Living organisms called probiotic supplements are added, grown, or blended into food and drink. According to some research, taking probiotics in addition to a well-balanced diet may help with weight loss. To find out how medical practitioners may use this strategy to treat patients effectively, more clinical trials are needed.

Probiotic Supplements for weight loss in 2023:

unflavored: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Powder

Added herbs: New Chapter Weight Management Probiotic Supplements

Best with multiple bacteria strains: Solaray Mycrobiome Weight Formula

Metabolism: Culturelle Metabolism + Weight Management Capsules

Single strain: Dr. Mercola Biothin

Added prebiotic: RenewLife Healthy Weight 2-in-1

 Shelf life: Probulin TrimSynergy

What do probiotic supplements do?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed, may offer various health benefits. Typically available in the form of yogurt, specialized drinks, and supplements, they can also be found in fermented foods like kefir, tempeh, kombucha, miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

Probiotics have the ability to manipulate the gut microbiome, which refers to the collection and activity of microorganisms, including bacteria, residing in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). Through dietary choices, individuals can positively or negatively influence the gut microbiome’s impact on overall health. By using probiotic supplements or formulated foods, people can introduce beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli or bifidobacterium, into their gut microbiome.

The Food and Beverage Administration (FDA) does not regulate probiotics in the same manner as medications or food. However, they generally consider them safe. Many microorganisms commonly used in yogurt production, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, are included in the FDA’s Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list.

Probiotics and weight loss

The relationship between probiotics and weight loss supplements is complex and an ongoing area of research. A scientific review of data from 2021 suggests that the consumption of probiotics, along with other healthy lifestyle habits like regular physical activity, may lead to weight loss over a 12-week period.

Another study examining the connection between obesity and the gut microbiome found that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) may have reduced diversity in their gut microbiome. This review suggests that probiotic consumption may modify the gut microbiome in ways that promote weight loss in people with a high BMI by regulating appetite, metabolism, and energy boosters.

Probiotic risks and safety

Similar to other supplements, probiotics are not subject to the same regulations as medications or food. This lack of regulation applies specifically to supplements. Consequently, it is not always possible to guarantee that a probiotic product contains the claimed strains and quantities of bacteria.

Furthermore, the bacterial populations in a probiotic supplement may change over time due to storage conditions or temperature fluctuations.

A study from 2015 reports very rare instances of unwanted bacteria-host interactions or other side effects associated with probiotics, typically observed in immunosuppressed individuals or those with severe illnesses. The researchers emphasize that taking supplements always carries some level of risk and that the safety of probiotics necessitates further study.

Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurts, are regulated by the FDA. Although they may not contain probiotics in as high quantities as supplements, they are generally considered a safer option for individuals concerned about potential risks.

Probiotics are not intended to replace conventional medicine, and individuals who are immunocompromised or severely ill should avoid taking probiotics. Pregnant or nursing individuals should seek medical advice before using probiotics. It is important to note that probiotics cannot treat or cure any diseases or conditions.

How we made our selection

This article’s writer has not personally tested the mentioned products. All information provided is based on research and accurate at the time of publication.

Buy Slim Biotic follows a stringent product selection and vetting process. For more information, please refer to our guidelines.

Top probiotic supplement for weight loss

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Powder – Best unflavored

CFUs: 50 billion

Form: Powder

Doses: 20

This unflavored powder supplement can be added to a daily beverage. The manufacturer recommends mixing it with a cold drink to avoid heat damaging the bacteria. It contains multiple bacteria strains, including L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus, A. Senegal, and L. Acidophilus. The product is suitable for vegans, gluten-free, and USDA certified organic.

New Chapter Weight Management Probiotic – Best with added herbs

CFUs: 10 billion

Form: Capsules

Doses: 60

These capsules are vegan, gluten-free, and contain a targeted strain of Bifidobacterium. They also include whole-food herbs that the company claims provide wellness benefits. The manufacturer recommends taking one capsule daily, with or without food.

Solaray Mycrobiome Weight Formula – Best with multiple bacteria strains

CFUs: 60 billion

Form: Capsules

Doses: 30

These capsules contain eight probiotic strains and are vegan and gluten-free. The manufacturer suggests taking one capsule daily. Solaray claims that their product does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and it is lab-verified.

Culturelle Metabolism + Weight Management Capsules – Best for metabolism

CFUs: 12 billion

Form: Capsule

Doses: 30

This product utilizes two strains of bacteria and does not include any stimulants like caffeine and have Metabolism Boosters. The manufacturer claims that these capsules aid the body in metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. They are vegetarian but not vegan-friendly. The company states that the unique purple color of the capsules is derived from purple carrot concentrate.

Dr. Mercola BIOTHIN – Best single strain

CFUs: 10 billion

Form: Capsules

Doses: 30

These capsules provide a 250 mg serving of Lactobacillus gasseri. The company recommends taking one capsule per day.

RenewLife Healthy Weight 2-in-1 – Best with added prebiotic

CFUs: 20 billion

Form: Capsules

Doses: 30

These vegetarian capsules contain ten bacteria strains, a prebiotic component, and green coffee bean extract. The product claims to support immune system and digestive health while promoting a healthy BMI. The manufacturer advises taking two capsules per day. This product requires refrigeration.

Probulin TrimSynergy – Best shelf life

CFUs: 10 billion

Form: Capsules

Doses: 60

Probulin claims to transport their products in cold boxes during shipping to maintain probiotic levels. This product features ten strains of probiotics and includes herbal ingredients like the adaptogen ashwagandha. This vegan and gluten-free product can be taken twice a day.

Comparison table

The table below compares the probiotic supplements in this article based on key features:

Brand    Doses     CFUs

Garden of Life    20           50 billion

New Chapter      60          10 billion

Solaray    30           60 billion

Culturelle            30           12 billion

Dr. Mercola         30           10 billion

RenewLife          30           20 billion

Probulin              60           10 billion

Choosing a probiotic supplement

When selecting a probiotic, consider the following factors:

Labeling

Probiotic measurements are expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFUs), which estimate the number of viable cells in a given sample under controlled conditions. Look for supplements that declare total CFUs at the end of the product’s shelf life.

Dosage

Many probiotic supplements contain 1-10 billion CFUs, with some exceeding 50 billion CFUs. There is no defined upper consumption limit, and higher CFU counts do not necessarily indicate better health effects. Also, consider the types and amounts of different strains, although these factors do not necessarily indicate product quality or safety.

Alternatives to supplements: In addition to capsules and powders, probiotics can be found in yogurts, fermented milk drinks, and flavored beverages. Changes in diet can also influence the gut microbiome, with different diets resulting in different changes.

Probiotics should complement established weight loss methods, such as reducing energy intake and increasing physical activity. They are not a standalone solution for weight loss.

Here are some common questions about probiotics and weight loss:

Can probiotics aid weight loss?

The evidence suggests that probiotics, when used alongside a balanced diet and exercise regimen, may contribute to weight loss. It may be necessary to try different products to find a probiotic supplement that suits individual needs.

Is there a recommended probiotic dosage or intake?

Currently, there is no research suggesting an ideal number of CFUs or preferred methods of consuming probiotics.

Summary

Probiotics can supplement a person’s diet and exercise regimen and are generally safe when used for weight loss. Investigating several possibilities is crucial in order to identify the best product. People who are worried about the safety of probiotics should speak with a medical expert.

The goal of ongoing study is to determine the best CFU dosages and bacteria strains that work best, possibly verifying the connection between gut microbiota and weight loss.