The Best Probiotic Supplements for Men, According to RDs

Probiotics may help restore a healthy gut, which can in turn reduce stomach discomfort, improve immunity and boost nutrient absorption.

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As many as 15 percent of the U.S. population suffers symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea (1). A probiotic supplement can help support the good bacteria necessary for a healthy gut—aiding digestion, reducing disease risk and even synthesizing certain vitamins, like vitamin K and some of the water soluble B vitamins (2). 

Probiotics are live microorganisms found naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut, and they've been shown to help improve gut health and immune function and possibly aid in maintaining healthy gut bacteria (3)(4). If you have trouble getting enough probiotics through your regular diet, you might be able to complement your diet with a probiotic supplement.

In this roundup, we'll cover our top picks for the best probiotics for men in 2024 and explain why they made the cut. Some of the featured products are specially formulated for men, while others have universal benefits for anyone who wants to improve their gut health. We'll also draw on my knowledge of nutrition and food science to explain how men's probiotic supplements work.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Probiotics for Men in 2024:

• Best Overall Probiotic for Men: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Comprehensive Men’s Probiotic: Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic 
• Best Men’s Performance Probiotic: Biotics 8
• Best Probiotic for Men's Gut Health: YourBiology gut+
• Best Vegan Probiotic for Men: Bioma
• Best Men's Probiotic for Immune Health: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
• Best Men’s Prebiotic, Probiotic and Postbiotic Combo: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Men’s Probiotic for Digestive Support: Biotics 8
• Best Potent Men’s Probiotic: Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic
• Best Value Men's Probiotic: Nature Made Digestive Probiotics
• Best Men’s Probiotic + Superfood Powder Combo: AG1

Best Overall Probiotic for Men: Ritual Synbiotic+

Get 25% off your first month of Ritual! Code: SI25

SI Showcase + Ritual

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 11 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: Non-GMO Project Verified and third party tested
• Cost per serving: $1.80
• Number of strains: 2
• Key strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium for support and relief of digestive discomfort (5)(6)

Why I picked it:

This gut health supplement contains prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, and is full of traceable ingredients so you know exactly what you're putting into your body. It also features a delayed-release exterior in order to help the live probiotics reach the colon—so you get all of the good-for-you active cultures that can get lost in probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir and kimchi. Another bonus of opting to take Ritual’s Synbiotic+? The capsules are shelf-stable, so there's no need for refrigeration. 

It can be ordered as a recurring subscription so you don't have to worry about running out. If you’re looking for a quality probiotic that’s easy to take and shows up at your door on a set delivery schedule, Ritual Synbiotic+ is a great choice.

For more information on this supplement, check out our Ritual Synbiotic+ review.

SI Showcase

What we love:

• Contains prebiotics and postbiotics in addition to probiotics
• Delayed release capsule to help protect the probiotics as they journey to the colon
• Money back guarantee
• Vegan

What to consider:

• Lower CFU count compared to competitors
• Expensive (almost $2.00 per serving)

Best Comprehensive Probiotic for Men: Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic

SI Showcase + Transparent Labs

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 100 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed, but the brand says this probiotic is gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan
• Cost per serving: $1.53
• Number of strains: 10
• Key strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus regulates intestinal flora balance and supports immunity (7), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to reduce abdominal pain in some people who experience abdominal cramping, bloating and constipation (8)

Why I picked it:

Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic is one of the most diverse supplements on this list, featuring 10 strains of probiotics and a total CFU count of 100 billion. This product has higher doses of both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus—microbes commonly found in this type of supplement. 

Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic also includes Streptococcus thermophilus, which can be found in yogurt products and offers health benefits such as inflammation management and the production of antioxidant compounds (9).

For more information on the brand and its supplements, check out our Transparent Labs review.

SI Showcase

What we love:

• Very potent dose at 100 billion CFUs
• No artificial sweeteners, coloring or preservatives
• Contains a diverse profile of 10 probiotic strains

What to consider:

• More expensive than competitors

Best Men’s Performance Probiotic: Biotics 8

SI Showcase + Biotics 8

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 20 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed
• Cost per serving: $2.67
• Number of strains: 10
• Key strains: Saccharomyces Boulardii, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus paracasei, lactobacillus fermentum, bifidobacterium longum, bifidobacterium breve, bifidobacterium bifidum

Why I picked it:

Biotics 8 has 10 live, active strains of healthy gut bacteria, and for optimized exercise performance, we need to focus on one strain in particular: lactobacillus plantarum, which comes from Taiwanese pickled cabbage.

When taken in doses between 30 and 90 billion, this strain has been linked to better aerobic exercise performance, a decrease in some biochemical markers of post-exercise fatigue, an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat (13). Biotics 8 contains a lower lactobacillus plantarum dose than used in studies, and with the proprietary blend of strains, we’re unable to determine how much of each strain is provided within the product.

What we love:

• 10 strains of live, active bacteria
• All-natural ingredients
• No refrigeration needed

What to consider:

• Sub-optimal dose of lactobacillus plantarum, the strain shown to improve athletic performance

Best Probiotic for Men’s Gut Health: YourBiology gut+

SI Showcase + YourBiology

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 40 billion CFU
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed
• Cost per serving: $2.67
• Number of strains: 10
• Key strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus paracasei

Why I picked it:

YourBiology gut+ has four live, active strains of good bacteria that may help resolve symptoms of gut problems and give your immune system a boost to fight seasonal infections. YourBiology contains three strains from the lactobacillus genus, which has been shown to reduce GI symptoms like abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, bloating and perhaps even heartburn (14).

The fourth bacteria strain is bifidobacterium lactis. One recent study among adults with a median age of 69 found that this strain can help boost natural immunity to seasonal infections like the cold, flu, RSV and other upper respiratory infections (15).

However, one of our favorite things about the YourBiology gut+ formula is the MAKtrek technology. MAKtrek is a patent-pending technology using seaweed that helps the good bacteria get through your stomach and into your lower digestive tract where it can colonize your colon to maximize the benefits.

What we love:

• 40 billion CFU is a higher dose than other supplements
• MAKtrek technology to get the bacteria into your lower digestive tract
• Contains prebiotic fiber to help the probiotic bacteria colonize your colon

What to consider:

• Expensive per serving

Best Vegan Men’s Probiotic: Bioma

SI Showcase + Bioma

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 9 billion CFU
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat
• Certifications: None listed
• Cost per serving: For a one-time purchase, $1.87 for a one-month supply, 1.40 for a three-month supply, $1.00 for a six-month supply. As part of a subscription, $1.60 for a one-month supply, $1.00 for a three-month supply, $0.76 for a six-month supply
• Number of strains: 3
• Key strains: Bifidobacterium lactis, bifidobacterium longum, bifidobacterium breve

Why I picked it:

Some people claim that one benefit of following a vegan diet is a healthy digestive system from the added plants and fiber in the diet. However, research is still needed to prove this claim true or false because studies so far have been inconclusive (19). What we do know is that people following a vegan diet are more at risk for vitamin and other nutrient deficiencies (20), and those nutrients can affect the levels of bacteria in your gut (21).

If you’re following a vegan diet and think you need to supplement with probiotics, we recommend Bioma. Bioma contains three strains from the Bifidobacterium genus, including Bifidobacterium lactis. Research found that this particular strain may help adults’ immune systems against upper respiratory infections like the flu, RSV and even the common cold (15).

Bioma says its pills are scientifically formulated and that they are made using delayed-release capsule technology. According to Bioma, this allows the probiotic to pass through your stomach acids intact and deliver the active bacteria to your gut. We like this supplement is stimulant-free, as well as non-GMO. For best results, Bioma recommends taking two capsules with a full glass of water each day before you eat breakfast.

What we love:

• Gluten-free, vegan, stimulant-free, non-GMO
• Bioma offers a 14-day money-back policy
• Delayed-release capsules are designed to ensure the active bacteria make it through your stomach and are delivered to your gut

What to consider:

• Fewer CFUs per serving at 9 billion than other probiotic supplements on our list which average 30 billion CFUs per serving
• Only provides three strains of probiotics, while most others on our list provide at least six

Best Men's Probiotic for Immune Health: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

SI Showcase + Seed

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: None, 53.6 billion Active Fluorescent Units (AFUs)
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed, but the brand says this probiotic is vegan, free of preservatives and binders and tested for gluten, soy, nuts, sesame, shellfish, corn and glyphosate
• Cost per serving: $1.66
• Number of strains: 16
• Key strains: Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP, Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LP1-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-LR6-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HRVD113-US, Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP, Bifidobacterium lactis SD-BS5-IT, Bifidobacterium lactis HRVD524-US, Lactobacillus crispatus SD-LCR01-IT, Lacticaseibacillus casei HRVD300-US, Bifidobacterium breve HRVD521-US, Bifidobacterium longum HRVD90b-US, Bifidobacterium lactis SD150-BE, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SD-LF8-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-GG-BE, Limosilactobacillus reuteri RD830-FR

Why I picked it:

Did you know that your gut health contributes to your immune health? Specifically, a healthy balance of gut bacteria can help regulate your body’s immune response to diseases (16). Our pick for the best probiotic for immune health is Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic. Seed has 53.6 billion AFUs, prebiotic and probiotic cells tagged with fluorescent markers to indicate how many are live and active. This technology accurately measures viable cells, so DS-01 Daily Synbiotic contains a precise amount.

DS-01 Daily Synbiotic has 16 strains of bacteria, including Bifidobacterium longum, which is important for immune health. Although more research needs to be conducted, results from a 2017 study suggest this bacteria could affect the body’s immune responses, but details of how it communicates with other microbes and how it influences the body are not fully understood. (17). It also has Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus—a strain that supports short-chain fatty acids, which are essential in maintaining a balanced and stable state of the immune system (32).

Check out our Seed Daily Synbiotic review for more information on this popular supplement.

What we love:

• Formulated to support the immune system
• Third-party tested for allergens and free of all 14 classes according to the European Food and Safety Authority (EFASA)
• In-depth information about each ingredient is available on the brand’s website
• Clinical trials assessing the efficacy are currently being conducted by Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

What to consider:

• Expensive

Best Men’s Prebiotic, Probiotic and Postbiotic Combo: Ritual Synbiotic+

Get 25% off your first month of Ritual! Code: SI25

SI Showcase + Ritual

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 11 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: Non-GMO Project Verified and third party tested
• Cost per serving: $1.80
• Number of strains: 2
• Key strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium support relief of digestive discomfort (5)(6)

Why I picked it:

Ritual Synbiotic+ aims to provide a complete gut health supplement by offering not just probiotics, but prebiotics and postbiotics as well. Prebiotics are actually an energy source for microorganisms of the gut (10). They can be found in foods such as asparagus, berries and oats, but not in large amounts. Postbiotics are the byproduct of your body processing probiotics, and may offer many of the same benefits, such as improved gut health and immunity (11).

The two most abundant probiotics are Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus rhamnosus has shown positive effects on gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea, as well as improved immunity (12). Bifidobacterium helps regulate bowel movements and may be particularly beneficial for alleviating constipation and diarrhea (6).

For more information on the brand and its supplements, check out our Ritual Vitamins review.

SI Showcase

What we love:

• Contains prebiotic and postbiotic in addition to probiotics
• Delayed release capsule to help protect the probiotics as they journey to the colon
• Money-back guarantee

What to consider:

• Not a high CFU count compared to competitors

Best Men’s Probiotic for Digestive Support: Biotics 8

SI Showcase + Biotics 8

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 20 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed
• Cost per serving: $2.67
• Number of strains: 10
• Key strains: Saccharomyces Boulardii, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus paracasei, lactobacillus fermentum, bifidobacterium longum, bifidobacterium breve, bifidobacterium bifidum

Why I picked it:

Your digestive system depends on a healthy balance of bacteria, yeast and fungi to break down your food and absorb nutrients and help you avoid the discomfort of bloating, painful gas and diarrhea (18). If you need digestive support, then what you need is a multi-strain probiotic, and we recommend Biotics 8. Biotics 8 has 10 live, active strains of healthy gut bacteria that are all naturally sourced. In addition to the bacteria, Biotics 8 contains digestive enzymes to give you small intestine digestive support. 

What we love:

• Formula contains digestive enzymes in addition to the 10 strains of bacteria
• All-natural ingredients
• Shelf-stable

What to consider:

• A little more expensive than other brands

Best Potent Men's Probiotic: Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic

SI Showcase + Transparent Labs

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 100 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed, but the brand says this probiotic is gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan
• Cost per serving: $1.53
• Number of strains: 10
• Key strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus regulates intestinal flora balance and supports immunity (7), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to reduce abdominal pain in some people who experience abdominal cramping, bloating and constipation (8)

Why I picked it:

Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic contains higher doses of both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus—strains commonly found in most probiotics—at a potent dosage of 100 billion CFUs.

You can get this supplement as a recurring subscription so you don't have to deal with the hassle of picking some up in person or remembering to reorder. Plus, there's the bonus of free shipping and a 10% discount for subscribers. If you want a comprehensive probiotic that enhances the breakdown of nutrients for easier absorption and better digestion, the Gut Health Probiotic from Transparent Labs might be a good fit for your needs.

SI Showcase

What we love:

• Very potent dose at 100 billion CFU
• Comes in a subscribe-and-save delivery option
• Contains a diverse profile of 10 probiotic strains

What to consider:

• Pricier than some competitors

Best Value Men's Probiotic: Nature Made Digestive Probiotics

SI Showcase + Nature Made

Key info and specs:

• Type: Capsule
• CFUs per serving: 15 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? Yes, no refrigeration needed
• Certifications: None listed, but the brand says this probiotic is vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free and does not contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
• Cost per serving: $0.95
• Number of strains: 2
• Key strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019

Why I picked it:

Probiotics have a range of prices, as you’ve probably noticed even on our list. Typically, the more premium ingredients a supplement has, the higher the price. However, if you’re looking for the best value men’s probiotics, Nature Made Digestive Probiotics is a great choice. Digestive Probiotics has two of the most common well-studied strains (2)—Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium—and the price is only about $0.95 per serving. Subscribers save 10% and get free shipping every 30, 45, 60 or 90 days.

What we love:

• Budget-friendly
• High CFU count
• Small capsule for easy consumption

What to consider:

• Only two types of strains
• Not suitable for vegans

Best Men’s Probiotic + Superfood Powder Combo: AG1

SI Showcase + AG1

Key info and specs:

• Type: Powder
• CFUs per serving: 7.2 billion
• Servings per container: 30
• Shelf-stable? No, product should be refrigerated
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, NSF Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Cost per serving: $3.30 (30-serving one-time purchase), $2.63 (30-serving monthly subscription), $2.48 (60-serving monthly subscription)
• Number of strains: 2
• Key strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus regulates intestinal flora balance and increases immunity (7), Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to reduce IBS symptoms (22)

Why I picked it:

AG1 is a citrus-flavored powdered supplement that provides a long list of vitamins, a superfood complex and probiotics. It's similar to a lot of greens powders on the market, but its probiotic profile is one feature that sets it apart from the competition. This may be a good fit for an athlete who is looking for an all-in-one probiotic and multivitamin. This highly rated powder has thousands of positive reviews, many of which note it may help increase energy levels, sleep and gut health. 

If you’re looking for a daily ingestible that contains tons of good-for-you ingredients and probiotic benefits, AG1 may offer an excellent solution. In addition to probiotics, AG1 contains some enzymes with the intention of helping your digestive process, as well as Burdock root, which may provide anti-inflammatory effects to help fight off free radicals that can lead to a variety of health issues (23).

For more information on the brand and its namesake supplement, check out our AG1 review.

SI Showcase

What we love:

• All-in-one solution for general health and wellbeing
• Contains digestive enzymes that work alongside probiotics to aid in digestion and vitamin absorption
• May help increase energy levels
• Contains antioxidants

What to consider:

• Lowest CFU count
• Pricey

How to Choose the Best Men’s Probiotic for You

To figure out which men’s probiotic will work best for you, you'll need to consider a few things.

Specific concerns 

Various strains of probiotics do different things in your body. Choose a supplement with ingredients that match up with the symptoms you're trying to relieve. If you don't have a particular digestive problem, you can focus on the universal advantages that a probiotic supplement may support, such as overall gut health and a stronger immune system.

Probiotic strains

More probiotic strains are typically better since they offer a broader range of beneficial bacteria. Also, some strains are better than others for certain GI symptoms, so look for strains that help with your particular concern, such as painful gas, bloating or constipation.

CFU count

Probiotic supplements typically contains billions of CFUs, even though some of the bacteria don't make it past your stomach acid and therefore do not survive. Many probiotic capsules use a delayed-release coating so that the bacteria have a greater chance of surviving the journey to your colon.

Other ingredients 

Some supplements also include essential minerals, vitamins and adaptogens. You might be able to find everything you're looking for in a multivitamin or greens powder that has added probiotics. 

Related Post: The 13 Best Multivitamins for Men of All Ages to Take

Healthcare provider recommendations

As with any new supplement or exercise regimen, it's recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider regarding which supplement will work best for your needs.

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Probiotics for Men

Each probiotic we review is put through our probiotic scoring methodology, which grades the product on seven primary categories:

• Form: We consider how easy it is to consume the probiotic based on its form—capsule, tablet, powder, gummy or chewable. We also consider whether or not the probiotic has an enteric coating designed to protect the probiotics as they journey to the colon.
• Cultures included: Different probiotic strains offer different benefits and are backed by various levels of research. We look for the probiotic strains that have been extensively studied in clinical trials, demonstrating their effectiveness for specific health conditions.
• Whether cultures are alive: For probiotics to be effective, these microorganisms must be alive and active when consumed and when they reach the colon. We give the highest marks to products that contain and deliver viable microorganisms.
• Number of colony forming units (CFUs): CFUs represent the number of live microorganisms, typically bacteria, present in a probiotic supplement at the end of its shelf life. We look for probiotics that provide at least 20 billion or more CFUs.
• Inclusion of prebiotics: Encapsulating probiotics with a food source can help protect the beneficial bacteria from harsh stomach acids and bile, increasing their chances of survival as they pass through the digestive system and reaching the intestines where they are needed (37). As such, products with prebiotics earn the full score in this category.
• Exclusion of proprietary blends: We look for products that provide clear information about the specific strains of probiotics contained in the formulation. Proprietary blends often do not disclose the specific strains or their respective concentrations used in the product, and so products without transparent labeling don’t earn any points in this category.
• Third-party certifications: Third-party testing for purity and potency is rewarded in a probiotic's score. Specifically, we look for certifications from NSF, USP, Labdoor and Informed Choice. The most important certification for probiotic supplements is Informed Choice Informed Sport. This certification is critical for athletes who might get drug tested for their sport.

We also received input from our panel of expert contributors, which includes registered dietitians and highly credentialed experts in sports nutrition and exercise science.

Learn more about our supplement and wellness product review process and our probiotic scoring methodology.

Benefits of Probiotics for Men

"Probiotic supplements can improve digestive health in men, which may help common issues like bloating, gas and irregular bowel movements," says Raj Dasgupta, MD. "Probiotics may also help to support immune function, which is essential for overall well-being." 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the main ways probiotics may benefit men with an imbalanced bacterial colonies in their colons:

Improved digestion

Probiotic supplements may help you maintain a healthy bacteria population in your colon, which can lead to a reduction of GI symptoms like constipation, gas and bloating (2). 

Related Post: The 8 Best Supplements for Bloating and Related Symptoms

Immune support

Probiotics aren’t just important for your digestive system; they can also support your immune system because bad bacteria can make its way into your body through your digestive tract. Healthy gut bacteria can prompt your immune system to release T cells to fight bad bacteria, and can also create an environment where bad bacteria have less room to colonize and grow (24).

Hormone regulation

Another often overlooked benefit of probiotics is the role a healthy gut plays in hormone production. A growing body of research suggests that there may be a gut-brain axis that connects the health of your gut with the health of your brain (25). Some studies even show that probiotic supplements may help your body find a hormone balance (26).

Maintaining healthy body weight

In addition to helping with all of these issues, probiotics may also help maintain a healthy body weight (27). The colon is where your food is absorbed by your body, and a healthy, balanced colony of bacteria in your colon helps your body effectively process the nutrients it obtains from foods. Unbalanced gut bacteria may lead to unbalanced enzyme production, which can also lead to problems like storing excess fat that your body does not need (28).

Do Probiotics Cause Side Effects in Men?

Men may experience the same initial side effects as anyone who takes a probiotic supplement. These include:

Common side effects

There are few potential side effects for otherwise healthy adult men who take probiotic supplements, and those side effects are usually mild. 

"Some people may experience mild side effects from taking a probiotic such as gas, bloating, upset stomach or diarrhea, especially when starting a new probiotic," says Dasgupta. "If these side effects persist or worsen, it's best to speak with your doctor or a healthcare provider. However, probiotics are generally safe for most men when taken as recommended."

More severe side effects

Severe side effects are far less common with probiotic use, and they are typically associated with an underlying disease such as IBDs such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (29). If you are experiencing extreme discomfort, vomiting or persistent side effects stop using the probiotics immediately and consult your doctor.

Probiotics for Men FAQs

Why should men take a probiotic supplement?

Probiotics have been shown to help reduce bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation and a host of other gut-related symptoms (3). Probiotics can help maintain healthy gut bacteria in addition to helping reestablish a healthy amount of good microorganisms after an illness or antibiotics.

Related Post: How to Fix a Leaky Gut and Improve Gut Health

How often should men take probiotics?

You can take probiotic supplements daily. Most supplements will direct you to take one pill a day; however, some probiotics may require a few pills per day since these pills would be better absorbed spaced out throughout the day with your main meals. Be sure to follow the instructions provided for the specific probiotic you decide to add to your diet.

How do you know if a probiotic is working?

"Men should monitor for changes in their digestive health, such as reduced gastrointestinal discomfort, regular bowel movements and improved digestion to know if their probiotic is working," says Dasgupta. "A sense of overall well-being and a stronger immune system can also be indicators that the probiotic is working. You may not notice the difference right away, so it's essential to give probiotics some time to take effect—typically a few weeks."

What probiotics are good for men’s testosterone?

There is limited evidence that probiotics directly affect testosterone. However, there are some animal studies that show probiotics sustaining testosterone levels in aging mice, but human evidence is sorely lacking (30).

What we do know is that your brain and your gut are the only two places in the body where the stress hormone cortisol is produced. An unhealthy gut may lead to an overproduction of cortisol, which can lower testosterone levels. A probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus strains could help reduce cortisol levels (31).

Final Thoughts

Probiotics are a nutritional powerhouse for men’s health which encompasses digestive health, immune function and overall wellbeing. If you want to get your probiotics from what you eat, it’s always suggested to add fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut to your diet. If you want to take a high-quality probiotic supplement, chat with your doctor about what options are best for your dietary and overall health needs.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

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Expert Contributors

Chris Mohr, RD and PhD

Chris Mohr is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in exercise physiology. He has worked with athletes ranging from NFL players to WWE wrestlers, along with celebrities and executives worldwide. He has been a featured speaker at many conferences around the world.

Eddie Jo, PhD

Dr. Eddie Jo is a Professor of Exercise Physiology and Director of the Cal Poly Pomona Human Performance Research Lab. His research serves to innovate and advance the application of exercise training methodologies, nutrient intake, and technologies for the optimization of human health and performance, energy metabolism, body composition, and endocrine function. He has over 8 years of experience as Expert Witness: exercise-related personal injury.

Tim Ziegenfuss, PhD, CSCS, FISSN

Tim Ziegenfuss, PhD, CSCS, FISSN, is a standout in the world of sports nutrition and exercise science, bolstered by graduate degrees from Purdue University and Kent State University. Beyond academia, he serves as a Past President and Fellow of The International Society of Sports Nutrition. As CEO of The Center for Applied Health Sciences, his focus is overseeing innovative research with real-world impact and guiding product ideation and creation for major retailers all around the world.

Jenevieve Roper, Ph.D, CSCS.

Dr. Jen Roper is an Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. She received her PhD in Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science in 2015 from the University of New Mexico, with a specialization in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. She currently teaches a wide variety of courses, including Nutrition, Kinesiology and Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning.

Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM

Dr. Raj is a quadruple board-certified physician by the American Board of Internal Medicine, specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine. He is also an active clinical researcher with more than 20 years of experience teaching around the world.

Rob Wildman, PhD, RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN

Rob received his PhD from The Ohio State University, earned his MS from Florida State University and his BS from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a registered and licensed dietitian.He is currently Principal at Demeter Consultants, a food and dietary supplement consulting agency, and is working with several brands, including Sports Illustrated Showcase. He is the creator of TheNutritionDr.com and the founder of the International Protein Board (iPB), the global authority in Protein Matters. 

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References

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