2021's Top 5 Probiotics Supplements

2021's Top 5 Probiotics Supplements Did you know that most probiotics don’t work? We’ll help you pick one that does. Tom Tom is a lifelong nutrition enthusiast who recently retired from his career in pharmacology to write about natural health. When he isn't researching health products, Tom enjoys exploring local farmers markets and growing his own organic vegetables. tom@smarter-reviews.com Replay Unmute Current Time 4:02 / Duration 4:02 Quality LevelsPicture-in-Picture Humans have used probiotics for over 10,000 years.1 Likely discovered by accident,Although there's no specific evidence to support humans' first usage of probiotics, most researchers agree that they were likely created purely by accident when our ancestors traversed high-temperature deserts carrying milk in bags made from sheep stomachs. The naturally-occurring probiotics in these bags changed the flavor of the milk inside, just like yogurt and cheese today. These changes conferred noticeable health benefits and extended preservation, making them a staple for civilizations worldwide since ancient times. our understanding of their extensive benefits has grown exponentially in modern times. The vast majority of our immune systems — 70% — resides in our gut.2 Unfortunately, the delicate balance of our gut microbiome,The human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells. In fact, the ratio is 10-1. Our microbiome is the collection of good and bad bacteria in our gut. Keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria can have huge benefits not only for our digestion, but our brain, skin, immune system, and a host of other functions. can be thrown off by simple everyday things beyond our control — stress, pollution, lack of sleep, or food. Probiotics hold the key to balancing the gut microbiome and strengthening our immune system. They protect our bodies from dangerous pathogens, promote energy, enhance mood, and enrich our health in numerous ways. Not all probiotics are equal, so Smarter Reviews delved into the research for this popular category. We'll break down how to identify a potent supplement and show you our Top 5 Probiotic Supplements on the market today. A Brief History of Probiotics Records and artifacts show that probiotics and fermented foods have been used since ancient times. 7,000 B.C. — Ancient Egyptians accidentally created fermented milk products. With noticeable health and preservation qualities, these cheeses, yogurts, and butters became widely used.3 1300 B.C. — Fermented milk offered to God in The Bible — “Abraham offered to God, showed in an oak wood, fermented milk” (The Bible, Genesis 18, 1–8).3 1908 AD — Nobel-prize winner and The Father of Cellular Immunology — Ilya Mechnikoff theorizes that the friendly bacteria in yogurt could improve physical and mental health.4 1935 — First commercial probiotic, Yakult, a fermented milk product, released in Japan.5 2001 — The World Health Organization establishes a definition for probiotics, "live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." 6 2019 —Global probiotics supplement market tops $40 billion annually.7 Despite their popularity over the centuries, research into probiotics has taken a dramatic leap within the last 40 years. We now know that there are hundreds of different probiotic strains, and they all perform different functions within our bodies. Some strains enhance our digestive systems, minimizing symptoms like diarrhea or constipation. Some promote clear, glowing skin or healthy hair. Others enhance our mood, energy, or mental clarity. And still others enhance our immunity. Top Probiotic Strains & Their Benefits: When it comes to choosing a high-quality probiotic supplement, strain selection is just one factor to consider. Potency, viability, CFU, and clinically studied strains all play a significant role in determining health benefit. What To Avoid When Choosing a Probiotic Limited Strains Probiotics Without Clinical Studies Refrigerated Probiotics 4 Secrets of A Good Probiotic High CFU Count Prebiotics Clinically Studied Strains Formulated By A Doctor TOP 5 PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS OF 2020 We've compiled a list of what we've found to be the top five products in this category, on the market today. CLICK TO SEE THE LIST OF PROBIOTICS WE EVALUATED >> 1. Complete Probiotics Platinum by 1MD TOTAL RANKING 647 votes9.6/10 A+ OVERALL GRADE INGREDIENT SAFETY 8.4 AVG. 9.7/10 PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS 8.1 AVG. 9.4/10 VALUE 8.2 AVG. 9.6/10 RETURN POLICY 8.8 AVG. 9.3/10 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 8.0 AVG. 9.8/10 VOTE AND REVIEW PROS Contains 51 billion live cultures in each capsule 11 diverse strains Endorsed by an MD Each capsule is acid-resistant 100% Vegan NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber is included Only one capsule per day is needed Has no synthetic fillers or binders Each substrain is listed and has been clinically studied. CONS Due to popularity, sometimes it's on backorder/sold out The Bottom Line Our Smarter Shoppers have voted 1MD's Complete Probiotics Platinum the most popular daily probiotic they tried. It is one of the best formulas on the market, due to its 51 billion live cultures, 11 robust and clinically studied strains, NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, vegan capsule composition, and no synthetic fillers or additives. This was the only product we could find that has been endorsed by an MD, specifically a Gastroenterologist (gut and digestive health physician). It was also the only one that listed each of its clinically studied substrains. Our Smarter Shoppers absolutely loved this probiotic blend. *Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information. Learn About Our Top Pick 2. Pro-45 by LiveWell Nutrition TOTAL RANKING 310 votes9.0/10 A- OVERALL GRADE INGREDIENT SAFETY 8.4 AVG. 9.1/10 PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS 8.1 AVG. 8.8/10 VALUE 8.2 AVG. 9.3/10 RETURN POLICY 8.8 AVG. 9.1/10 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 8.0 AVG. 8.8/10 VOTE AND REVIEW PROS Provides 45 billion live cultures 11 clinically proven strains No fillers or additives 365-day return policy NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber included Dairy and gluten free, vegetable capsules CONS Not endorsed by an MD The Bottom Line LiveWell Nutrition came in at a respectable #2 on our list, with a potent 45 billion CFUs and 11 strains. Pro45 offers vegetarian delayed release capsules and pure ingredients. We confirmed that there are no unhealthy fillers or additives. We also checked its 365-day return policy and were impressed by how easy and straightforward it was. Our Smarter Shoppers gave this product high marks in the categories of customer service, returns, and overall effectiveness. Unfortunately, it's not endorsed by an MD, but easy to order through their Amazon store. Though the reviews were stellar and ingredients are pure, the lack of medical endorsement led this product to come in a close second place on our top picks.* *Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information. Learn More 3. Extra Care 50 Billion by Renew Life TOTAL RANKING 328 votes8.6/10 B+ OVERALL GRADE INGREDIENT SAFETY 8.4 AVG. 8.5/10 PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS 8.1 AVG. 8.7/10 VALUE 8.2 AVG. 8.4/10 RETURN POLICY 8.8 AVG. 9.1/10 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 8.0 AVG. 8.2/10 VOTE AND REVIEW PROS Provides 50 billion organisms per serving Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules CONS Reports of less capsules in bottle than on label No money-back guarantee Refrigeration recommended for best quality and efficacy The Bottom Line Some Smarter Shoppers stated that the storage guidelines of this product was inconvenient.* Although the product contains over 50 billion live cultures, many reviewers believed the product lost its potency due to poor refrigeration by delivery.* *Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information. Learn More 4. Digestive Health Probiotic by Culturelle TOTAL RANKING 581 votes7.3/10 C OVERALL GRADE INGREDIENT SAFETY 8.4 AVG. 7.7/10 PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS 8.1 AVG. 7/10 VALUE 8.2 AVG. 7.1/10 RETURN POLICY 8.8 AVG. 8.2/10 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 8.0 AVG. 6.5/10 VOTE AND REVIEW PROS Can be found in retail stores Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules CONS Only offers 10 billion CFUs per serving Contains unhealthy, synthetic fillers Only contains one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG The Bottom Line This product only offers one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG. In addition, this product only contains 10 billion live cultures. Smarter Shoppers noticed fairly short expiration dates. This product contains undesirable fillers and added colors such as gelatin, sucrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.* *Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information. Learn More 5. Primal Probiotics by Primal Harvest TOTAL RANKING 576 votes7.1/10 C- OVERALL GRADE INGREDIENT SAFETY 8.4 AVG. 7.1/10 PROJECTED EFFECTIVENESS 8.1 AVG. 6.5/10 VALUE 8.2 AVG. 6.5/10 RETURN POLICY 8.8 AVG. 8.3/10 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 8.0 AVG. 7.4/10 VOTE AND REVIEW PROS Contains 12 probiotic strains Clinically studied strains Shelf-stable CONS Contains only two prebiotic nutrients Only 31 billion CFU Includes fillers such as magnesium stearate Prebiotics backed by limited clinical studies The Bottom Line Primal Probiotics contains a respectable 12 separate strains of clinically-studied probiotics. Primal Harvest's supplement falls short, however, because it includes only two prebiotics, which are vital to increasing the strength and potency of its probiotic strains. Unfortunately, this product also has fillers such as magnesium stearate, which may put your microbiome health at risk. Still, its commitment to clinically studied strains and shelf-stable bottle give it an edge over many other probiotics. *Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information. Learn More Citations https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25576593 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/ https://www.longdom.org/open-access/probiotics-history-and-evolution-2329-8731.1000107.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3859987/#B1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3815941/ http://www.fao.org/3/a-a0512e.pdf https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/2019---2025-global-probiotics-market-size-report--is-valued-at-4255-billion-us-and-will-increase-to-7469-billion-us-in-2025-with-a-cagr-of-73-during-forecast-period-360-market-updates-2019-09-09 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0016169&type=printable https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5601789/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16313688 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3179073/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24299712 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27596801 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4974247/ https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-lactobacillus-gasseri-88697 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ulcers/2011/841651/ https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effect-of-lactobacillus-gasseri-sbt2055-in-fermented-milk-on-abdominal-adiposity-in-adults-in-a-randomised-controlled-trial/304E3E2EE11E0D3D4F5D85E7046118A1 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ipid/2008/256490/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2019.1579785 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19453574 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707714/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3516470/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667473/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/probiotics/faq-20058065