Do probiotics really help with digestive issues, intestinal inflammation, and intolerances? And if so, which supplements are truly effective? Nutra Reviews spoke with experts and reveals everything you need to know.
Probiotics are on everyone's lips. Literally. These live gut bacteria are said to have the greatest impact on the health of our intestines, which is crucial for our overall well-being.
It’s no wonder people say that health “resides in the gut,” as gut bacteria make up about 70% of our entire immune system.
Digestive issues, bloating, leaky gut syndrome, many food intolerances, and painful inflammations are symptoms that a sluggish gut can cause.
According to recent studies, probiotics, which are live gut bacteria taken as a supplement, are supposed to stop this vicious cycle and strengthen the gut from within.
But is this really true? And if so, which probiotics are actually effective and which are just a waste of money? After all, the market for probiotic bacteria is vast, making it difficult to choose the right one.
Nutra Reviews has conducted a fact check. We reviewed studies, developed criteria, consulted a nutritionist, tested over 19 probiotics, and identified the 5 best ones for you.
These 3 Problems Probiotics Can Help With
According to studies, probiotics can help with the following symptoms and fully developed problems:
1. Probiotics Help with Multifaceted Digestive Issues
Digestive problems are always quite complex. The good news: Probiotics also act in a very complex manner, as they regulate the entire gut due to their mode of action.
Whether it's food intolerances, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Studies suggest that probiotics normalize the gut environment and thereby alleviate all these symptoms.1
2. Probiotics Are Incredibly Important for Your Immune System
According to recent research, about 70% of the entire immune system resides in the gut. So if you want to strengthen your immune defenses, probiotics are an excellent choice.2
- They can reduce harmful bacteria, thereby restoring balance in the gut and improving overall well-being.
- By strengthening the immune system, they can protect you from infections, colds, and the flu.
- The right gut bacteria convert and transport nutrients from food. They are essential for your health.
3. Probiotics Rebuild a Destroyed Gut Flora
The use of antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medications can lead to the destruction of gut bacteria. The same applies to food poisoning.
This destruction of the natural gut flora causes various problems. Fatigue, bloating, and feelings of fullness are just a few.
Good probiotics can help counteract these issues and rebuild your healthy gut bacteria.
The result is better digestion, reduced bloating, and more energy.
But what are good probiotics?
Criteria to Consider When Buying a Probiotic Supplement
There are now so many different products on the market that it’s easy to lose track. That’s why we’ve identified the most important quality criteria for you.
Only a very few products work as well as they should.
Criterion #1: Spore-Based Bacteria Make a Huge Difference
Problem: Our research has found that there are indeed some bad actors among the suppliers.
Many of the “live” probiotics are no longer alive.
The reason... many “good” bacterial strains don’t survive the journey to the gut. If they do, they are often killed by stomach acid.
Solution: Our experts recommend “spore probiotics.” Spores are a natural protective layer that surrounds and protects the probiotics. These bacteria can live in the gut for up to 4 weeks after ingestion!
In light of this, we advise you to purchase only spore-based probiotics.
Criterion #2: Natural Bacterial Strains Instead of Large Numbers
Problem: Manufacturers often advertise additional strains or a large number of micro bacteria. However, experts believe that more and various bacterial strains are not always better.
After all, it's the same in nature. We don't find hundreds of different strains in natural foods. Each food in nature has a more natural and selective composition.
Solution: Therefore, you should ensure that probiotics are cultivated from a natural source. Particularly, the bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus clausii have already shown excellent results in studies.
Spore-based probiotics are always of natural origin. This way, you can kill two birds with one stone.
Criterion #3: It Should Contain High-Quality Fiber
Problem: Some providers mix probiotics with mineral clay or psyllium husks. This is explicitly not recommended! These substances flush out nutrients and bacteria faster than desired, which is precisely what we don't want.
Solution: High-quality fibers like acacia fiber or baobab are better suited.
Additionally, these high-quality fibers are also prebiotics, meaning they serve as food for the "good" bacteria. The result is even better
Criterion #4: High-Quality Manufacturing
Our experts recommend looking for products manufactured in Europe. This ensures that many minimum requirements and production standards are met, guaranteeing a high-quality product.
Additionally, unnatural additives and allergenic substances should not be included. These include colorings, flavorings, nuts, genetically modified substances, sugar, or sweeteners.
The 5 Best Probiotics on the Market Today
In our test, we selected 19 different products and examined them thoroughly.
Our test follows a unique and comprehensive process, measuring the value of the products through a careful evaluation of ingredient safety, predicted effectiveness, natural value, benefits, and customer satisfaction.
These factors, combined with the latest studies and clinical trials, make it easier to choose the best probiotic supplements on the market, saving you time and money.
Fourteen out of the 19 contained additives or were not produced in the EU and are therefore not listed here.
Here are our top 5.
First, the product that completely convinced us…
First Place: Gut Support by Alma Science
First Place: Gut Support by Alma Science
(4.8 stars)★★★★★
Our Rating
- Overall Rating: 9.8/10 – Grade A+
- Ingredient Safety: 9.7/10
- Predicted Effectiveness: 9.8/10
- Naturalness: 9.9/10
- Usability: 9.7/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 9.8/10
The Essence of Alma Science Gut Support
The "Gut Support" supplement from the company Alma Science is our absolute test winner. The reason is unsurprising: it is the only product in our research that contains spore-based bacteria.
While the American market is already well-covered with such products, there seems to be a gap in the European market.
It is not surprising that Alma Science is leading the way here. This manufacturer specializes in fermented products and is considered the market leader in Europe.This specialization is likely the reason why the probiotic can already be offered here.
All other features also convinced us completely. The profile of the bacterial strains includes all important natural variants. There are no additives or allergens. It is produced on high EU standards.
Alma Science also has an impressive track record. In our research, we found numerous authentic and credible customer reviews. We highly recommend paying attention to this when making your selection, as genuine reviews often speak louder than good promises on the packaging.
What We Like
- 100% natural bacterial strains
- Spore-based bacteria,significantly better for the gut
- No artificial additives,lab-tested and manufactured in Europe
- 100% secure shopping system with easy ordering (including on account)
- Lightning-fast shipping (often delivered the next day)
- Proven effectiveness through a user test study and thousands of customer reviews
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Often out of stock due to high demand
- Currently available only online and in a few selected pharmacies
Summary
Due to its high quality, proven track record, and especially the crucial spore-based formulation, "Gut Support" by Alma Science is by far our test winner.
Second Place: Pro Bio Cultures by NutraVita
Our Rating
- Overall Rating: 8.8/10 – Grade B+
- Ingredient Safety: 9.3/10
- Predicted Effectiveness: 9.1/10
- Naturalness: 9.1/10
- Usability: 8.6/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 8.8/10
The Essence of "ProBio Cultures"
ProBio Cultures received a "Good" rating in our test.
This product contains a variety of bacterial strains sourced from natural cultivation.
It is manufactured according to EU standards and lab-tested, and it contains no additives.
The manufacturer "NutraVita" advertises stomach-resistant capsules. At first glance, this seems well-intended. However, our experts believe that the bioavailability is still limited. These bacterial strains do not contain spores, so there is a suspicion that many bacteria do not arrive alive in the gut.
Regarding customer reviews, we often find two camps. Some extensively praise the effectiveness, while others have dissolved the capsules in citric acid (which is not nearly as acidic as stomach acid) in self-experiments and report that the capsules are not acid-resistant.
What We Like
- 100% natural bacterial strains
- A broad, naturally combined profile of bacterial strains
- Inulin as a high-quality carrier and fiber
- No artificial additives and lab-tested
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Not spore-based
- Questionable bioavailability
Summary
A high-quality supplement with only a few weaknesses. However, it lacks the crucial spore-based approach for better bioavailability.
Third Place: Every Dau by Optibac
Our Rating
- Overall Rating: 8.1/10 – Grade B-
- Ingredient Safety: 7.9/10
- Predicted Effectiveness: 9.1/10
- Naturalness: 8.9/10
- Usability: 8.4/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 8.3/10
The Essence of "Every Day"
The "Every Day" supplement also received a "Good" rating in our test.
The capsules from the manufacturer "True Nature" contain a variety of natural strains.
This product is free from additives and contains high-quality inulin as both a binder and food for the bacteria. Additionally, it is manufactured in the UK.
Opinions vary regarding the composition of the bacterial strains. On one hand, "Every Day" has an extremely high variance. On the other hand, some reviews suggest that certain strains might lead to weight gain. We cannot confirm this claim but also cannot completely refute it.
The manufacturer "Optibac" also advertises stomach-resistant capsules. At first glance, this seems well-intended. However, as these are not spore-based strains, their bioavailability in the gut appears to be limited compared to our test winner.
Many reviews speak positively about the good effects on gut issues. However, these positive reviews are not as consistently distributed as they are for our first and second place supplements.
What We Like
- 100% natural bacterial strains
- A broad, naturally combined profile of bacterial strains
- Inulin as a high-quality carrier and fiber
- No artificial additives and lab-tested
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Not spore-based
- Questionable bioavailability
- Somewhat controversial bacterial strains
Summary
A good product with few weaknesses. However, it ranks only third due to the absence of spore-based bacteria and some controversial strains.
Forth Place: Intimate Flora by Free Soul
Our Rating
- Overall Rating: 7.6/10 – Grade B-
- Ingredient Safety: 8.8/10
- Predicted Effectiveness: 7.2/10
- Naturalness: 8.6/10
- Usability: 7.9/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 7.9/10
The Essence of "Intimate Flora"
The Biggest Advantage of These Capsules? They are available at the DM discount store around the corner and at a really good price. This convenience has earned "Intimate Flora" fourth place in our ranking. However, in terms of quality, this product falls somewhat short.
The capsules contain few bacterial strains and a lot of fillers and additives. There are also separating agents and milk components present. To be honest, this is not exactly natural. While it may not necessarily cause problems or allergies, it cannot be ruled out.
What We Like
- Low price
- Good local availability
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Not spore-based
- Questionable bioavailability
- Artificial additives and separating agents
- Relatively low bacterial diversity
Summary
An inexpensive and readily available product "around the corner." However, it has significant quality weaknesses.
Fifth Place: Bio-Kult
Our Rating
- Overall Rating: 7.1/10 – Grade B-
- Ingredient Safety: 7.1/10
- Predicted Effectiveness: 5.9/10
- Naturalness: 7.1/10
- Usability: 7.6/10
- Customer Satisfaction: 6.1/10
The Essence of "Bio-Kult"
"Bio-Kult" has its sunny aspects but also its shadows. However, since the product is widely available online, it deserves a place in our collection.
On the positive side, it offers a solid foundation with a somewhat high price. In return, you get a broad spectrum of bacteria, along with inulin, the food (prebiotic) for gut bacteria. The capsules are also claimed to be stomach-resistant, which is, of course, a clever idea. However, it's not certain whether the capsules actually pass through the stomach intact. Users report that this might not always be the case.
The biggest drawbacks of Bio-Kult are related to its ingredients. Firstly, compared to our test winner, it lacks spore-based strains. Additionally, the capsules contain modified starch, which has been linked to some reports of stomach pain.
Furthermore, the fact that the manufacturing does not take place in the UK is not entirely optimal.
What We Like
- 100% natural bacterial strains
- A broad, naturally combined profile of bacterial strains
- Inulin as a high-quality carrier and fiber
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Not spore-based
- Questionable bioavailability
- Artificial modified starch
- Not manufactured in the UK
- Some users report allergic reactions
Summary
A solid product with a good variety of strains. However, it also has some quality weaknesses.
Simone Maier
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