Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, in sufficient amounts, can benefit the person taking them.
Depending on the strain: usually 1–10 billion CFU a day.
What it is
They are not interchangeable: each effect belongs to a specific strain, identified by a code (such as BB-12 or GG), and what works with one need not work with another.
What it is used for
The quiz suggests it when your answers justify it. It usually appears with these goals:
What the evidence says
Trials in people that point the same way, but still few, small or funded by the manufacturer.
The effect depends on the strain: there are positive trials with specific strains for digestive discomfort and regularity, but not all probiotics do the same thing.
| Year | What was studied | What was found | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Regularity | 4-week trial with 1,248 healthy adults with infrequent bowel movements and abdominal discomfort: the BB-12 strain increased bowel movement frequency compared with placebo; overall digestive wellbeing did not change. Several authors work for the strain’s manufacturer. | Eskesen et al.British Journal of Nutrition |
| 2014 | Gut transit | Meta-analysis of 14 trials with 1,182 adults with functional constipation: probiotics shortened gut transit time by about 12 hours and added 1.3 bowel movements a week. The effect was clear with B. lactis and not with L. casei Shirota. | Dimidi et al.American Journal of Clinical Nutrition |
What to look for on the label
- The exact strain (not just the species) and CFU guaranteed until the expiry date.
Precautions
- If your immunity is very low (immunosuppressive treatment, chemotherapy) or you have a serious illness, do not take them without asking first.
Where to find it
Products whose label meets what this profile asks for: form, dose per serving and nothing that contradicts it. Three at most: quality of the active comes first and, among the best, we look for one option in each price range. We choose by composition, not by who pays. The shops are European or ship to Europe.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€€High endCulturelle
Digestive Daily (L. rhamnosus GG)
10 billion CFU of L. rhamnosus GG per capsule, guaranteed until expiry
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria. Adds 200 mg of inulin.
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iHerbShips from the US, VAT included€€€High endAlign
Gut Health + Immune Support (BB-12)
1 billion CFU of B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 per capsule, guaranteed until the best-before date
For the reference dose1 capsuleView at iHerb (opens in a new tab)Meets the criteria.
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NaturitasShips from Spain€BudgetSolgar
Advanced Acidophilus Plus
500 million CFU per capsule of L. acidophilus LA-5 and B. lactis BB-12
For the reference dose2 capsules: 1 billionView at Naturitas (opens in a new tab)With caveats. Identified strains; the shop’s page does not say whether the CFU are guaranteed until expiry.
We link to the shop; we do not sell anything. Today we earn no commission on any link. If we ever do, the link will say so and the selection will not change: the label decides. Labels checked on 2 November 2026; check the one on the pack before you buy. All these shops deliver to the EU; some of their pages open in Spanish. How we are funded.
Is it for you?
The quiz decides from your answers, not from a profile.
Profile reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sources: EFSA, Regulation (EU) 432/2012 and published studies. Image: Microscope and optical instruments. Engraving by Benard after Lucotte. Wellcome Collection, public domain.
General information based on published scientific evidence and EU law. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
Do not exceed the daily dose stated on each product. If you take medication, have a medical condition or have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.