7 Best FDA-Approved Probiotics List (UPDATED)
Searching for the best probiotics can be a challenge, especially with so many options you can choose from. You certainly want to choose an effective yet safe probiotic.
FDA-approved medications are safe and effective, but are there any FDA-approved probiotics?
Well, there aren’t any FDA-approved probiotics as we covered here. As of the moment, the FDA doesn’t consider probiotics as over-the-counter medications despite studies that show they can help prevent or alleviate certain illnesses.
However, your best option is to pick from the top trusted brands to ensure that you’re using a safe and effective probiotic, even if it isn’t FDA-approved.
Highlights of My Top 3 Probiotic Recommendations:
- Bauer Nutrition Biotics 8 – Best probiotics for adult men
- Culturelle Probiotics – Best for women, men, kids, and weight management
- Optibac For Women Probiotics – Best probiotics for women
Are There Any FDA-Approved Probiotics?
I’ve researched this topic in hopes of finding the best FDA-approved probiotics. However, I learned that the FDA still doesn’t have any on its list. The reason for this is that despite several studies showing the benefits that probiotics can have on certain conditions, the benefits do vary from one condition to another – and also vary from strain to strain.
So, the FDA hasn’t approved any specific health claim on probiotics. It’s currently considered a food supplement and isn’t regulated by the federal agency.
What does that mean in terms of probiotic safety and effectiveness? You’re likely also wondering whether you can take these supplements at all.
Are Probiotics Still Safe to Use Even Without FDA Approval?
Well, without FDA approval, you aren’t assured of 100% safe and effective products.
Do note that the actual probiotic content or the live, active gut bacteria isn’t also assured because of the lack of FDA approval.
These are the reasons why it’s very important to only choose trusted brands in buying probiotics.
While they aren’t closely monitored and regulated by the FDA, these trusted brands make sure that their products are safe for consumption. Most also ensure that the probiotic CFUs (colony-forming units) listed on the label are as close to the number as possible when it reaches your home.
I share with you a guide on how to choose the best probiotics, to help you pick the best one even if they aren’t FDA-approved.
What Probiotic Brands Do I Recommend?
1. Bauer Nutrition Biotics 8 (Best Probiotics For Men)
CFU: 20 billion
Dosage: 3 capsules per day; best taken first thing in the morning
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 10 probiotic strains
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus fermentum
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: GMP-certified (Good Manufacturing Practices)
Storage: Shelf-stable; no refrigeration required
Cost: $64.99 for 90 capsules (1 month supply); freebies if you buy more: $129.99 (buy 2 bottles, get one free) and $194.99 (buy 3 bottles, get 2 free)
What I love best about this probiotic is that it helps improve the gut microbiome while also providing you with more energy. It fortifies the immune system, strengthens your gut-brain axis, and supports your mental well-being.
Plus, it’s a probiotic for men that helps boost your testosterone levels and increase muscle growth.
It can even aid with weight loss by promoting better digestion and regular bowel elimination.
The brand also offers a risk-free trial for 2 full months, with the promise to refund you (with no questions asked!) if you aren’t satisfied with the product’s results on your gut health.
Pros
- Targeted for men (boosts testosterone aside from promoting gut healthy)
- Contains 10 probiotic strains
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Risk-free trial (60-day money-back guarantee)
Cons
- Formulated for men – so, it isn’t ideal for everyone and is best avoided by women
- Contains Chicory Root prebiotic fiber (can trigger IBS symptoms or irritable bowel syndrome in some people)
- Not available in other shops compared to other probiotics
Where to Buy
- Biotics8 official website: $64.99 (90 capsules, 1 bottle)
The brand also offers discounts or freebies if you buy from their official shop:
- $129.99 (2+1 bottles)
- $194.99 (3+2 bottles)
2. Culturelle Kids Purely Probiotics Chewables (Best Probiotics For Kids)
CFU: 5 billion
Dosage: 1 tablet per day
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 1 strain
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Form/Type: Chewable tablet
Certifications: Not indicated
Storage: Shelf-stable; refrigeration not required
Cost: $22.99 for 30 tablets
Great for growing kids 3-12 years old, this probiotic blend also promotes healthy teeth and gums.
It also uses the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain, the most-studied probiotic strain.
What I really love about this trusted brand is that it guarantees the full amount of probiotic CFUs (as stated on the label). They even verify that number by testing products for the number of live probiotics at their expiration date!
To maintain high quality and keep the probiotics away from air, moisture, light, and contamination, each tablet is individually sealed in a double aluminum blister pack.
Pros
- Dairy-free
- Wheat-free (also gluten-free)
- Egg-free
- Tree nut-free
- Peanut-free
- Also free from preservatives and colors
Cons
- Only one probiotic strain
- This product is ideal only for children
Where to Buy
- Culture official website: $22.99 (30 tablets)
3. Optibac For Women Probiotics (Best Probiotics For Women)
CFU: 2.5 billion
Dosage: 1 capsule per day; can be increased to 2 capsules upon your doctor’s recommendation
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 3 strains
- Lactobacillus paracasei F-19
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
- Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: Not indicated
Storage: Shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration, but you can still keep it in the fridge for maximum potency; best to keep it inside the original bottle with the lid closed tightly and the desiccant sachet still inside
Cost: $23.99 for 30 capsules; $64.99 for 90 capsules; 10% discount with subscription
This brand uses highly researched probiotic strains that are especially targeting the vaginal microbiome instead of the gut.
According to the brand, this probiotic supplement has been clinically proven to reach the vagina – that’s certainly something to look out for when choosing your supplement.
Plus, it supports natural PH levels and uses strains that are natural to the vaginal tract. That means they can thrive better in the vagina and work exactly where they’re needed. Also, these strains have been shown in clinical trials to be useful in preventing thrush and yeast infections.
The perfect probiotic for women, this can also be ideal for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. However, be sure to consult your doctor about probiotic use if you’re pregnant or lactating.
Pros
- Targeted for women
- Vegan product
- Dairy-free
- Yeast-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- No added sugars
- Free from parabens and other harmful chemicals
- Free from GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
- Doesn’t contain inulin that might trigger IBS symptoms
Cons
- Not a probiotic for everyone; best used by women
- Fewer probiotics (in terms of CFUs) than other brands or products
- Doesn’t have a prebiotic (helps probiotics survive stomach acids better)
Where to Buy
- Optibac Probiotics official website: $23.99 (30 capsules) or $64.99 (90 capsules)
You can also enjoy a 10% discount if you buy this probiotic through a subscription from the brand’s official shop.
4. Physician’s Choice THIN 30 Probiotic (Best Probiotics For Weight Loss)
CFU: 15 billion
Dosage: 1 capsule per day or as directed by your physician
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 6 strains
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: GMP-certified
Storage: Shelf-stable; refrigeration not required
Cost: $34.95 for 30 capsules; discounts for buying more: $82.50 (3 bottles; $27.5 per bottle) and $132.41 (5 bottles; $26.48 per bottle)
This probiotic blend promotes weight loss with green tea extracts that enhance metabolism and other ingredients that help with better digestion. It’s also formulated to reduce fatty acid absorption for optimal results.
The good news is that probiotics show promising results in managing weight, particularly with obese patients, as explained by a 2020 study in the Microorganisms journal.
A combination of different prebiotics also provides support for your probiotics in this blend:
- Jerusalem artichoke root (inulin-rich sunflower)
- Acacia Senegal (acacia tree sap in powdered form)
- Chicory root (inulin-rich dandelion variety)
Plus, it’s also made of acid-resistant capsules to ensure the active microorganisms’ survival across the harsh and highly acidic environment of your stomach.
This brand also offers a 60-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- All-natural probiotics
- Gluten-free
- Free from GMOs
- Uses special technology to create patented shelf-stable bottles that keep oxygen, light, and moisture out
Cons
- Some complaints on Amazon that this product didn’t work for them
Where to Buy
- Physician’s Choice official website: $34.95 (30 capsules per bottle); discounts for buying more: $82.50 for 3 bottles or just $27.5 per bottle, and $132.41 for 5 bottles or just $26.48 per bottle
You can also save 10% (Amazon) or up to 15% (Physician’s Choice) if you get this via a subscription.
5. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics – Vaginal Care (Best Probiotics For Vaginal Health)
CFU: 50 billion
Dosage: 1 capsule per day; can be taken with or without food
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 38 probiotic strains
The Vaginal Care Blend contains:
- Bifidobacterium lactis BL818
- Lactobacillus acidophilus (SD-5212)
- Lactobacillus fermentum (SD-2468)
- Lactobacillus gasseri (SD-5685)
- Lactobacillus paracasei (SD-5218)
- Lactobacillus reuteri (SD-1357
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (SD-5217)
- Lactobacillus salivarius (SD-5208)
The Eastern European Wild Kefir Culture portion of this probiotic also has the following:
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Brettanomyces anomalus
- Debaryomyces hansenii
- Kluyveromyces marxianus
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Lactobacillus kefir
- Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens
- Lactobacillus kefirgranum
- Lactobacillus parakefir
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactococcus cremoris
- Lactococcus lactis
- Lactococcus lactis biovar diacetylactis
- Leuconostoc cremoris
- Leuconostoc dextranicum
- Leuconostoc lactis
- Leuconostoc mesenteroides
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Saccharomyces exiguus
- Saccharomyces turicensis
- Saccharomyces unisporus
- Streptococcus thermophilus
- Torulaspora delbrueckii
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: NSF Gluten-Free Certification (National Sanitation Foundation International)
Storage: Shelf-stable; no refrigeration required
Cost: $38.39 for 30 capsules
This probiotic blend has one of the highest CFUs and the most number of probiotic strains on the market.
It also includes a raw whole food probiotic blend (Bulgarian yogurt concentrate) and a vaginal yeast-digesting enzyme blend (includes extracts from raspberry fruit, cherry, strawberry, bell pepper, etc.)
What’s different about this blend is that it’s considered a whole-food supplement. Aside from taking it as a regular capsule, you can also open the capsule to mix the contents with juice or water.
Pros
- More probiotic strains, higher CFUs
- Blend formulated especially for women, particularly vaginal care
- Soy-free
- Free of binders and fillers
- A unique desiccant-lined bottle that keeps moisture away from your probiotics
Cons
- Contains egg and milk, both of which are potential allergens
- Not for everyone; ideal only for women
Where to Buy
- Garden of Life official website: $38.39 (30 capsules)
6. Probulin Total Care Soothe Probiotic (Best Probiotics For Stomach Upset)
CFU: 15 billion
Dosage: 1 capsule per day
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 15 strains
Lactobacillus Blend + Lactobacillus (4 billion CFU) fermentation blend from organic blueberry, organic beet, organic kale, organic raspberry, and organic fig
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus helveticus
Bifidobacteria Blend + Bifidobacteria (8 billion CFU) fermentation blend from organic blueberry, organic beet, organic kale, organic raspberry, and organic fig:
- Bifidobacteria longum
- Bifidobacteria lactis
- Bifidobacteria infantis
- Bifidobacteria bifidum
Total other probiotics (3 billion CFU)
- Streptococcus thermophilus
- Pediococcus acidilactici
- Pediococcus pentosaceus
- Propionibacterium freudenreichii
- Streptococcus thermophilus
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: Third-party lab tested
Storage: Shelf-stable; no refrigeration required
Cost: $47.99 for 30 capsules
What’s great about this product is that it was formulated by a board-certified doctor who has 20+ years of experience.
It’s also sold with a 45-day quality guarantee.
To soothe stomach upset and other gut issues, this blend contains concentrated ginger extract and menthol powder from peppermint leaf oil.
It also contains prebiotic inulin and uses a unique seaweed barrier that protects against stomach acid. This will help increase your probiotics’ survival rate on their journey across harsh stomach acids.
It’s also fantastic that despite being shelf-stable, the brand pampers its probiotic products by shipping them cold using eco-friendly insulation with Enviro Ice.
Delivery trucks’ temperature can reach as high as 150º F on hot days. You know that’s bad for probiotics because it can reduce their shelf life or even kill off all the live microorganisms. Thankfully, shipping the products in this pampered manner can help protect them throughout the entire journey to maximize their potency.
Pros
- Dairy-free
- Wheat-free and gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Shellfish-free
- Also free from magnesium stearate and GMOs
- No artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Because it has inulin, it might trigger IBS symptoms in some people
Where to Buy
- Probulin official website: $47.99 (30 capsules)
- Amazon: $35.99 (30 capsules)
7. Pink Stork Total Lactation Probiotic (Best Probiotics For Nursing Mothers)
CFU: 10 billion CFU
Dosage: 1 capsule per day; with or without food
Probiotics Strains/Strains: 7 strains
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Enterococcus faecium
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Form/Type: Capsule
Certifications: Third-party tested
Storage: Shelf-stable; refrigeration not required
Cost: $32 for 30 capsules
This blend is great for breastfeeding moms and their babies.
It supports a nursing mom through:
- Postpartum Wellness
- Better digestion
- Improved gut health
- Vaginal health
- Boosted immune system
It can also provide colic relief and immune support to babies, thanks to the probiotic benefits being passed on through breast milk.
Pros
- Formulated for breastfeeding moms and their babies
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Not a probiotic for everyone
- Some complaints on the brand’s website about lactation issues after using the product
Where to Buy
- Pink Stork official website: $32 (30 capsules)
How We Chose The Best Probiotics
1. Formulated By Experts (e.g., doctors and researchers)
They’re the people who can be trusted in choosing the best probiotic strains to best suit your condition.
2. High CFU Count (guaranteed CFUs are the best)
You need live microorganisms for your probiotic to work, but the number can be affected by a lot of factors, including transport conditions, storage, and even the journey from your mouth to your gut.
So, having a higher CFU count can be a good idea for a higher likelihood of the microorganisms reaching your small intestines.
3. More Strains
“The more, the merrier” can apply to probiotics. Having more strains can help ensure that you can maximize their benefits in your body.
4. Proof of Results & Excellent Customer Reviews
Of course, because they aren’t FDA-regulated, the manufacturers can easily say that they have the most effective formulations and they have “proof” of their results.
But it’s best to choose trusted brands so you’ll know that these claims are actually for real.
You might also find it useful to read reviews on Reddit, Amazon, and the brand’s website for real-life customer experiences.
5. Contains Prebiotics Or Uses Delayed-Release Techniques
Prebiotics or delayed-release techniques can help protect your delicate microorganisms from harsh stomach acids. That’s important to ensure they reach your small intestines alive and ready to work.
6. Clinical Studies: Which Strains of Probiotics to Consider?
Clinically studied strains can be your best choice to find the best probiotic for your condition. With scientists studying them for a long time, they can be effective and safe for use.
According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), these are the most common microorganism strains used in probiotic products:
- Lactobacillus
- Bifidobacterium
- Saccharomyces
- Streptococcus
- Enterococcus
- Escherichia
- Bacillus
However, different probiotic strains can work for different conditions. Just like with medications, there really isn’t one probiotic that fits all.
Often, it’s best to pick a probiotic supplement with multiple strains for a higher chance of having a microorganism that can help with your condition. The good news is that these microorganisms have been shown to help alleviate different conditions:
Best for UTIs (urinary tract infections), bloating, insomnia, gastritis, joint pain, and avoiding nightmares | Lactobacillus strains Bifidobacterium strains |
Beneficial for hair loss | Lactobacillus acidophilus Bifidobacterium bifidum |
Best for appetite improvement | Lactobacillus helveticus Bifidobacterium longum |
Best for stomach pain | Lactobacillus acidophilusBifidobacterium lactis |
Best against parasites and intestinal worms | Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus reuteri Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus salivarius Lactobacillus johnsonii Enterococcus faecalis Enterococcus faecium Pseudomonas alcaligenes Bacillus brevis Saccharomyces boulardii Zymomonas mobilis |
Best for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) | Bacillus clausii Bacillus coagulans Bacillus subtilis Bifidobacterium strains Saccharomyces boulardii Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus reuteri Lactobacillus rhamnosus VSL 3 (combination of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus) |
Best for skin (against rashes and itches) | Lactobacillus strains Bifidobacterium strains Streptococcus thermophilus Bacillus coagulans Staphylococcus hominis Staphylococcus epidermidis Vitreoscilla strains |
Best for pregnancy | Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Lactobacillus acidophilus Bifidobacterium lactis |
Best for breastfeeding | Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Lactobacillus reuteri Lactobacillus casei shirota Lactobacillus crispatus Bifidobacterium lactis |
Best for eye problems | Lactobacillus paracasei Lactococcus lactis Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. BulgaricusLactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus acidophilus Bacteroides fragilis Saccharomyces boulardii Streptococcus thermophilus |
Best for respiratory illnesses | Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lactobacillus acidophilus Streptococcus thermophilus Bifidobacterium strains |
Best for gassy people (probiotics that don’t cause gas) | Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus paracasei Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium longum Bifidobacterium bifidum Bacillus coagulans |
Best for lowering cholesterol | Lactobacillus strains Streptococcus strains Bifidobacterium strains Enterococcus strains Propionibacterium strains Lactococcus strains |
Best for high blood pressure | Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus helveticus Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus reuteri |
Best for energy (alleviating tiredness) | Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium infants Bifidobacterium longum Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus helveticus Lactobacillus paracasei Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus brevis Saccharomyces cerevisiae |
Best for depression and anxiety | Bifidobacterium strains Lactobacillus strains Saccharomyces boulardii |
Best for iron deficiency | Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus fermentum Streptococcus thermophilus |
Best for cold sores | Lactobacillus rhamnosus |
Best against gingivitis and bad breath | Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus paracasei Lactobacillus salivarius Streptococcus salivarius strain K12 Streptococcus salivarius strain M18 |