it has not been possible to find publications of research or clinical trials carried out with these Lallemand strains that allow us to state for which particular pathology one or another strain is recommended.
Like other similar products, it also has FOS, a fructooligosaccharide that acts as a prebiotic fiber.
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Phillips Colon Health Probiotic
1.75 Billon probiotics
Capsules
3 Strains
Probiotic supplement of the Phillips brand, with almost 100 years of experience in the world of digestive health and belonging to the German multinational Bayer.
It is a probiotic with 1.75 billion viable cells from 3 strains of microorganisms: Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2.
One of the characteristics of this product is its therapeutic activity against the symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to a clinical study carried out with 173 people who were given these three probiotic strains or a placebo. The group that took the probiotics improved their symptoms compared to those who took the placebo (69).
Independently of this therapeutic activity against the symptoms of seasonal allergies, the strains contained in the product are part of our intestinal microbiota, so its intake also promotes a balance of the intestinal flora thus eliminating alterations such as constipation, diarrhea or bloating.
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Physicians choice Probiotic
60 Billon probiotics
Capsules
10 Strains
Best-selling probiotic supplement, with thousands of positive reviews from consumers.
Contains 60 billion viable microorganisms of the following 10 strains:
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium breve
In addition to these 60 billion microogranisms, this product also has an additional mix of prebiotics, based on Jerusalem Artichoke root, which contains:
- Inulin, a very common prebiotic that stimulates the growth of the native flora
- Acacia Senegal, which provides gum acacia with a lot of fiber
- Chicory root, another prebiotic fiber component that together with the other two, promotes the growth of the native microbiota.
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Klaire Labs Probiotic
25 Billon probiotics
Capsules
12 Strains
Klaire Labs probiotic has in its portfolio the product Ther-Biotic Complete, a supplement with 25 billion of 12 species of bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Streptococcus thermophilus
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium breve
These are common bacterial species in the human gut, although the strain of each is not specified, so it cannot be related to specific clinical studies.
Despite this it has not few reviews from its consumers, most of them very positive.
The manufacturer claims to have a patented technology called Intactic that protects the probiotics from gastric juices and allows them to reach the intestine intact. I have not been able to find any information on this.
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All bibliographic references to scientific articles —-> Here
Degree in Pharmacy – Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Specialist in Chemical Analysis – Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Master in Pharmaceutical Industry – CESIF Madrid.
Diploma in Ophthalmic Optics – Universidad de Barcelona
Diploma in Optics and Optometry – Universidad de Granada
Other Types of Probiotics
