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Byrdie
We're all about glowing from the inside out, but lifestyle changes like antibiotics, diet, or travel can do more than throw you off schedule—they can also compromise the innate bacteria inside your gut. However, probiotics, which you can consume naturally in foods or supplements, can help restore a healthy microbiome.
Probiotics support immune function, digestion, and nutrition absorption (and can help fight acne, FYI). With this in mind, we talked with multiple registered dietitians to determine the very best probiotics, spanning a range of budgets and particular gut health needs. When selecting these picks, we considered how easy they were to incorporate into our daily routine, looking at pill size and whether refrigeration was necessary. We also examined specific features, like probiotic strains targeting different concerns. We then combined these insights with recommendations from a clinical pharmacist to compile a list of the best in the show.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics For Women
Contains 16 diverse probiotic strains
Includes a blend of prebiotic fiber
Shelf-stable
May cause gas or bloating for some
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 50 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian
This probiotic is one of the best—it contains 50 billion CFUs with 16 diverse, specially selected probiotic strains. Among them are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium—two strains that are resistant to stomach acid and bile—to help improve immune, digestive, and vaginal health. There is also a prebiotic fiber blend of organic potato and organic acacia fiber to help boost the results. The capsules are non-GMO, gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, as well as vegetarian. As an added benefit, they are also shelf-stable, meaning you don't have to refrigerate them between uses. This is an ideal perk for women on the go—all you have to do is stash it in your purse, work bag, or carry-on.
Best Budget
Culturelle Daily Probiotic
Under $20
Includes prebiotic fiber to boost results
Contains evidence-backed, gut-improving strain
Doesn't contain as many live strains as other picks on the market
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 10 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO
Affordable probiotic supplements are hard to come by, but one 30-day supply of Culturelle won't break the bank. Plus, it's effective. It contains a potent, evidence-backed strain of good bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), which has been used in multiple clinical trials focusing on common gut-related concerns such as stomach pain and eczema.
Culturelle contains 10 billion colony-forming units of this strain per serving. In addition to these beneficial bacteria, Culturelle combines 200 milligrams of inulin, a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber, to make the cultures even more effective. Consumer Labs, an independent supplement testing company, confirmed that this pick contains the listed amount of probiotic organisms and is free of contamination as well as yeast, milk, dairy, lactose, wheat, and gluten, which makes this a great option for those following a gut-healing specific diet looking for an extra gut health boost (like the eczema diet).
Best Budget, Runner-Up
Physician's Choice 60 Billion Probiotic
Under $30
Can be taken without food
Helps with bowel movement regularity
Not grain-free
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 60 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free
Taking probiotics on their own can be beneficial for gut health, but the best way to ensure results is to consume both probiotics and prebiotics, as prebiotics are the fuel for probiotics. Physician’s Choice probiotic provides 10 different strains of probiotics and 60 billion colony-forming units per dose—with 150 milligrams of prebiotics from organic Jerusalem artichoke root, acacia Senegal, and chicory root per serving. These ingredients work together to ease all types of stomach and gut discomfort, including constipation and bloating. To help ensure that the probiotics survive the acidity of the stomach, Physician’s Choice uses acid-resistant capsules.
Editor's Choice
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Blend contains both a prebiotic and probiotic
Uses only research-backed probiotic strains
Patented microalgae capsule ensures survival in stomach acid
Product sells out frequently
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 53.6 billion AFU | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Vegan, allergen-friendly
Seed’s Daily Synbiotic extends beyond a focus solely on gut health—it also is able to support cardiovascular and dermatological functions. If you are wondering what a ‘synbiotic’ is and how it differs from a probiotic, it is a scientific way of naming a product that contains both a prebiotic and a probiotic in one capsule. As we mentioned earlier, you can think of prebiotics as the food that fuels probiotics. To ensure that the pre and probiotics in the formula survive the stomach’s acidity, the combination of bacteria strains is protected in a patented capsule made from microalgae. We love that Seed Daily Synbiotic does not have to be refrigerated, and they meticulously test their product to ensure they are free of gluten, dairy, corn, soy, binders, fillers, and excipients.
Hallie Gould, Byrdie's editor-in-chief and GM: "I've been taking the supplements for almost a month now. I've never been less bloated—before, during, or after my period."
Best for Vaginal Health
Lovebug Probiotics Yeast Is a Beast Probiotics
Designed to support vaginal, digestive, and immune health
Helps prevent and treat urinary tract infections
Patented capsule ensures survival in stomach acid
Large pill size
Type: Capsule | Colony-Forming Units: 50 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Non-GMO, allergen-friendly
Love Bug’s yeast is designed specifically with women's health in mind. Featuring five different strains of Lactobacillus, this product may help support optimal vaginal flora, as well as both digestive and immune function. In addition to probiotics, this Love Bug includes 250 milligrams of D-Mannose from cranberry extract, which has been extensively researched for its ability to help prevent or treat urinary tract infections. All of Love Bug’s probiotics also use BIO-tract, a patented delivery technology scientifically developed to protect the tablets against stomach acids and other rigors of digestion. These probiotics are non-GMO, gluten, artificial flavor, and color-free.
Best Gummies
OLLY Probiotic Gummy
Great taste without any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or color
Independently tested and evaluated for quality and safety
Contains both probiotics and prebiotics
Contains lower amount of probiotics than other options
Type: Gummies | Colony-Forming Units: 1 billion | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, B Corporation, NSF
Supplements in a gummy form are normally packed with added sugars and artificial colorings, which are both known triggers of tummy troubles. Good news: Olly does not use artificial colorings, flavors, or sweeteners in its products. Providing one billion colony-forming units of Bacillus coagulans and 1.5 grams of a prebiotic blend to promote healthy gut flora and a strong immune system, this product is an excellent choice for people looking for non-pill probiotics.
Olly also has an NSF certification, meaning the product has been independently tested and evaluated against a rigorous set of quality and material safety requirements.
Best for On the Go
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic
No refrigeration necessary
Delayed-release design survives stomach acid
Improves digestive balance with 12 probiotic strains
Effects may be subtle
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 50 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free
A major obstacle when it comes to staying consistent with taking probiotics is that many of them need to be refrigerated. Refrigeration keeps bacteria viable and supports overall efficacy. Finding a probiotic that ensures potency not just at the time of manufacture—but at the time of purchase—can be difficult.
Renew Life’s On The Go Probiotic takes away the stress of refrigeration. Plus, they provide 50 billion live cultures from 12 different probiotic strains designed to reestablish digestive balance. Ensuring quality and potency through expiration, Renew Life’s capsules are designed to be delayed-release, making sure the contents make it past the acidic environment of the stomach. The fact that they're shelf-stable is also a plus when shipments might be delayed, routines are disrupted by travel, or emergency times without refrigeration.
Best Pesticide-Free
Innate Response Flora 20-14 Capsules
Tested for 125 microbiome-disrupting pesticides and herbicides
Contains 14 probiotic strains for digestion and immunity
Free of gluten, dairy, and soy
Must be kept refrigerated
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 20 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: B corporation, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free
Innate Response is one of the first supplement companies to guarantee that their products are glyphosate residue-free, which increases the efficacy of their potent Flora 20-14 probiotic by limiting interference from a known microbiome disrupter. Glyphosate, a key ingredient in the weed killer Roundup, has been making headlines recently due to its negative effects on hormones, gastrointestinal health, respiratory health, and immune functioning, among other concerns. In addition to glyphosate, each batch of incoming ingredients for this product is tested for over 125 different pesticides and herbicides.
We also love that this supplement is formulated with 20 billion live cultures from 14 different probiotics to promote both immune and digestive health and is gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free.
Best Multifunction
Happy V Prebiotic + Probiotic
Fights bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, and yeast infections
Restores gut health and decreases bloating
No refrigeration necessary
May take 30 days to notice a difference
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 20 billion | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Vegetarian, allergen-friendly
Happy V’s Prebiotic + Probiotic Vaginal Health Supplements can effectively fight against bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, and yeast infections thanks to its lineup of powerhouse ingredients. The formula's probiotics optimize your vagina’s pH for wellness and prevent infection. You can also rely on the supplement's probiotics to help restore your gut health, increase gut comfort, and even decrease bloating.
The capsules are made with a patented prebiotic that destroys bad bacteria, improves the probiotics' efficacy, and maintains urinary tract and vaginal health. To round things out, the ingredient list also boasts lactobacillus, which is the most common beneficial bacteria found in the vaginal flora.
Best Probiotics + Botanicals
Align Probiotic Women's Dual Action
Probiotics and botanicals work together to support vaginal and hormonal health
Guaranteed 6 billion CFU through the “best by” date
Certified by consumerlabs.com
Effects may be subtle
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 6 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, soy-free, vegetarian, dairy-free
Align Probiotic is one of the original probiotic brands, and now they have a formula designed specifically for women’s health. Although this product contains fewer varieties of bacteria, this probiotic uses research-backed, strain-specific ingredients Bifidobacterium longum 35624, La-14, and HN001. Bifidobacterium longum 35624 has been shown to be beneficial in treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, while La-14 and HN001 have been researched for their effect on combating vaginal bacteria.
In addition to targeted probiotic strains, one dose contains 42 milligrams of chaste tree berry. Chaste tree berry (aka Vitex) is a botanical that is commonly used to decrease symptoms related to PMS.
Best for Hair Growth
Nutrafol Hairbiotic Hair Wellness Booster
Formulated with the only known strain to improve hair quality
Shows results on all hair types and textures
Improves fullness and volume while decreasing breakage
Can take three months to show noticeable results
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 25 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO
Hair growth is probably the biggest wellness trend of the year, and you might have not known that you can use probiotics to reach your goals. This option from dermatologist-recommended hair growth brand Nutrafol has 25 billion CFUs and seven probiotic strains, and it's formulated with a Lactobacillus reuteri—the only probiotic strain shown to improve hair growth.
While it may take up to three months to see super noticeable results, within one to two months, you will notice shinier hair and less breakage—improved fullness and volume come around three to four months. After six months, you should be able to see hair that grows quicker and feels stronger.
Best 3-in-1
Ritual Synbiotic+
Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
Formulated with two of the world's most clinically studied strains
Has a delayed-release formula for maximum effectiveness
May cause gas for some
Type: Capsules | Colony-Forming Units: 11 billion | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO
At this point, we've touched on probiotics and prebiotics, but postbiotics are lesser known and just as beneficial for your overall health. This formula contains all three (prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics) for an optimal gut microbiome. Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, explains that postbiotics are "the waste left behind after the body digests pre and probiotics and are helpful for slowing the growth of harmful bacteria." The one included in this formula, Tributyrin, is great for decreasing inflammation in the body, as well as improving overall gut and immune function.
We love that it's formulated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, two strains that have been extensively studied. They both work to decrease bloating and other stomach discomfort, while the prebiotics improve healthy bacteria growth in the gut.
What to Look for in Probiotics for Women
- Levels of Live Probiotics: It's important to look into the level of live probiotics a supplement contains before you purchase it. This indicates the number of live bacteria in the formula. However, you'll also want to ensure this information is provided through the "best by" date noted on the product. You can also pick shelf-stable formulas if you want them to last longer without refrigeration.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: Largeman-Roth recommends looking for a product with both prebiotics and probiotics. "Prebiotics are the fuel source for probiotics (beneficial bacteria)," she explains. "You need both ingredients to have a robust and healthy gut microbiome."
- Your Particular Needs: It's equally important to choose the right kind of probiotic supplement to best fit your health goals. Generally speaking, the bacterial strains that will benefit skin health are different from those that will be good for gut health. Chelsey Amer, MS, RDN, owner of Chelsey Amer Nutrition, recommends Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains for general gut health. For vaginal health, she recommends Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
- Amount of CFUs: When it comes to colony-forming units or CFUs (the amount of active microorganisms present), "more isn’t always better, as the amount of bacteria needed to be effective depends on the particular strain," says clinical pharmacist Dragana Skokovic-Sunjic, author of the Clinical Guide to Probiotics. “Some strains would work at a dose as low as 0.5B CFU per day, and others might require up to 450B CFU per day,” she explains. Your best bet? Discuss your particular goals and needs with your doctor so you can find the right probiotic supplement for you.
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Byrdie
Meet Our Experts
We consulted multiple experts for more insight and to better inform our picks for this article. These experts include:
- Lauren Minchen, RDN, is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant based in New York City.
- Dragana Skokovic-Sunjic, clinical pharmacist and author of the Clinical Guide to Probiotics.
- Kimberly Snyder, RDN, is a celebrity nutritionist, holistic wellness teacher, author, and the founder of the wellness community Solluna.
- Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, is a nutrition expert and author.
- Chelsey Amer, MS, RDN, is a nutrition coach and owner of Chelsey Amer Nutrition.
Why Trust Byrdie
This article was written by Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, who evaluated dozens of top-rated probiotics for women on their amount of CFUs and targeted strains. Her recommendations, in concert with our research insights, determined the products included in this roundup.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough probiotics from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.