7 Best Probiotic Supplements 2024 | UK Dietitian Reviewed

Many people turn to supplements to help maintain their overall health and wellbeing. If this is the case, you'll want to check that your supplement doesn't just contain one specific strain of bacteria, but includes multiple strains. Each strain of bacteria can have a different effect, so the more strains, the broader coverage you should have to target your overall health. 

For general health maintenance, it's advisable to look for a supplement with at least six different strains of bacteria. The most popular and most widely researched strains of bacteria are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, so check that your supplement contains at least one of those, among others.

Diarrhoea is often caused by gastroenteritis or an imbalance in the large intestine. But in some cases, diarrhoea can be a side effect of taking antibiotics. Some studies have shown that probiotics can help avoid diarrhoea whilst taking antibiotics by up to 42%. 

If you're taking a course of antibiotics, consider probiotics that contain Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus. However, make sure to check with your doctor first!

Constipation is when you suffer from stools that are hard to pass, and can sometimes be painful. While some strains of bacteria help with diarrhoea, others have been shown to help with constipation. For sufferers of chronic constipation, you want to look for strains that specifically help ease your bowel movements.

The main strain of bacteria which has been shown to help with constipation is Bifidobacterium Lactis, or B. Lactis, but others to look out for are Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Planetarium, Bifidobacterium Longnum. 

IBS covers quite a large area of digestive issues that can include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea. Everyone's IBS experience is different, so there isn't one specific strain of bacteria known to help.

First of all, you want to look for a probiotic which has been clinically tested and proven to help specifically with IBS symptoms. Then, consider your particular symptoms and choose a probiotic with strains that have been shown to help with those specific issues. 

These are the bacteria strains to look out for when it comes to treating IBS symptoms: Saccharomyces Boulardii, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Bifidobacterium Infantis, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Plantarum. 

Many people don't realize that some probiotics have even been shown to aid in weight loss, specifically around the abdominal area. Of course, you cannot merely choose probiotics as your only form of weight loss assistance, but it might give you a little boost alongside a healthy diet and exercise program. 

For weight loss, choose a probiotic that includes bacteria with fat-burning properties, such as Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Lactobacillus Gasseri, and Bifidobacterium Lactis. 

Healthy bacteria help balance your digestive system, and a healthy gut leads to an optimised immune system. Some probiotics have been shown to help build up your body's defence system, to help fight viruses and infection. 

Strains of bacteria that have been shown to be beneficial for your immune system include Lactobacillus Crispatus, Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus Gasseri, Bifidobacterium Longum, and Bifidobacterium Bifidum.

Some probiotics have also been shown to help reduce cholesterol, improving your overall heart health. These particular strains essentially work by converting some of the bad LDL cholesterol into good HDL cholesterol. 

If having high cholesterol is a problem you face, look for a probiotic supplement that contains strains of bacteria that have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Some of the most common are Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Reuteri, and Bifidobacterium Longum.