Best Fda approved probiotics

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:

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)

Biotics 8 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

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)

Culturelle Kids Purely Probiotics Chewables

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

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

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

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

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

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 nightmaresLactobacillus strains
Bifidobacterium strains
Beneficial for hair lossLactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Best for appetite improvementLactobacillus helveticus
Bifidobacterium longum
Best for stomach painLactobacillus 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 pregnancyLactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium lactis
Best for breastfeedingLactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus reuteri 
Lactobacillus casei shirota 
Lactobacillus crispatus
Bifidobacterium lactis
Best for eye problemsLactobacillus paracasei
Lactococcus lactis
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp.
BulgaricusLactobacillus rhamnosus 
Lactobacillus acidophilus 
Bacteroides fragilis 
Saccharomyces boulardii
Streptococcus thermophilus
Best for respiratory illnessesLactobacillus 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 cholesterolLactobacillus strains
Streptococcus strains
Bifidobacterium strains
Enterococcus strains
Propionibacterium strains
Lactococcus strains
Best for high blood pressureLactobacillus 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 anxietyBifidobacterium strains
Lactobacillus strains
Saccharomyces boulardii
Best for iron deficiencyLactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus fermentum
Streptococcus thermophilus
Best for cold soresLactobacillus rhamnosus
Best against gingivitis and bad breathLactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus salivarius
Streptococcus salivarius strain K12 
Streptococcus salivarius strain M18

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