Gut health supplements are dietary products that help foster a healthy gut microbiome and provide a wide array of additional health benefits, including boosting your immune system and aiding your sleep. Great strides have been made in understanding gut health over the last two decades, and consumers now have a broad range of products available to them to feel better and be healthier.
One notable problem facing consumers is the sheer amount of choice on the market. It’s a daunting process to determine which are the best products for gut health overall and for you individually. Our goal with this review is to identify the top dozen products available and focus specifically on the top three. While each body is different and no one gut health pill will be the best for everyone, this list provides you a launching off point and gives you peace of mind that the products are legitimate.
Our Top Picks for Gut Health Supplements
- Probiology Gut+ — Best All-Around Supplement for Gut Health
- Biotics 8 — Top Probiotic Designed Specifically for Men
- SynoGut — All-Natural Light-Probiotic Digestive Aid
- Elm & Rye Probiotic
- Bulletproof Gut Health Collagen Protein
- Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care
- Indi Body
- Inessa Advanced Biotic Complex
- KÄLLA for Relief
- Wellgard Vitaflora
- SO PERF Kids Peruvian Cacao + Coconut Bars
- Bio-Kult Boosted
A Deeper Look at Our Top 3 Products:
#1. Probiology Gut+ — Best All-Around Supplement for Gut Health
Probiology Gut+ is our top gut health supplement for both men and women. Gut+ features a prebiotic and probiotic formula and is made using the patented MAKtrek Bipass Technology. This process essentially shields the bacteria with brown seaweed. That protects it from your stomach acid and ensures that more of the bacteria in the supplement actually reaches your small intestine. Prebiotic fiber is included because it nourishes the probiotics and lets them to thrive upon reaching your small intestine.
Gut+ Formula
CFU stands for colony forming unit. It’s a measure of how many bacterial cells are contained within a probiotic supplement. Most probiotic supplements that you’ll find at your local store have between 1 and 10 billion CFUs. The supplements generally regarded as the top products may have 20 to 25 billion. Gut+, on the other hand, has an impressive 40 billion CFUs. That makes it strong enough to tackle some of the more serious digestive health issues people face, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Most probiotic gut health supplements are multi-strain, which is also called poly-strain. It simply means that the product has multiple kinds of bacterial strains rather than just one. There has been a trend in the supplement world to create products with 10 strains or even more because it sells well to uniformed consumers. The truth is that any more than four live active strains may increase the risk of inconsistent results, which is why Probiology Gut+ has carefully selected just four strains for its formula:
- B. Lactis
- L. Paracasei
- L. Plantarum
- L. Acidophilus
How Gut+ Works and How to Take It
Probiology Gut+ restores your positive gut flora, and it achieves that within 24 to 48 hours of taking it. This is an accumulative effect. Within two weeks, your gut microbiome will be well balanced. You will experience less bloating and other stomach distress, be in a better mood, have clearer skin and so forth. By the fourth week, you will be regular and have an enhanced immune system and metabolism. At the three-month mark and beyond, you will be less prone to sick days and general fatigue. The dosage for Gut+ is one capsule in the morning and a second in the evening. Probiology does not make a recommendation whether you should take the product with food and water or prior.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Gut+ is a product that is suitable for both the average man and average woman. It is a great choice for anyone who wants a strong gut health supplement that does not require you to take any additional products in order to achieve optimal effects, and it is an excellent choice for anyone trying probiotics to overcome stomach, gut and bowel issues that are affecting their quality of life. It is worth noting that the high CFU count might not be suitable for all. There is a small percentage of people who are sensitive to probiotics and may experience bloating, flatulence, constipation, increased thirst and so forth. Besides this, Probiology Gut+ also comes in a prebiotic formula especially designed for women.
Pricing, Shipping and Refunds
Each bottle provides a one-month supply. The MSRP is $74.99 per bottle, but Probiology regularly sells Gut+ at $59.99 a bottle. Bulk discounts are available as well. Purchasing a three-month supply lowers the per-bottle price to $40, and a five-month supply lowers it to $36. Shipping is free worldwide, and there is a coupon code available on the site that lowers your total order price by 10%. Probiology also offers a 100% satisfaction, 60-day money-back guarantee on your first order.
Pros:
- Positive results within 48 hours
- 40 billion CFUs + 4 active live strains
- No refrigeration needed
- Can combat both IBS and SIBO
- Gluten and soy free
Cons:
- Pricey for a single bottle
- Formula may be too potent for some
- Unclear if suitable for vegans and vegetarians
>Click to try Probiology Gut+ at a Special Discounted Price only Available Online!
#2. Biotics 8 — Top Probiotic Designed Specifically for Men
Biotics 8 is a popular gut health supplement designed specifically for men. It is worth noting that gender-tailored probiotics remain somewhat polarizing. Many scientists support the hypothesis that probiotic supplements should be the same for both men and women, but many others believe otherwise. Some probiotics for women, for instance, will have bacteria for the vaginal microbiome to reduce the risk of yeast. There is also evidence that sex hormone levels affect the microbiome composition and that probiotics should be adjusted with those particular environments in mind. That is the philosophy behind the development of Biotics 8, which has become one of the top-selling probiotics available.
Biotics 8 Formula
Biotics 8 is developed by Bauer Nutrition, which is an established and trusted name in the supplement world. As mentioned, this formula was designed specifically for men. It not only contains probiotics and prebiotics but fiber, digestive enzymes, vitamin D and more. The full ingredient list is available on the website, and you’ll notice that this is a different product than Gut+. Gut+ is more of a traditional probiotic whereas Biotics 8 is more of a dietary supplement that integrates probiotics and prebiotics. Many men have had great success with it, and at 20 billion CFU, it is not quite as intense as the Gut+ formula.
How Biotics 8 Works and How to Take It
The probiotic aspect of Biotics 8 is similar to Gut+ in that the product is designed to restore stomach health, gut health and bowel health by replenishing your gut flora and eventually balancing your gut microbiome. This product also includes enzymes to aid with digestion, Cat’s Claw extract to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, Bacopa Monnieri extract to reduce IBS symptoms and so forth. The recommended dosage is two capsules per day, but when and how you take them is up to you.
Who Is This Product Best For?
This product is best for men. We do not recommend usage by women. While we did not specifically identify any ingredients that are harmful for women, the product was designed based on the male gut microbiome. It has been tested exclusively on men, and the consumer reviews are overwhelmingly from men. As for men, Biotics 8 is a top choice for men who want a gut healing supplement that is not limited to just probiotics or perhaps do not want a probiotic formula as strong as Gut+.
Pricing, Shipping and Refunds
Biotics 8 is priced similarly to Gut+. The MSRP is $79.99 per bottle. The regular price is $59.99 a bottle, and you can purchase three bottles for $119.99 or five bottles for $179.99. Worldwide shipping is free on all orders. Bauer also offers a 100% satisfaction, 60-day money-back guarantee on your first order.
Pros:
- 20 billion CFUs
- No refrigeration required
- Can combat both IBS and SIBO
- Gluten and soy free
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Cons:
- Pricey for a single bottle
- Not recommend for women
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#3. SynoGut — All-Natural Light-Probiotic Digestive Aid
SynoGut is among the best supplements for gut health that does not emphasize probiotics. In fact, it includes just one probiotic strain—Lactobacillus acidophilus—and the CFU count is relatively low at 5 billion. It is worth noting the L. acidophilus is also a primary ingredient in Gut+, Biotics 8 and most supplements that contain probiotics for gut health. It is also worth noting that among the top-selling gut health products, SynoGut was the one we were most skeptical about since it was developed by a self-trained herbalist, but after an extensive review process, Samuel Bart and his product have won us over.
SynoGut Formula
The lone probiotic strain included in the SynoGut formula is L. acidophilus and the CFU count is 5 billion. SynoGut also includes prebiotics to feed the bacteria along with a significant amount of dietary fiber from plant extracts, which means that if you take SynoGut, you do not have to take a separate fiber supplement. This product also has natural laxatives to combat constipation and foster regularity, and it also has detoxification aids, which is something that Gut+ and Biotics 8 do not. These components are designed to aid your body with its natural detoxification process.
How SynoGut Works and How to Take It
As for the probiotic component, the maker of SynoGut takes the position that less is more, and this is a position shared by many in the industry when it comes to probiotics. In addition to adding good gut bacteria and optimizing the gut microbiome, it is designed to keep all those connected systems synergizing. The fiber and natural laxatives, for instance, ensure regularity, which optimizes your nutrient intake and makes it easier to maintain that stable gut microbiome.
Who Is This Product Best For?
This product is suitable for both men and women. The 5 billion CFU count means that as a probiotic it is suitable for practically everyone. The only exception would be people instructed by a doctor not to take probiotics due to risk of infection because of a serious health condition. SynoGut is also a really well-rounded dietary supplement, and we think that makes it an excellent option for people who aren’t specifically targeting a gut issue but just want a dietary supplement for general well-being.
Pricing, Shipping and Refunds
SynoGut is among the priciest healthy gut supplements we reviewed at $69 for a one-month supply. If you purchase a 90-day supply, the price is $59 a bottle, and purchasing a 180-day supply lowers that price even more to $59 a bottle. Shipping is free in the U.S. Global shipping will cost, on average, $15. Like the previous two products reviewed, SynoGut does offer a 100% satisfaction, 60-day money-back guarantee on your first order.
Pros:
- Single probiotic strain formula
- Natural laxatives and detoxification aids
- No refrigeration required
- Well-round daily dietary supplement formula
- Gluten and soy free
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly
Cons:
- Pricey for a single bottle
- CFU count in standard range for non-premium products
>Click here to try SynoGut for 60 days without risk and get a special discount in the process!
A Quick Look at the Rest of the Field
We won’t go into as much detail for the next nine products on our list because our top three best supplements for gut health will cover 99% of the people who read this. But we will touch on what these products do well and the particular cases in which you may want to try them instead.
#4. Elm & Rye Probiotic
At 60 billion CFUs, Elm & Rye is among the powerful gut health supplement options that contain probiotics, and this product is similar to SynoGut in that it only features L. acidophilus. This is also one of the cheapest options among premium products as you can get it for as little as $36 per bottle, and we also like that Elm & Rye gives you the option of either capsules or gummies. Elm & Rye is also an attractive brand for people who want to take multiple products. There are many supplements available from this brand, and you’re assured that they are all going to play nice together.
#5. Bulletproof Gut Health Collagen Protein
In addition, to probiotics and prebiotics, this supplement from Bulletproof contains grass-fed collagen, which is a fundamental building block of your gut microbiota—also known as the GI tract. This also has the benefit of improving joint and bone health, which makes it a good option for older people, and it comes in a tasteless power that you mix in with your coffee, tea, hot chocolate and so forth.
#6. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care
Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care from Garden Life is the most potent probiotic supplement for gut health and immune health that we reviewed. It contains 34 unique strains and 100 billion CFUs, and you only need to take one small pill a day. As mentioned, not all scientists agree that strain and CFU counts this high are a good thing, but there are too many people who swear by this product to ignore it.
#7. Indi Body
Indi is a supplement company that specializes in 100% plant-based formulas. Indi Body is the brand’s most popular product, and it not only contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber but vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and adaptogens. While the product portfolio is not quite as robust, Indi is similar to Elm & Rye in that there are a range of supplements available that you can mix and match.
#8. Inessa Advanced Biotic Complex
Inessa Advanced Biotic Complex stands apart from many of the other top supplements for gut health in that it has a time-release formula. We have found this product to be particularly popular among people who are sensitive to probiotics and have experienced digestive distress from other products. This product has also received numerous industry awards, and we won’t be surprised if this supplement ends up higher on our list when we do this review all over again next year.
#9. KÄLLA for Relief
KÄLLA for Relief is a probiotic supplement developed based on Swedish research and intended specifically for people who suffer from IBS. It comes in a fine, tasteless powder that you can mix in water or a cool beverage or which can be sprinkled over your food.
#10. Wellgard Vitaflora
Wellgard Vitaflora is the only product among the intestinal health supplements to make our list that is designed specifically for women and not intended for men. A main difference between Vitaflora and the other products is that it also designed to reduce bacterial vaginosis, which is a kind of vaginal inflammation. This product is a good option for women who are prone to BV.
#11. SO PERF Kids Peruvian Cacao + Coconut Bars
Probiotics are safe for children, and many doctors recommend them. However, many of the best supplements for gut health are made with adults in mind. They’re fine for older children but perhaps not appropriate for the younger ones. One of the best alternatives on the market in our opinion are the probiotic bars made by the SO PERF Kids brand. Peruvian Cacao + Coconut Bars are the most popular flavor, but there are many others, including wild berries and cashews.
#12. Bio-Kult Boosted
Bio-Kult Boosted is a probiotic formula with 14 strains and a CFU count of 8 billion. What separates Bio-Kult Boosted from other products is that it is designed to be safe to take with antibiotics and has been extensively tested in that manner. Antibiotics are known to interfere with many probiotic supplements, so if you’ll be taken antibiotics for a while, you can purchase this product to take during that period.
What Are the Main Ingredients in Gut Health Supplements?
While there are many ingredients used to support gut health, we’ll briefly discussed the 12 most common components in the formulas of the best digestive health supplements.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are by far the most popular ingredient to restore gut health because they replenish the good bacteria that occurs naturally in your gut but which can easily become imbalanced.
- Prebiotics
Prebiotics—often called prebiotic fiber—are non-digestible substances. But they are beneficial because they stimulate the growth and the activities of the probiotic colonies in your gut.
- Fiber
There are two core types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber stimulates movement through the digestive system and increases stool bulk and is thus the important one from a gut health perspective. Most people do not get enough, which is why it is often included in gut health supplements.
- Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes and probiotics are different but do work together. Digestive enzymes are non-living proteins that help to break down various foods. While they are secreted naturally by the pancreas, there are many conditions that can inhibit production, including diabetes and lactose intolerance.
- L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that not only enhances the immune system but is necessary to repair the intestinal lining. It is also an antioxidant and promotes the growth of good bacteria in your gut.
- Collagen Protein
Collagen protein is a common ingredient in many supplements for gut health and weight loss because it contains L-glutamine but also glycine, which both repair and strengthen the gut wall.
- Inulin
Inulin is a particular type of prebiotic and a popular ingredient in the best supplements for gut health support. You can add more to your diet through fruits, asparagus, onions, wheat and so forth.
- Licorice Root
There is often a negative synergy between stress levels and health conditions like obesity and poor gut health. Licorice root has been shown to help normalize cortisol levels over time.
- Wormwood
Wormwood—aka Artemis absinthium—is an herb and a traditional medicine proven to be helpful with SIBO and leaky gut syndrome, which is why it is often included in gut health aids.
- Moringa Leaf
Moringa leaf extract stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppresses pathogenic bacteria. It’s so effective that some take it as a standalone supplement, but you have to be careful since it’s a diuretic.
- Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It synergizes well with other herbal extracts, such as licorice root. It helps balance cortisol levels and helps to repair the gut lining.
- Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a substance that has been used as a traditional remedy for many things for a long time, but it is still something that is not completely understood in the medicinal world. It is sometimes referred to as an intestinal spackle due to the way it can repair holes and cracks. It is also known as a detoxing agent due to the way that it can attract positively charged toxins in the gut.
How We Chose the Best Probiotic Supplements for Gut Health
As you know, there are a lot of products on the market that claim to improve gut health naturally. We started out by limiting our review process to those products which have been on the market for at least a year and which have sold well enough to generate the necessary consumer response. We also eliminated products that did not have a probiotic element at all because there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that modern good health begins with an optimized gut microbiome. We then compiled consumer reviews, professional reviews and medical opinions and ranked based on that data.
What Are the Benefits of Gut Health Supplements?
The top-rated supplements for digestive problems will help to enhance your digestion, and that not only means that your stomach will feel better but you’ll be acquiring nutrients from your food more efficiently. Once you’ve established a healthy and stable gut microbiome, you’ll be regular and better able to absorb vitamins and minerals. But the health benefits actually extend far beyond your gut due to how integral your gut is to your systemic health. People will good gut health feel better on a general basis, do not get sick as often, sleep better, have clearer skin and so forth.
Are There Side Effects Associated with Gut Health Supplements?
For the average person, the answer is no. Probiotics are safe, and even taking the strongest products on the market will not result in ill effects. Nevertheless, if you have never taken a probiotic before, then it is probably best to consult with your primary physician prior to proceeding. Note that people who have compromised immune systems or are suffering from severe illnesses absolutely should not take probiotic without consulting with a doctor. There is a small percentage of the population that is sensitive to probiotics. If you are in that group, you might experience a wide range of uncomfortable yet relatively minor digestive issues. Generally, this only occurs when taking a high CFU count. Even among sensitive people, the vast majority will be just fine in that 1,000 to 10,000 CFU range.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Gut Health Supplement
- Eat probiotic foods within a balanced diet
- Add more fiber to your diet
- Supplement your diet with dietary aids
- Cut back on sugar and processed foods
- Get ample rest
- Exercise on a regular basis
While supplements for gut health and bloating can do most of the heavy lifting, you can reach and maintain optimal gut health sooner through a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can make a big difference even if it is just a 15-minute walk daily. Eat well, and avoid sugar and processed food as much as possible because they can wreak havoc on your gut microbiome. Make sure that you are getting enough fiber. Take a multivitamin, and if there are blind spots in your diet or you are experiencing particular issues, add supplements that help in those areas. Also, get at least seven hours of solid sleep each night.
Is There a Best Time to Take a Gut Health Supplement?
Note that this can vary from one supplement to the next, but generally, it is best to take gut health supplements on an empty stomach so that they can reach the intestines quicker. For that reason, we recommend taking your pill first thing in the morning with water and prior to breakfast. Since most gut health supplements provide cumulative benefits, it helps to have a routine. If you are taking a supplement that recommends a split dosage, such as one capsule in the morning and another in the evening, then we recommend taking that second pill about 15 minutes prior to your evening meal.
What Is the Appropriate Dosage for a Gut Health Supplement?
Again, this is going to vary depending on the product you choose. Make sure to read the label and adhere to those particular instructions. As for CFUs, the 40 billion in Probiology Gut+ will be fine for 99% of users. We do not recommend higher than that to start. If you use Gut+ for three months and feel great and want to try an even stronger formula, then you can feel comfortable doing that. If you try Gut+ and experience any of the digestive distress discussed earlier, then we’d recommend starting at the low end of the range—about 1,000 CFUs—and working about from there. Even among sensitive people, it is often possible to acclimate and work your way up to a higher CFU count.
Should You Take Gut Health Supplements If Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Yes. Probiotics are deemed safe during pregnancy and many doctors recommend them. However, you absolutely should check with your particular doctor to make sure that it is safe in your unique situation. It is safe to take a probiotic while breastfeeding because those same bacteria occur naturally in your digestive system, but again, we recommend making sure by consulting with your physician.
Final Thoughts
There is an undeniable connection between gut health and good overall health, and many people are now enjoying a higher quality of life through stable and healthy gut bacteria. Probiology Gut+, Biotics 8 and SynoGut are all superior gut health supplements to enjoy that good gut feeling and strengthen your gut lining, but if you feel like experimenting beyond those options, you can have confidence in all 12 of these products.