Some formulas may also contain prebiotics. Including prebiotics can be beneficial, as they provide substances for probiotics to digest. This process can produce short-chain fatty acids, which can help maintain the health of a person’s colon and immune system. Specifically, science has identified areas of use for diarrhea, respiratory conditions, and some infant illnesses and conditions. Probiotics may also help with weight management, gut issues, constipation, and mental health.

Thus, the modification of the microbiota composition begins to play an increasingly important role in the treatment of IBS [ 19]. In this respect, the supplementation of IBS patients with probiotics seems very promising. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which, when administered at the correct dose, provide a significant health benefit to the host [ 20]. They can improve gut microbiota dysbiosis and limit pathogenic bacterial colonization [ 21]. In addition, some probiotics induce an anti-inflammatory response, while others can modulate visceral hypersensitivity or significantly improve the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and decrease the gut barrier permeability [ 22, 23, 24]. Probiotics have been reported to be effective in reducing global and specific IBS symptoms (such as abdominal pain or flatulence), as well as in improving patients’ quality of life [ 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30]. Although experts agree that probiotics have beneficial effects in IBS and are safe for patients, they fail to agree on the composition, dosage, and duration of probiotic intervention. A recently published meta-analysis of thirty-five randomized clinical trials showed that supplementation with multi-strain probiotics can be superior in comparison with single-strain preparations in IBS symptom improvement [ 28]. However, experts still believe that further research into the role of probiotics is required if probiotic preparations are to be adopted as a treatment for IBS. Timmerman HM, Koning CJ, Mulder L, et al. Monostrain, multistrain and multispecies probiotics-a comparison of functionality and efficacy. Int J Food Microbiol. 2004;96:219–233.Garden of Life claims this product may suit men’s health needs by supporting the gut, prostate, and heart. Some probiotic supplements also contain prebiotics, compounds that the probiotics can feed on. If a formula contains both probiotics and prebiotics, it is called a “synbiotic.” It is vegan, third-party tested, and certified by the Clean Label project. It is free from most major allergens, including wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, and peanuts. It does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The probiotic industry is booming, but the benefits of probiotic products and the quantity of viable bacteria they contain can vary. So, instead of adding bacteria from an outside source, you might be better off consumingprebiotics, like fermentable fiber, which support your own beneficial bacteria. Good dietary sources of prebiotics include dried beans and other legumes, garlic, asparagus, onions, leeks, certain artichokes, green bananas, cold-boiled potatoes and wheat. Prebiotic supplements are available, as well. These are now required by law, making them a scientific and objective way of comparing different products. The reason these dates are important is that they inform users how long the bacteria will remain alive and potent.

The microbiome is unique to each individual, and studies show it may be determined before birth. Research suggests that the microbiome changes throughout a person’s life based on their diet, lifestyle, and exposure to different environmental influences.However, the researchers advise caution when interpreting the results, as there may be bias in some of the studies included. Probiotics for weight loss

You’ll also want to pay close attention to the expiration date, as colony-forming units tend to decline over time rendering them less helpful. Probiotics are harmless microorganisms that may support the presence of healthy bacteria in the body.

Sánchez B, Delgado S, Blanco-Míguez A, Lourenço A, Gueimonde M, Margolles A. Sánchez B, et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017 Jan;61(1). doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201600240. Epub 2016 Oct 10. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017. PMID: 27500859 Review.