Garden of Life Probiotics Review: Which One Is Best for You?
Garden of Life
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It seems everywhere we turn we hear about gut health and probiotics— beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your gut. Probiotics can be found naturally in certain fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut, but you can also take them as supplements. If you’re looking for a probiotic supplement, there are seemingly endless brands to choose from. Garden of Life is one option that offers a wide variety of probiotic blends, but how do you know which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best Garden of Life probiotics, plus a breakdown of how many live and active cultures (CFUs) can be found in each blend. We’ll also dive into which specific bacterial strains can be found in our favorite options and why that particular strain of bacteria can be good for your health.
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.
The Best Garden of Life Probiotics
- Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s
- Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Prenatal
- Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Men’s
- Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+
- Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+
- Raw Probiotics Kids
- Raw Probiotics Colon Care
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: 50 billion
- Strains: 16
- Servings per container: 30
- Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free and carbon neutral
- Price: $45.99
This once-daily capsule is specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of women’s health. Each capsule contains 50 billion CFUs and 16 different strains of probiotics, including the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum, which has been shown to promote bone, urinary and vaginal health in women, and Lactobacillus reuteri, which can help keep you from getting sick and reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Each capsule also includes 377 milligrams of organic whole-food fiber that acts as a prebiotic, encouraging the good bacteria to grow. The women’s blend is third-party certified non-GMO, gluten-free and carbon neutral, and they do not need to be refrigerated. Garden of Life customers rated the women’s blend 4.6/5 stars on the company’s website, with many of them reporting overall satisfaction and relief from digestion issues.
Related Post: Best Probiotics for Women to Try
Pros:
- Specifically formulated to support women’s health
- Shelf stable
- Includes fiber to encourage good bacteria growth
Cons:
- Some customers say the capsule is too big for their comfort
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Prenatal
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: 20 billion
- Strains: 16
- Servings per container: 30
- Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free, carbon neutral
- Price: $28.99
This probiotic blend is intended to support mom and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Each capsule contains 20 billion live cultures from 16 different strains, including Lactobacillus fermentum, which, in addition to the above-mentioned benefits, can help prevent mastitis during breastfeeding, Lactobacillus reuteri for immune health and to fight inflammation and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, which may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and postpartum depression and anxiety.
Each capsule of the prenatal blend also contains 115 milligrams of whole-food fiber, and they are gluten-, dairy-, soy- and GMO-free. Garden of Life customers have rated this prenatal probiotic 4.8/5 stars on the company’s website.
Related Post: The Best Postnatal Vitamins to Support New Moms
Pros:
- Less expensive than other Dr. Formulated blends
- Designed to address pregnancy and lactation-specific concerns
- No refrigeration needed
Cons:
- Contains fewer live cultures than other blends
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Men’s
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: 50 billion
- Strains: 15
- Servings per container: 30
- Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free and carbon neutral
- Price: $45.99
This once-daily blend of probiotics is designed with men in mind. It contains 50 billion live CFUs from 10 Lactobacillus and five Bifidobacterium strains, including Lactobacillus plantarum, which may promote heart health and fight inflammation in men, as well as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, which have been shown to suppress colorectal cancer cells in some studies. These strains make the Once Daily Men's a perfect probiotic for men. Each capsule is designed for easy swallowing and contains 365 milligrams of prebiotic fiber. Cumulative customer reviews have rated it 4.9/5 stars on the company’s website.
Pros:
- Promotes colon health
- High customer satisfaction
- Dairy-, soy- and GMO-free
Cons:
- More expensive than other men’s probiotics
- Has fewer strains than other Dr. Formulated blends
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: 50 billion
- Strains: 15
- Servings per container: 30
- Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Price: $50.99
Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+ is intended to support prostate and urinary health in men. Each two-capsule serving contains 50 billion CFUs, 15 Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains and 440 milligrams of prebiotic fiber. This particular blend also includes Flowens cranberry, which has been shown to support urinary health, and more than a day’s worth of Vitamin D. In a 2014 study, African American men who did not get enough Vitamin D had an increased risk for prostate cancer, but the role of Vitamin D in prostate health is still unknown. Customers rate the Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+ 4.6/5 stars on the company’s website.
Pros:
- Contains ingredients scientifically shown to support urinary health
- Shelf stable
- Dairy-, soy-, gluten- and GMO-free
Cons:
- Pricey
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: Five billion
- Strains: 14
- Servings per container: 30
- Certifications: USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Price: $27.99
This USDA-certified organic blend of probiotics is specifically tailored for kids four years and older. Each one-gummy serving has five billion CFUs and 14 different bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been shown to help treat stomach flu and prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea in children. It also contains both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, a combination that has been shown to shorten respiratory infections in young children, as well as 310 milligrams of prebiotic fiber.
This blend also contains Vitamins C and D to support a healthy immune system without any added sugars, dairy, gluten or GMOs. Customers rave about this kid-friendly probiotic, rating it 5/5 stars on the company’s website.
Related Post: The Best Multivitamins for Kids
Pros:
- May help treat common child digestion and respiratory illnesses
- Kid-friendly taste
- No added sugars
Cons:
- Can get expensive if you have more than one child
Raw Probiotics Kids
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: Five billion
- Strains: Five
- Servings per container: 60
- Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free
- Price: $32.99
This powder blend is a unique combination of probiotics and prebiotics specifically designed for children ages three months and up. It has five billion live and active cultures from four different Lactobacillus strains, and it also includes Bifidobacterium lactis. It can be mixed into formula, milk or water, or sprinkled over soft foods, like yogurt or applesauce.
Although this probiotic does not have as many bacterial strains compared to other options for children, it includes a blend of 23 different raw fruit and vegetables, including organic bananas, strawberries, beets, carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli and more, as well as inulin. The prebiotic inulin has been reported to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, improve constipation and improve absorption of important nutrients, like Vitamins D and E in children.
Parents have rated Raw Probiotics Kids 4.9/5 stars on Garden of Life’s website, commenting on how well the powder blends into liquids and its lack of taste, making it ideal for mixing into your child’s favorite drink.
Pros:
- Powder can be mixed easily into food or drink
- Tasteless
- Contains a variety of raw fruits and vegetables
- Organic
Cons:
- Fewer bacteria strains than other products
- Must be refrigerated
Raw Probiotics Colon Care
Garden of Life
Key info:
- CFUs: 50 billion
- Strains: 33
- Servings per container: 30
- Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Price: $33.59
Garden of Life’s Raw Probiotic Colon Care contains 50 billion live and active cultures from 33 different probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium, which may help protect against colon cancer and boost immunity in older adults. Similar to Raw Probiotics Kids, this colon care blend also contains 45 milligrams of raw fruit and vegetables.
Unique to the colon blend, however, is the addition of digestive enzymes, such as amylase to help break down carbohydrates, protease to break down proteins and lipase to break down fat. Registered Dietitian and Clinical Nutrition Manager at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Morgan Denhard, says that while most healthy bodies will make enough digestive enzymes on their own, people with certain health conditions may not make enough to break their food down properly. Customers have rated Raw Probiotics Colon Care 4.3/5 stars on Garden of Life’s website.
Pros:
- Includes bacteria clinically tested to help prevent colon cancer
- More diverse probiotic strains than other options
- Enzyme blend may help people with certain health conditions
- Shelf stable
Cons:
- Not a good fit for vegans or those with a dairy allergy
What Is Garden of Life?
Garden of Life is a supplement company whose mission is to help you get healthier. They offer a variety of supplements, including probiotics, vitamins, minerals, CBD and more, and they work to include clinically studied, whole-food ingredients without any artificial flavors or coloring, synthetic ingredients, fillers or binders. Garden of Life believes in traceability and third party certifications to provide you with clean supplements full of good-for-you ingredients.
Who Should Use Garden of Life Products?
Garden of Life products contain ingredients that are generally considered safe, but always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimens.
Who Should Not Use Garden of Life Products?
If you are pregnant, nursing, actively receiving medical care or taking medication on a regular basis, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Likewise, people who have a compromised immune system, are recovering from surgery or who have a serious illness should use caution when taking probiotics, as there is a chance of infection.
Garden of Life Guarantee
If you’re not happy with your product, Garden of Life offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee, but you will be required to pay for return shipping. Contact their Customer Service team at 800-365-7709 Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You can also email them at weborders@gardenoflife.com for support.
Garden of Life vs. Competitors
In a sea of probiotic supplement brands, it can be difficult to pick the one that’s right for you. Here’s how Garden of Life stacks up against some of the other options on the market.
Garden of Life vs. Ritual
Ritual is a subscription-based supplement company that offers a variety of multivitamins and protein powders, as well as a 3-in-1 Gut Health tablet that contains 11 billion live cultures from three different probiotic strains. There are no consumer-specific options, but they are comparable in price to some of the Garden of Life products.
Like Garden of Life, Ritual’s gut health supplement is shelf stable, gluten- and GMO-free and third-party tested. They also offer a money-back guarantee on their products.
Related Post: Ritual Vitamins Review: Cost, Ingredients and More
Garden of Life vs. Align Probiotics
Align Probiotics come in a variety of options, such as women’s, kid's, extra strength and added immunity support. Depending on which product you’re looking for, many are available in a gummy, capsule or chewable tablet. Unlike Garden of Life, there are no specially-formulated blends for men or specific health concerns.
Their 24/7 Digestive Support tablet contains one billion CFUs at manufacture date and ensures 10 million active bacteria by expiration from a specific strain called Bifidobacterium 35624. It's gluten- and soy-free, does not require refrigeration and can be found at many large supermarkets for $30 or less for a 28-day supply.
Garden of Life vs. Culturelle
Compared to Garden of Life and many other probiotic brands, Culturelle probiotics are generally less expensive. A 30-day supply of their Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules costs $19.99, and each capsule contains 10 billion Lactobacillus rhamnosus CFUs and 200 milligrams of the prebiotic inulin. They are gluten-, dairy-, GMO-, soy- and sugar-free, and they do not need to be refrigerated.
Culturelle offers a variety of probiotic options specifically designed for women, children and infants, and they also offer a few condition-specific blends.
Garden of Life FAQs
Should I refrigerate Garden of Life probiotics?
Some Garden of Life probiotics must be refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive, but many products are shelf stable. See product packaging for storage recommendations.
Are Garden of Life probiotics safe?
While probiotics are generally regarded as safe for most people, they are not right for everyone. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking probiotics to see if they are safe for you.
How long does it take for Garden of Life probiotics to work?
Depending on why you’re taking probiotics in the first place, it can take up to eight weeks to notice improvements. Furthermore, not everyone will respond to probiotics in the same way. If you’re struggling with a digestive health concern, talk to your doctor to see what options are best for you.
What are possible side effects of taking Garden of Life probiotics?
Some customers have reported GI distress—such as bloating, increased gas and constipation—and breaking out in a rash when using certain Garden of Life products.
Related Post: Probiotics Side Effects
Final Thoughts
When combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, probiotics can help you reach your health goals. Whether you’re looking for a probiotic specifically designed for men, women or kids, Garden of Life has a variety of high-quality options to choose from. Talk to your healthcare provider to see what probiotic options are right for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
