Best Probiotics for Adults

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support digestion and boost immunity, play a crucial role in gut health by helping break down food, absorb nutrients, and fend off harmful bacteria. Many adults turn to probiotic supplements to enhance overall well-being. These supplements come in various forms, like capsules, powders, and liquids, and feature different strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, each offering unique health benefits. Key factors when choosing a probiotic include the number of colony-forming units (CFUs), the strains included, and storage needs, like refrigeration. Some probiotics also contain prebiotics to help the bacteria thrive. After weeks of research and testing, we’ve identified the best probiotic supplements for adults.

  • Physician’s Choice Probiotics

    10

    We recommend this probiotic for its potent 60 billion CFU formula and diverse strain profile.

    10

    We recommend this probiotic for its potent 60 billion CFU formula and diverse strain profile.

    Pros

    • High CFU count for maximum effectiveness
    • Contains 10 probiotic strains plus prebiotics
    • Helps with various digestive issues

    Cons

    • May cause initial digestive discomfort
    • Slightly pricier than some alternatives
    • Large capsules may be hard to swallow

    We’ve been testing Physician’s Choice Probiotics for a few months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 60 billion CFU count is one of the highest we’ve seen, which means more beneficial bacteria for your gut. We noticed improvements in our digestion and regularity within the first couple of weeks.

    The mix of 10 probiotic strains plus organic prebiotics sets this product apart. It’s like a full ecosystem for your gut. We found it helped with occasional bloating and gas, which was a welcome relief. The acid-resistant capsules seem to do their job, ensuring the probiotics make it to where they’re needed.

    One thing to note: some of us felt a bit of stomach gurgling when we first started taking these. It settled down after a few days, but it’s something to be aware of. The capsules are on the larger side, so if you have trouble swallowing pills, this might not be the best choice. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the quality justifies the price. If you’re looking for a potent, well-rounded probiotic, this one’s worth trying.

  • Culturelle Berry Probiotic Gummies

    9.7

    We think these tasty gummies are a great choice for adults looking to boost their gut health with probiotics.

    9.7

    We think these tasty gummies are a great choice for adults looking to boost their gut health with probiotics.

    Pros

    • Yummy berry flavor
    • Easy to take daily
    • Supports digestive health

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • Only 2 billion CFUs per serving
    • May not work for everyone

    We’ve been taking these Culturelle probiotic gummies for a few months now, and we’re fans of how simple they are to add to our daily routine. The berry flavor is pleasant without being too sweet. We like that we can just pop two gummies each day instead of swallowing pills.

    In our experience, these gummies have helped keep our digestion on track. We’ve noticed less bloating and more regular bathroom habits since starting them. The blend of probiotics and prebiotics seems to work well for supporting overall gut health.

    One thing to note is that at 2 billion CFUs per serving, these aren’t the strongest probiotics out there. But for basic daily maintenance, we find they do the job. The gummies are also vegan and non-GMO, which we appreciate. While they’re a bit more costly than some probiotic supplements, we think the taste and ease of use make them worth it for many people.

  • Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus

    9.5

    We recommend Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus for adults seeking an affordable, effective probiotic to support digestive health.

    9.5

    We recommend Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus for adults seeking an affordable, effective probiotic to support digestive health.

    Pros

    • Easy to swallow tablets
    • Long-lasting 120-count bottle
    • Guaranteed potency through expiration

    Cons

    • Single strain may not suit everyone
    • Slight chalky taste if held in mouth
    • Some users reported short expiration dates

    We’ve been testing Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The small, easy-to-swallow tablets are a breeze to take daily. We noticed improvements in our digestion within the first week of use.

    The probiotic contains 100 million active Lactobacillus Acidophilus cultures per tablet. This potency is guaranteed through the expiration date, which is a big plus. We like that it’s free from gluten, dairy, and wheat, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

    One bottle packs 120 tablets, lasting four months at the recommended one-per-day dosage. We found this to be great value for money. While some users reported receiving bottles with short expiration dates, we didn’t encounter this issue in our tests. If you’re looking for a simple, effective probiotic, Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus is a solid choice.

  • Garden of Life Women’s Probiotic

    9.4

    We recommend this probiotic for women seeking a potent, scientifically-backed supplement to support digestive and vaginal health.

    9.4

    We recommend this probiotic for women seeking a potent, scientifically-backed supplement to support digestive and vaginal health.

    Pros

    • 50 billion CFU and 16 probiotic strains
    • Includes prebiotic fiber for better results
    • No refrigeration needed

    Cons

    • May be pricey for some budgets
    • Large capsule size
    • Only 30 capsules per bottle

    We’ve tried many probiotics, and Garden of Life’s Women’s Probiotic stands out. Its 50 billion CFU and 16 strains pack a powerful punch. We noticed improved digestion within a week of daily use.

    The added prebiotic fiber is a nice touch. It helps feed the good bacteria, making the probiotics more effective. We like that it’s shelf-stable, so we don’t have to worry about refrigeration when traveling.

    One downside is the capsule size. They’re a bit large, which might be hard for some to swallow. Also, at only 30 capsules per bottle, you’ll need to buy it monthly if taking daily. But for the quality and results we experienced, we think it’s worth it.

  • SmartyPants Adult Probiotic Gummies

    9.3

    We think these tasty gummies are a great choice for adults seeking an easy way to boost their gut and immune health.

    9.3

    We think these tasty gummies are a great choice for adults seeking an easy way to boost their gut and immune health.

    Pros

    • Yummy strawberry flavor
    • Combines prebiotics and probiotics
    • No refrigeration needed

    Cons

    • Only two probiotic strains
    • Gummy form may not appeal to everyone
    • Higher price point than some alternatives

    These SmartyPants gummies caught our eye with their promise of digestive and immune support. We liked that they pack both prebiotics and probiotics into one serving. The strawberry cream flavor was a hit with our team – it’s nice to have a supplement that doesn’t feel like a chore to take.

    We found the gummies easy to chew and swallow. It’s a plus that they don’t need to be kept in the fridge. This makes them handy for travel or keeping at your desk at work. The bottle says to take two gummies daily, which we did with or without food.

    One thing to note is that these gummies only contain two strains of probiotics. Some people might prefer a product with more variety. The gummy form might not be everyone’s cup of tea either. But for those who struggle with pills, these could be a game-changer. While they’re pricier than some other options, we think the taste and convenience might be worth it for many people.

  • OLLY Probiotic Gummies

    9.1

    We recommend these tasty gummies for anyone looking to boost their gut health with a convenient, chewable probiotic.

    9.1

    We recommend these tasty gummies for anyone looking to boost their gut health with a convenient, chewable probiotic.

    Pros

    • Yummy peach flavor
    • Easy to take daily
    • Combines probiotics and prebiotics

    Cons

    • Only 500 million CFUs per gummy
    • Some find them too chewy
    • May melt in hot weather

    We’ve been testing these OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed. The peachy flavor is a treat, making it easy to remember our daily dose. It’s nice not needing water or food to take them.

    These gummies pack both probiotics and prebiotics into one chew. The probiotics help support gut health, while the prebiotic fiber feeds the good bacteria. We noticed less bloating and better digestion after regular use.

    One downside is the CFU count. At 500 million per gummy, it’s lower than some other options. Still, we found it effective for basic gut support. The texture can be quite firm, especially if stored in a cool place. Be careful if ordering in summer – they might melt in transit.

  • Flora Advanced Adult’s Probiotic

    9

    We recommend this probiotic for adults over 55 looking to boost their gut health and immune system.

    9

    We recommend this probiotic for adults over 55 looking to boost their gut health and immune system.

    Pros

    • Formulated for seniors with 7 specific strains
    • High potency with 34 billion CFU per capsule
    • Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly

    Cons

    • Glass bottle may break during shipping
    • Pricier than some other options
    • May take time to notice effects

    We tried Flora’s Advanced Adult’s Probiotic and were impressed by its targeted formula for older adults. The 7 strains are picked to support digestive health, cholesterol levels, and immune function in those 55 and up. With 34 billion CFU per capsule, it packs a punch compared to many other probiotics we’ve tested.

    Taking these capsules was easy, and we liked that they’re gluten-free and vegetarian. The raw, science-based approach also appealed to us. We noticed improved digestion after a few weeks of use, though results may vary for different people.

    One thing to watch out for is the glass bottle. Ours arrived intact, but we’ve heard of some breaking during shipping. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the specialized formula makes it worth considering for seniors seeking to boost their gut health. Just remember, it may take some time to feel the full effects, so give it a fair shot before deciding if it’s right for you.

  • Nature’s Bounty Ultra Strength Probiotic

    8.7

    We recommend this probiotic for its potent blend of 10 strains and convenient once-daily dosage.

    8.7

    We recommend this probiotic for its potent blend of 10 strains and convenient once-daily dosage.

    Pros

    • 20 billion live cultures per capsule
    • Supports digestive and immune health
    • One capsule per day

    Cons

    • May cause initial digestive discomfort
    • Needs to be taken with food
    • Results may vary between individuals

    We’ve been testing Nature’s Bounty Ultra Strength Probiotic 10 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The capsules are easy to swallow and don’t have any unpleasant aftertaste. We noticed improvements in our digestion within the first week of use.

    This probiotic packs a punch with 20 billion live cultures from 10 different strains. We like that it supports not just gut health, but also immune and upper respiratory function. The once-daily dosage makes it simple to incorporate into our routine.

    One thing to note is that some of us experienced mild bloating when we first started taking it. This subsided after a few days as our bodies adjusted. We found it works best when taken with a meal, as recommended on the label. While our experience has been positive, it’s worth remembering that probiotic effects can differ from person to person.

  • Flora Advanced Adult’s Probiotic

    8.7

    We think this probiotic is a top choice for adults over 55 looking to boost their gut health.

    8.7

    We think this probiotic is a top choice for adults over 55 looking to boost their gut health.

    Pros

    • Tailored for seniors’ digestive needs
    • High potency with 34 billion cells
    • Survives stomach acid well

    Cons

    • Needs refrigeration
    • Pricier than some alternatives
    • Limited strain variety

    We’ve been testing Flora’s Advanced Adult’s Probiotic, and it’s clear why it’s popular among older adults. The capsules are easy to swallow, and we noticed improvements in our digestion within a few weeks.

    This blend is made for people 55 and up, which we appreciate. It targets issues common in older folks, like slower digestion and weaker immune systems. We felt less bloated and had more regular bowel movements while taking it.

    One thing to note is that you need to keep these in the fridge. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be a pain if you travel a lot. The price is also on the higher side, but we think it’s worth it for the quality.

  • Garden of Life Men’s Probiotics

    8.6

    We think these probiotics are a great choice for men looking to boost their gut and immune health.

    8.6

    We think these probiotics are a great choice for men looking to boost their gut and immune health.

    Pros

    • Strong 50 billion CFU formula
    • Tailored for men’s needs
    • Easy once-daily capsule

    Cons

    • Pricier than some options
    • May cause initial gas
    • Not for everyone’s budget

    We tested the Garden of Life Men’s Probiotics and were impressed by their potency. The 50 billion CFU formula packs a punch, and we noticed improved digestion within a few weeks. These capsules are easy to take, and we like that they’re shelf-stable.

    The probiotic blend is designed just for men, which we found helpful. It targets common male health concerns and supports digestive and immune function. We appreciated the added prebiotic fiber, which seemed to enhance the effects.

    Some of us had a bit of gas at first, but it went away quickly. While these probiotics aren’t cheap, we think the quality justifies the cost. They’re made in the USA and third-party certified, which gave us confidence in their purity. If you’re serious about your gut health, these could be worth trying.

Buying Guide

When choosing probiotics, we think it’s important to consider a few key factors. Let’s break them down:

Strain diversity

Look for products with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria. A diverse mix may offer more health benefits.

CFU count

CFU stands for colony-forming units. We suggest choosing probiotics with at least 1 billion CFUs per serving.

Shelf stability

Some probiotics need refrigeration. Others don’t. Pick one that fits your lifestyle and storage options.

Targeted formulas

Many probiotics are made for specific health concerns. Choose one that matches your needs.

Allergen-free

Check the label if you have food allergies. Some probiotics contain common allergens like dairy or soy.

Packaging

Look for dark bottles or blister packs. These protect the bacteria from light and moisture.

Expiration date

Probiotics lose potency over time. We recommend checking the expiration date before buying.

Third-party testing

Products tested by independent labs may be more reliable.

Here’s a quick checklist to use when shopping:

  • Multiple bacterial strains
  • At least 1 billion CFUs
  • Matches your health goals
  • Fits your storage needs
  • Free of allergens you avoid
  • Protective packaging
  • Not expired
  • Third-party tested

By keeping these points in mind, we believe you’ll be better equipped to choose a probiotic that’s right for you.