Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConsider Your Health GoalsUnderstanding Different Probiotic StrainsDosageCapsules, Powders, and FoodsExpiration DatesStorageCostReading LabelsSafety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Consider Your Health Goals
Understanding Different Probiotic Strains
Dosage
Capsules, Powders, and Foods
Expiration Dates
Storage
Cost
Reading Labels
Safety
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer a range of health benefits.Commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and blue cheese, they are also available as dietary supplements.
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Choosing a Dietary SupplementIn the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription medications. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
Choosing a Dietary Supplement
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription medications. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
Probiotics can support many health goals, from improving gut health to managing conditions like anxiety, eczema, and high cholesterol. The effectiveness of specific probiotic strains may vary depending on the condition you’re targeting. So, matching the correct strain with your health needs is essential.
Clinical trials studying probiotics for specific conditions include the following:
By understanding the specific benefits of different probiotic strains, you can make a better-informed decision that aligns with your health goals. This may improve your well-being and help prevent or manage conditions more effectively.
Supplements
Not allprobioticsare created equal. While many can be effective for certain conditions, others may not have the same benefits.
Keep in mind that some products on the market contain several probiotic strains.For example, RenewLife Ultimate Flora Women’s Care Probiotic contains multiple strains ofBifidobacteriumandLactobacillus.
Common probiotic strains you’ll find in dietary supplements include the following.
Prebiotics vs. ProbioticsIt’s essential to distinguish probiotics from prebiotics. Prebiotics are sugars that are used as energy sources for organisms in the gut.Products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics are known as synbiotics. These combinations may help probiotics live longer in the gastrointestinal tract.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
It’s essential to distinguish probiotics from prebiotics. Prebiotics are sugars that are used as energy sources for organisms in the gut.Products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics are known as synbiotics. These combinations may help probiotics live longer in the gastrointestinal tract.
How Much Do I Need?
Probiotic dosages are measured as colony-forming units (CFUs). On a product label, CFU tells you how many living cells are in a product.
On average, a probiotic dose contains 1 to 10 billion CFUs.Some probiotic doses contain 50 billion CFUs or more.
Remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean the product is more effective.Depending on how a product has been stored or how old it is, the actual number of CFUs in a product may differ from what is listed on the label.
The Best Time of Day to Take Probiotics, According to Science
Probiotics are available in many different formulations, including the following:
Although there is not enough research to know which forms are most effective, foods containing probiotics offer additional nutrients and benefits for your health. Expiration dates and storage considerations may make some products preferable.
In addition, if you are lactose-intolerant, make sure you choose probiotic sources other than dairy products.
The Importance of Expiration Dates
Because probiotics are live organisms, note the expiration date on your product to ensure its effectiveness when you take it.
A study of 33 expired probiotic supplements found that many were still viable (containing live organisms), but only five contained the labeled CFU after their expiration date.
The bottom line is that while taking an expired probiotic may not hurt you, it’s also less likely to provide health benefits.
Storage Considerations
Storage guidelines can vary depending on how a particular probiotic product was manufactured. Always follow the manufacturer’s storage directions for any dietary supplement you take.
Here are a few specific considerations to consider if you take probiotic supplements.
By following proper storage guidelines and considering factors like temperature, packaging, and expiration dates, you can ensure that your probiotics remain effective and safe.
The Cost of Probiotics
Probiotics typically cost about $1 a day. However, prices can vary depending on the brand, the specific probiotic strain, the form (capsules, powders, liquids), and the number of servings in a bottle.Some high-potency or specialty formulas may cost more.
What to Look For When Reading Labels
When choosing a probiotic supplement, make sure that the product’s label includes the following:
By carefully reviewing your label for these critical details, you can ensure that you’re selecting a high-quality probiotic supplement that meets your specific health needs and remains effective throughout the product’s shelf life.
Are Probiotics Safe for Me?
Limited data exist on the potential side effects of probiotics, but most research suggests that they are generally safe for most people.Common probiotic strains found in foods or naturally present in the gut are typically well-tolerated.
That said, probiotics may cause mild side effects in some individuals, including the following:
Premature babies, very sick people, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience adverse reactions from probiotics.Though very rare, the use of probiotics in these populations may be associated with bacterial or fungal infections of the bloodstream.
When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider if probiotics are a good choice for you.
Summary
Probiotics are live microorganisms found in some foods and supplements that may improve health. Research shows they may help manage conditions like eczema, diarrhea, and IBS, though different strains work for different issues. Consult your healthcare provider to choose the right strain for you.
Side effects are usually mild, primarily affecting the digestive system. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, premature infants, or critically ill patients may be at higher risk for serious infections and should only use probiotics under close supervision of their healthcare provider.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Probiotics.Maftei NM, Raileanu CR, Balta AA, et al.The potential impact of probiotics on human health: an update on their health-promoting properties.Microorganisms. 2024;12(2):234. Published 2024 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/microorganisms12020234Sniffen JC, McFarland LV, Evans CT, et al.Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: an evidence-based practical guide.PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0209205. Published 2018 Dec 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209205Ho YT, Tsai YC, Kuo TBJ, Yang CCH.Effects ofLactobacillus plantarumPS128 on depressive symptoms and sleep quality in self-reported insomniacs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2820. doi:10.3390/nu13082820Lew LC, Hor YY, Yusoff NAA, et al.ProbioticLactobacillus plantarumP8 alleviated stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(5):2053-2064. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.09.010Li L, Han Z, Niu X, et al.Probiotic supplementation for prevention of atopic dermatitis in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019;20(3):367-377. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0404-3Zhao M, Shen C, Ma L.Treatment efficacy of probiotics on atopic dermatitis, zooming in on infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2018;57(6):635-641. doi:10.1111/ijd.13873Camilleri M.Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a review [published correction appears in JAMA. 2021 Apr 20;325(15):1568. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.4833].JAMA. 2021;325(9):865-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.22532Gajendran M, Loganathan P, Jimenez G, et al.A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis.Dis Mon. 2019;65(12):100851. doi:10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.02.004Kaur L, Gordon M, Baines PA, et al.Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD005573. Published 2020 Mar 4. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005573.pub3Choi CH, Moon W, Kim YS, et al.Second Korean guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis.Intest Res. 2017;15(1):7-37. doi:10.5217/ir.2017.15.1.7Shimizu M, Hashiguchi M, Shiga T, et al.Meta-analysis: effects of probiotic supplementation on lipid profiles in normal to mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0139795. Published 2015 Oct 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139795Ghelardi E, Mazzantini D, Celandroni F, et al.Analysis of the microbial content of probiotic products commercialized worldwide and survivability in conditions mimicking the human gut environment.Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1127321. Published 2023 May 5. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127321DailyMed.RESTORA RX (folic acid, lactobacillus casei- ke-99 capsule).National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.Markowiak P, Śliżewska K.Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health.Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/nu9091021Campaniello D, Bevilacqua A, Speranza B, et al.A narrative review on the use of probiotics in several diseases. Evidence and perspectives.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1209238. Published 2023 Jul 10. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1209238Wilcox H, Carr C, Seney S, et al.Expired probiotics: what is really in your cabinet?FEMS Microbes. 2020;1(1):xtaa007. Published 2020 Nov 6. doi:10.1093/femsmc/xtaa007Brüssow H.Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical tests: an update.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1157. Published 2019 Jul 22. doi:10.12688/f1000research.19043.1Rodgers B, Kirley K, Mounsey A.PURLs: prescribing an antibiotic? Pair it with probiotics.J Fam Pract. 2013;62(3):148-150.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Probiotics.Maftei NM, Raileanu CR, Balta AA, et al.The potential impact of probiotics on human health: an update on their health-promoting properties.Microorganisms. 2024;12(2):234. Published 2024 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/microorganisms12020234Sniffen JC, McFarland LV, Evans CT, et al.Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: an evidence-based practical guide.PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0209205. Published 2018 Dec 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209205Ho YT, Tsai YC, Kuo TBJ, Yang CCH.Effects ofLactobacillus plantarumPS128 on depressive symptoms and sleep quality in self-reported insomniacs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2820. doi:10.3390/nu13082820Lew LC, Hor YY, Yusoff NAA, et al.ProbioticLactobacillus plantarumP8 alleviated stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(5):2053-2064. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.09.010Li L, Han Z, Niu X, et al.Probiotic supplementation for prevention of atopic dermatitis in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019;20(3):367-377. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0404-3Zhao M, Shen C, Ma L.Treatment efficacy of probiotics on atopic dermatitis, zooming in on infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2018;57(6):635-641. doi:10.1111/ijd.13873Camilleri M.Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a review [published correction appears in JAMA. 2021 Apr 20;325(15):1568. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.4833].JAMA. 2021;325(9):865-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.22532Gajendran M, Loganathan P, Jimenez G, et al.A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis.Dis Mon. 2019;65(12):100851. doi:10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.02.004Kaur L, Gordon M, Baines PA, et al.Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD005573. Published 2020 Mar 4. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005573.pub3Choi CH, Moon W, Kim YS, et al.Second Korean guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis.Intest Res. 2017;15(1):7-37. doi:10.5217/ir.2017.15.1.7Shimizu M, Hashiguchi M, Shiga T, et al.Meta-analysis: effects of probiotic supplementation on lipid profiles in normal to mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0139795. Published 2015 Oct 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139795Ghelardi E, Mazzantini D, Celandroni F, et al.Analysis of the microbial content of probiotic products commercialized worldwide and survivability in conditions mimicking the human gut environment.Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1127321. Published 2023 May 5. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127321DailyMed.RESTORA RX (folic acid, lactobacillus casei- ke-99 capsule).National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.Markowiak P, Śliżewska K.Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health.Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/nu9091021Campaniello D, Bevilacqua A, Speranza B, et al.A narrative review on the use of probiotics in several diseases. Evidence and perspectives.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1209238. Published 2023 Jul 10. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1209238Wilcox H, Carr C, Seney S, et al.Expired probiotics: what is really in your cabinet?FEMS Microbes. 2020;1(1):xtaa007. Published 2020 Nov 6. doi:10.1093/femsmc/xtaa007Brüssow H.Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical tests: an update.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1157. Published 2019 Jul 22. doi:10.12688/f1000research.19043.1Rodgers B, Kirley K, Mounsey A.PURLs: prescribing an antibiotic? Pair it with probiotics.J Fam Pract. 2013;62(3):148-150.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Probiotics.Maftei NM, Raileanu CR, Balta AA, et al.The potential impact of probiotics on human health: an update on their health-promoting properties.Microorganisms. 2024;12(2):234. Published 2024 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/microorganisms12020234Sniffen JC, McFarland LV, Evans CT, et al.Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: an evidence-based practical guide.PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0209205. Published 2018 Dec 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209205Ho YT, Tsai YC, Kuo TBJ, Yang CCH.Effects ofLactobacillus plantarumPS128 on depressive symptoms and sleep quality in self-reported insomniacs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2820. doi:10.3390/nu13082820Lew LC, Hor YY, Yusoff NAA, et al.ProbioticLactobacillus plantarumP8 alleviated stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(5):2053-2064. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.09.010Li L, Han Z, Niu X, et al.Probiotic supplementation for prevention of atopic dermatitis in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019;20(3):367-377. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0404-3Zhao M, Shen C, Ma L.Treatment efficacy of probiotics on atopic dermatitis, zooming in on infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2018;57(6):635-641. doi:10.1111/ijd.13873Camilleri M.Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a review [published correction appears in JAMA. 2021 Apr 20;325(15):1568. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.4833].JAMA. 2021;325(9):865-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.22532Gajendran M, Loganathan P, Jimenez G, et al.A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis.Dis Mon. 2019;65(12):100851. doi:10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.02.004Kaur L, Gordon M, Baines PA, et al.Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD005573. Published 2020 Mar 4. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005573.pub3Choi CH, Moon W, Kim YS, et al.Second Korean guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis.Intest Res. 2017;15(1):7-37. doi:10.5217/ir.2017.15.1.7Shimizu M, Hashiguchi M, Shiga T, et al.Meta-analysis: effects of probiotic supplementation on lipid profiles in normal to mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0139795. Published 2015 Oct 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139795Ghelardi E, Mazzantini D, Celandroni F, et al.Analysis of the microbial content of probiotic products commercialized worldwide and survivability in conditions mimicking the human gut environment.Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1127321. Published 2023 May 5. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127321DailyMed.RESTORA RX (folic acid, lactobacillus casei- ke-99 capsule).National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.Markowiak P, Śliżewska K.Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health.Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/nu9091021Campaniello D, Bevilacqua A, Speranza B, et al.A narrative review on the use of probiotics in several diseases. Evidence and perspectives.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1209238. Published 2023 Jul 10. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1209238Wilcox H, Carr C, Seney S, et al.Expired probiotics: what is really in your cabinet?FEMS Microbes. 2020;1(1):xtaa007. Published 2020 Nov 6. doi:10.1093/femsmc/xtaa007Brüssow H.Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical tests: an update.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1157. Published 2019 Jul 22. doi:10.12688/f1000research.19043.1Rodgers B, Kirley K, Mounsey A.PURLs: prescribing an antibiotic? Pair it with probiotics.J Fam Pract. 2013;62(3):148-150.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Probiotics.
Maftei NM, Raileanu CR, Balta AA, et al.The potential impact of probiotics on human health: an update on their health-promoting properties.Microorganisms. 2024;12(2):234. Published 2024 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/microorganisms12020234
Sniffen JC, McFarland LV, Evans CT, et al.Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: an evidence-based practical guide.PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0209205. Published 2018 Dec 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0209205
Ho YT, Tsai YC, Kuo TBJ, Yang CCH.Effects ofLactobacillus plantarumPS128 on depressive symptoms and sleep quality in self-reported insomniacs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2820. doi:10.3390/nu13082820
Lew LC, Hor YY, Yusoff NAA, et al.ProbioticLactobacillus plantarumP8 alleviated stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Clin Nutr. 2019;38(5):2053-2064. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.09.010
Li L, Han Z, Niu X, et al.Probiotic supplementation for prevention of atopic dermatitis in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019;20(3):367-377. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0404-3
Zhao M, Shen C, Ma L.Treatment efficacy of probiotics on atopic dermatitis, zooming in on infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2018;57(6):635-641. doi:10.1111/ijd.13873
Camilleri M.Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a review [published correction appears in JAMA. 2021 Apr 20;325(15):1568. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.4833].JAMA. 2021;325(9):865-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.22532
Gajendran M, Loganathan P, Jimenez G, et al.A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis.Dis Mon. 2019;65(12):100851. doi:10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.02.004
Kaur L, Gordon M, Baines PA, et al.Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD005573. Published 2020 Mar 4. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005573.pub3
Choi CH, Moon W, Kim YS, et al.Second Korean guidelines for the management of ulcerative colitis.Intest Res. 2017;15(1):7-37. doi:10.5217/ir.2017.15.1.7
Shimizu M, Hashiguchi M, Shiga T, et al.Meta-analysis: effects of probiotic supplementation on lipid profiles in normal to mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0139795. Published 2015 Oct 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139795
Ghelardi E, Mazzantini D, Celandroni F, et al.Analysis of the microbial content of probiotic products commercialized worldwide and survivability in conditions mimicking the human gut environment.Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1127321. Published 2023 May 5. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127321
DailyMed.RESTORA RX (folic acid, lactobacillus casei- ke-99 capsule).
National Institutes of Health.Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Markowiak P, Śliżewska K.Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health.Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.3390/nu9091021
Campaniello D, Bevilacqua A, Speranza B, et al.A narrative review on the use of probiotics in several diseases. Evidence and perspectives.Front Nutr. 2023;10:1209238. Published 2023 Jul 10. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1209238
Wilcox H, Carr C, Seney S, et al.Expired probiotics: what is really in your cabinet?FEMS Microbes. 2020;1(1):xtaa007. Published 2020 Nov 6. doi:10.1093/femsmc/xtaa007
Brüssow H.Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical tests: an update.F1000Res. 2019;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1157. Published 2019 Jul 22. doi:10.12688/f1000research.19043.1
Rodgers B, Kirley K, Mounsey A.PURLs: prescribing an antibiotic? Pair it with probiotics.J Fam Pract. 2013;62(3):148-150.
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