What are the best probiotics currently available?

We explain which probiotics are best for you and what you should look for in a high-quality probiotic.

Every year, dozens of new probiotics enter the market. Figuring out which ones are effective and good and which ones aren’t, can be a nightmare.

What is clear is that probiotics can have benefits for the greater good. Recent scientific studies show that probiotics can improve digestion, boost the immune system, counteract depression and anxiety and even help with weight loss.

However, as with all food supplements, there are also differences in the formulation of probiotics. The effect can also vary and not every product is suitable for every person.

Probiotics are generally very safe, but there are ingredients that you should be aware of such as those that can cause allergic reactions. That’s why it’s important to do your own research before buying and taking a probiotic. This is the only way to ensure that what you are buying is effective and of the highest quality.

This guide is designed to help you make the best choice from the products currently available.

Why take probiotics?

What are the main reasons for taking probiotics?

1. They can help combat bloating and digestive problems by supplying the gut with good bacteria.
2. They can support your immune system – 80% of your immune system is in your gut.
3. They can help combat skin problems such as acne, as gut health and skin condition are often related.
4. They can reduce anxiety and counteract depression by increasing serotonin levels.
5. According to recent studies, they can even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Taking probiotics is an important step for people who want to improve their overall health and well-being. That’s why it’s especially important to find the right one among the countless options available.

3 common MYTHS about probiotics

Not only are there countless success stories about the effectiveness of probiotics, but there is also a lot of misinformation and the inevitable myths that may influence your purchasing decision. However, myths are just that—myths—and are most likely untrue.

Myth No. 1: Probiotics are only useful for people with digestive problems

By far the biggest and most common misconception! Of course probiotics can help with digestive problems, but that’s not their only benefit. Scientists don’t call the gut the “second brain” for nothing – they call it that because the gut produces many hormones and neurotransmitters that affect your mental and physical health. The gut houses most of your immune system and has an impact on inflammation levels in your body.

Myth No. 2: Probiotics don’t work

Probiotics really do work! Hundreds of double-blind, placebo-controlled scientific studies from renowned universities have proven their effectiveness in humans. However, it is important to understand that the intestinal flora is very individual, and probiotics vary in their composition and formulation. Not every probiotic works equally well for everyone.

Myth No. 3: Probiotics are expensive

Not necessarily! Probiotics shouldn’t cost a fortune. Considering that most packages contain a month’s supply and that it’s recommended to take the product for at least 3 months to get the full effect, they shouldn’t exceed 18-25 euros per month.

3 FACTS about probiotics

In addition to myths, we also have facts for you. We present you with three well-known facts to help you better understand the less well-known benefits and effects of probiotics.

Fact #1: Probiotics strengthen the immune system

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to have a strong immune system. Probiotics balance your gut bacteria, which helps increase the production of important immune cytokines. These immune cytokines are responsible for keeping viruses at bay.

Fact #2: Probiotics can improve mood, counteract anxiety and relieve depression

Good bacteria can increase the production of serotonin in the gut – the famous “feel good” neurotransmitter. Low serotonin levels are linked to chronic depression and anxiety. A bacterial imbalance in the gut can lead to low serotonin levels.

Fact #3: Probiotics can reduce appetite and cravings

Few people realize that food cravings, such as sugar and fat, can be caused by bad bacteria in the gut. These bacteria produce key hormones and neurotransmitters that make us crave the foods they need to thrive. Many people report that once this bacterial imbalance is corrected, their cravings disappear.

Now that we’ve separated facts from myths, we’ll explain what to look for when choosing a probiotic. Make sure you only take probiotics that have a high-quality formula.

The 3 most important criteria to consider when choosing a probiotic

Criterion No. 1: Regular laboratory analyses to check the bacteria in the probiotic

A 2016 study by the University of California-Davis used DNA analysis to compare the bacteria listed on the labels of 16 commercially available products with the actual contents of the products.

The study found that only one of the 16 products contained the strains listed on the label – many contained completely different types of bacteria.

So it’s best to buy from a company that can certify that their product actually contains the strains claimed on the label.

Criterion No. 2: It must be designed to allow the bacteria to reach the gut intact

In a study published in the journal Cell in September 2018, scientists gave 10 healthy people a probiotic for four weeks. In 4 of the 10 people, no bacteria from the probiotic settled in the intestines at all.

Why was that? It’s simple: the probiotic capsules were not properly protected against stomach acid. In people with strong stomach acid production, the capsules simply dissolved before they could even reach the intestine.

It is therefore very important to ensure that a probiotic has an enteric-coated capsule.

Criterion No. 3: It must contain the strain that has been scientifically studied

There are different “versions” of each bacterial strain – such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Usually, one or two of these variants are scientifically studied. However, these studies do not always apply to the other versions of the strain. Many manufacturers use the untested version because it is usually cheaper and leads to higher profit margins.

Here’s how you can check: If a probiotic’s ingredient list doesn’t include a specific 4- or 5-letter code next to each strain, such as “Lc-11” or “BB 536” – this usually means it’s a lower quality product.

Our special rating system

The ratings in this article are based on a specialized criteria. In a comprehensive process, we compare products by carefully evaluating ingredients, safety, effectiveness, reimbursement policies, and overall customer satisfaction. By evaluating these factors, combined with the latest studies and clinical trials, we make it easy for you to choose the best probiotics on the market, saving you both time and money.

---

The 4 best probiotics on the current market

After hours of intensive research and taking into account combined ratings and online reviews from customers like you, we have compiled a list of the 4 best probiotics on the market.

1st place: Nupure Probaflor

---

2nd place: VitaminExpress Probio14

---

3rd place: Eco by Naty ecological nappies

---

4th place: Vitabiotics Probiotis Live Cultures

---