We’re all familiar with the gut feeling. The one we know is coming from a place deeper than our mind alone, from our instincts even. Gut feeling may only be a turn of phrase but it’s one based on a degree of fact.
The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The gut microbiota – the hundreds of species of bacteria living in our guts – have been shown to have an influence on that communication and, consequently, our physical and mental health.
Harvard research found that people with suppressed emotions had a less diverse gut microbiome compared with their fellow study participants, while certain species of bacteria were linked with experiencing more negative emotions. Researchers conducting a separate study said their findings showed promise for the use of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic (those that combine both probiotics and prebiotics) supplements by people with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as stress, sleep and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Sophie Medlin, a consultant dietitian and director of CityDietitians , says: “We’re at a stage now with probiotics where you can select specific probiotic products for specific purposes. For example, there are strains that are great for constipation, strains that are great for bloating, but also strains that are good for your mental health, immunity and for reducing inflammation.” She recommends speaking with a registered dietician if you’re looking to take gut health supplements to manage specific conditions.
The potential is exciting, and all with consumer products that can be found easily in most stores. Here’s our pick of the best probiotic and prebiotic supplements available right now.
How we tested the best probiotics
We searched for a range of gut health supplements for people at various stages of life, although, none of our testers had any pre-existing health problems they were looking to manage with probiotics or prebiotics. When trying the supplements, we paid attention to how they left us feeling and made note of any changes to our health and wellbeing.
We were especially looking to include probiotic supplements that featured a diverse variety of strains of bacteria, were easy to take and store, and were suited to various budgets.
The best probiotics for 2024 are:
- Best probiotic overall – Nutravita 60 billion CFU pro bio cultures complex: £18.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget probiotic – Bio-Kult everyday gut, 60 capsules: £13, Amazon.co.uk
- Best probiotic for children – Optibac kids gummies, 30 gummies: £12, Amazon.co.uk
- Best liquid probiotic – Symprove daily essential: £79.99, Symprove.com
Nutravita 60 billion CFU pro bio cultures complex, 60 capsules
Bio-Kult everyday gut, 30 capsules
Symprove daily essential, one month’s supply
Jerms daily gut, 30 daily servings
Yumi gut health probiotic, 60 gummies
Optibac kids gummies, 30 gummies
Skin Diligent skin and biotics, 60 capsules
Artah enhanced synbiotic, 60 capsules
Heights smart probiotic, 30 capsules
The Nue Co prebiotic and probiotic supplement, 60 capsules
Simone Thomas Wellness everyday wellness, 60 capsules
Solgar ultibio immune vegetable capsules, 30 capsules
Probiotic FAQs
What to look for in a probiotic supplement
What is the most effective probiotic?
What is the best time to take probiotics?
What are the benefits of prebiotic and probiotic supplements for your gut health?
How long do probiotics take to have a positive effect?
Can probiotic supplements help with weight loss?
Which foods contain prebiotics?
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
The verdict: Prebiotics
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