There are many different strains of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can support digestive health while providing various benefits. Finding the best probiotic for your needs requires understanding different probiotic qualities and bacterial strains.*
The scientific names and jargon are often overwhelming, making choosing a probiotic harder. Look no further if you need clarification on which strain to choose or what is in your multi-strain supplement. Whether you are looking for overall digestive support or more targeted support, there’s a probiotic supplement out there for you.*
Click here to take the Hyperbiotics quiz to find your personalized daily probiotic!*
Best Probiotics (Our Review)*
Lactobacillus Plantarum (L. Plantarum): Common Lactobacillus Strain
General Overview
L. plantarum is one of the most popular strains from the Lactobacillus family that produces specialized chemicals to target harmful bacteria. Various Lactobacillus probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, serve their purpose in the body.*
Like most other strains, L. plantarum offers good bacteria to aid digestive health. Studies have examined the support this bacteria may provide for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). (1) It has also been studied concerning constipation, Crohn’s disease, and urinary tract issues. (2) This strain supports the body’s normal inflammatory response, benefiting the digestive tract and intestinal mucosa.*
Good bacteria in the intestine bind with harmful bacteria to support a healthy probiotic balance. In turn, the beneficial microbes in your gut have the chance to flourish, supporting digestion, immune response, heart health, and mood.*
It’s no wonder why this strain is included in most multi-strain probiotic products. L. plantarum can be a single-strain probiotic dietary supplement with a specific number of colony-forming units (CFUs). It also has a stable shelf life, making it a reliable probiotic.
Why It's Great
- Widely available and affordable.
- It can be used independently or as part of a multi-strain probiotic.
- Binds to the intestinal mucosa for targeted support.*
- Typically found as a shelf-stable product with no refrigeration required.
- Supports healthy intestinal inflammatory responses.*
Who It's Right For
- Individuals looking for bacterial diversity to support regular digestive system function.*
- Individuals looking for health benefits, including brain function support, mental clarity, and immune support.*
- Individuals who do not consume various fermented foods that contain living probiotic strains.
Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. Bifidum): Commonly Seen Bifidobacterium Strain
General Overview
B. bifidum is one of the most popular probiotic strains on the market, thanks to its versatility. This strain, like many others, is a great addition to a diet that supports gut health and the immune system and can provide various other health benefits.*
Bifidobacterium are some of the first microbes to colonize the infant’s intestines to support healthy bowel regulation. In adulthood, there are lower levels of Bifidobacterium species found in the intestinal tract. (3)*
Breastfed infants have higher levels of Bifidobacterium in their intestines. Bifidobacterium makes up about 60% of your gut’s microbiome during the first few months of life. (3)
Interestingly, Bifidobacterium strains are often found in multi-strain probiotics for seniors. This is because of its benefits for supporting bones and joints, immune health, mental clarity, healthy cholesterol levels, and digestive regularity. (3)^^*
While this strain of probiotics is prevalent in aged dairy products like yogurt, you would have to consume large amounts to see extensive benefits from this dietary probiotic. You can find this probiotic strain in probiotic dietary supplements on the market.
B. bifidum can be taken independently or as part of a multi-strain probiotic.
Why It’s Great
- Versatile benefits and affordable.
- Helps to replete good bacteria during the normal aging process.*
- It has been studied as beneficial bacteria in the infant's intestine, playing a role in protecting against harmful bacteria. (4)*
- Well-known and widely researched.
- Supports healthy immune functioning.*
Who It's Right For
- 50 and older population.*
- Infants, with permission from a consulting healthcare provider.*
- Individuals looking to support bone and joints, immune function, mental clarity, and digestive health.*
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. Reuteri): Supports Gut Health And Healthy Inflammatory Response*
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) provides various benefits and is found in different body sites, including the intestine, urinary tract, mouth, and skin. Probiotics with the strain L. reuteri can support oral health. (5) This probiotic strain has also been associated with its ability to balance harmful bacteria, further supporting a healthy gut microbiome.*
In adults, its effects have mainly been studied regarding its ability to support bowel regularity, including constipation, and urinary health in the presence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). (6)*
Since it is one of the few probiotic strains that accumulate in the mouth, it has also been found to support dental health by targeting bacteria that may cause tooth decay.*
In addition, this specific probiotic strain can play a role in leaky gut syndrome. A leaky gut is also called intestinal hyperpermeability. It occurs when gaps form in the intestinal wall, allowing toxins and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and triggering inflammation. Leaky gut is particularly common after surgery but can also occur in the presence of digestive conditions. L. reuteri supports the integrity of the gut lining by protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier. (7)*
Why It’s Great
- Supports oral health.*
- Supports healthy inflammatory responses.*
- Supports a healthy response to UTIs and leaky gut syndrome.*
- Supports bowel regularity, aiding constipation.*
- Supports general skin health.*
Who It's Right For
- Individuals looking to support oral and gut health.*
- Those with bowel regularity concerns.*
Lactobacillus gasseri (L. Gasseri): Probiotic Strain That Supports Healthy Weight^*
Lactobacillus gasseri has mostly been associated with digestive health, supporting vaginal health, and supporting healthy weight management.^*
L. gasseri is studied for its role in healthy metabolic function and weight loss. The mechanism of supporting healthy inflammatory response in fatty tissue supports healthy weight outcomes, specifically, the reduction of abdominal fat, which contributes to this strain’s popularity amongst people of all ages. (8)^*
Furthermore, this strain is occasionally recommended for diarrhea caused by antibiotics, as it supports the reinoculation of healthy gut bacteria.*
Like many other probiotics, L.gasseri supports normal cholesterol levels and immune health.^^*
While this strain is most frequently used in weight management probiotic supplements and specific women’s health supplements, it is also a common probiotic strain in probiotics for men. ^*
Why It’s Great
- Utilized in digestive support.*
- Supports healthy weight management.^*
- Supports immune functioning.*
- Widely researched and benefits supported by evidence.*
Who It's Right For
- Individuals interested in regulated digestive support.*
- Supports women’s health.*
- Individuals looking to support healthy inflammatory responses and weight management.^*
Lactobacillus Acidophilus (L. Acidophilus): Best Digestive Support For Allergies*
L. acidophilus is widely used to support diarrhea and IBS. (1) It can also support healthy blood sugar responses by facilitating carbohydrate metabolism. ^^^*What’s more, L. acidophilus can support the regulation of stomach acid by stabilizing your gut’s microbiome. Individuals who struggle with acid reflux may benefit from a product with L. acidophilus. (9)*
Plus, this probiotic strain supports a healthy immune response that can play a role in seasonal allergies. That’s because it is thought to affect immunoglobulin A, the protein that induces inflammatory responses. (10)*
Why It’s Great
- Supports healthy blood sugar regulation.^^^*
- Supports immune responses.*
- Supports bowel movements.*
- Supports weight management.^*
Who It's Right For
- Individuals that want to enhance gut health or support overall digestive health.*
- Those recommended a probiotic for supporting blood sugar regulation.^^^*
- People seeking seasonal allergy support.*
Bifidobacterium Infantis (B. Infantis): For Moms*
Research has determined that breastfed infants predominately have Bifidobacterium in their gut microbiota, including B. infantis. This strain supports intestinal health, healthy inflammation responses, and immune function in infants, supporting nutrient absorption from breast milk by helping to fully break down and metabolize the sugars in breast milk. (11)*
Healthcare providers may recommend this strain of probiotic to women who don’t breastfeed to introduce important probiotic bacteria to the gut.*
You must consult your primary care provider before starting your child on any regimen of probiotic supplements or dietary supplements in general.*
This strain also supports healthy digestion by creating butyrate, which aids in the natural elimination of bad bacteria while supporting leaky gut syndrome.*
On a more general note, it’s one of the probiotics that can help with occasional bloating and gas. This is because it supports the balance of flora in your gut, allowing proper digestion and disposal of waste without the excess air that causes bloating.*
Why It’s Great
- A natural strain found in the infant's gut.
- Suitable for breastfeeding mothers (only when recommended by a qualified healthcare provider).*
- Supports digestive health in the presence of occasional gas and bloating.*
- Supports healthy immune responses.*
Who It's Right For
- Nursing mothers and pregnant women (always follow recommendations from your healthcare provider).*
- People who want to support their overall digestive health.*
- Based on healthcare provider recommendations, infants not breastfed may benefit from the B. infantis probiotic strain.*
Summary
The great thing about probiotics – you don’t need to choose only one! Most probiotic supplements use multiple strains of bacteria to provide your body with a diverse bacterial microbiome. It is also recommended to rotate your probiotics occasionally to benefit from multiple strains.*
Start by choosing a specific probiotic strain best for your current needs—worried about your child’s digestion? Consult with your healthcare provider about B. infantis. Are you struggling with excess belly fat? Consult with your healthcare provider about a probiotic supplement containing L. gasseri.*
Whichever you choose, you are sure to enjoy the benefits of probiotics, from digestive health to supporting nutrient absorption and healthy energy levels.*
Need help getting started? Click here to take the Hyperbiotics quiz to find your personalized daily probiotic!*
Best Probiotics FAQs
Should you take a prebiotic with your probiotic?*
Yes! Taking a prebiotic supplement with your probiotic can help beneficial bacteria flourish. That’s because prebiotics feed the probiotics, ensuring they proliferate easily and contribute to a healthier gut microbiome.*
What is the best probiotic supplement on the market?*
It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider when discussing dietary supplement needs. You should choose a probiotic supplement based on targeted needs.*
Hyperbiotics formulates precision probiotics targeted for:*
- Kids Health*
- Women’s Health*
- Men’s Health*
- Ages 50 and up*
- Dogs and cats*
- Weight management^*
- Glucose support^^^*
- Immune support*
- Dental health*
Hyperbiotics probiotics are gluten-free and contain multiple strains to support gut health, the immune system, digestive functioning, and overall health.*
Which foods contain probiotics?
Probiotics are primarily found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, tempeh, and sourdough bread. If you aren’t dairy-free, other good probiotic foods include yogurt, buttermilk, and hard fermented cheeses, such as parmesan, which contain live bacteria.
It can be challenging to get your dose of probiotics based purely on food, which is why many people prefer high-quality probiotic supplements.*
Shop Targeted Precision Probiotics HERE
References
- World J Gastroenterol. 2015; 21(10):3072-3084 [PMID: 25780308]
- Apple Environ Microbiol. 1999; 65(9):3763-3766 [PMID: 10473372]
- Front Microbiol. 2016; 7:1204 [PMID: 27594848]
- Biosci Microbiota Food Health. 2018; 37(4):79-85 [PMID: 30370191]
- Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2011; 2(1):6-9 [PMID: 22442601]
- Front Microbiol. 2018; 9:757 [PMID: 29725324]
- Physiol Rep. 2018; 6(2):e13514 [PMID: 29368445]
- Nutrients. 2019; 11(2):258 [PMID: 30678355]
- Nutrients. 2020; 12(1):132 [PMID: 31906573]
- FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2008; 53(1):107-13 [PMID: 18422632]
- Nutrients. 2020; 12(6):1581 [PMID: 32481558]
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
^Provides weight management support as part of a healthy lifestyle with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
^^Supports healthy cholesterol levels already within normal ranges.
^^^Supports blood sugar levels already within normal ranges.