17 best probiotics to help improve gut health (2025)

17 best probiotics to help improve gut health (1)

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Our digestive tracts play host to trillions of bacteria that all function symbiotically to keep us healthy. However, several things can upset that fine balance of bacteria, which can impact functions like digestion, immunity, and even mental health. If you struggle with bloating, stomach issues, low mood or chronic infections, chances are you’re dealing with a bacterial imbalance and inflammation in your gut.

There’s a reason scientists refer to the gut as a second brain – a disrupted gut also has the power to affect our mood. The gut-brain axis is the direct link between your gut and your brain, so any issues with your gut flora can also affect your mental wellbeing. Gut microbiota – the hundreds of species of bacteria living in our guts – have been shown to influence our physical and mental health.

Research from one study has found that people who struggled with low mood tended to have a less diverse gut microbiome compared with other participants in the study, and that certain species of bacteria have been linked with experiencing more negative emotions.

In a separate study, researchers found that probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplements (those that combine both probiotics and prebiotics) could help reduce the effects of some mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as stress, sleep and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Probiotics have also been shown to influence the intestinal microbiota in positive ways, with different strains displaying different positive effects on the human body. In short, these bacteria are powerful and if you’re not getting enough of them through your diet, it might be time to consider taking a supplement.

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Of course, a diet that’s rich in probiotic cultures is easy to follow. Yoghurt is the most popular choice among most people but other sources of natural probiotics are fermented foods like kimchi, pickles and sauerkraut and fermented drinks such as kombucha and kefir. Other gut-friendly foods are things like sourdough bread and cottage cheese.

If these foods aren’t things you eat on a regular basis you might want to consider giving your gut a little help by way of a supplement. Supplements that contain probiotic bacteria vary – some contain a range of bacterial strains, others also contain prebiotic fibre and others offer additional nutrients like vitamin D.

“We’re at a stage now with probiotics where you can select specific probiotic products for specific purposes,” explains Sophie Medlin, consultant dietitian and director atCityDietitians and one of the UK’s leading experts in gut health. “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,” adds Medlin.

The potential benefit of probiotics is exciting, especially with consumer products at clinical grade now readily in stores. Medlin recommends speaking with a registered dietician if you’re looking to take gut health supplements to manage specific conditions and you might want to test your gut health before taking a specific type of supplement. Read on for our pick of the best probiotic and gut health supplements and which might be best for you.

How we tested

17 best probiotics to help improve gut health (6)

We consulted expert Sophie Medlin to seek information and advice on what probiotics are, their role within the body, the different strains of bacteria to look out for and in what levels and why they are beneficial to add to your diet. Beyond this, we searched for a range of gut health supplements for people at various stages of life. When trying the supplements, we paid attention to how they left us feeling and made note of any changes to our health and wellbeing, specifically stomach issues like bloating, energy levels, skin health and immunity. We also looked for probiotic supplements that featured a variety of strains of bacteria, those that were easy to take and store, and those suited to a range of budgets, lifestyles and health concerns.

Why you can trust us

First working in hospitals where she specialised in gastrointestinal diseases, before lecturing at King’s College London, Sophie Medlin is a dietitian and the chair of the British Dietetic Association for London. She specialises in managing conditions such as colorectal dysfunction, diverticular disease, IBS and polycystic ovarian syndrome and consults on product development for vitamins and probiotics.

The best probiotics for 2025 are:

  • Best overall –Nutravita 60 billion CFU pro bio cultures complex: £18.04, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best budget buy –Bio-Kult everyday gut, 60 capsules: £12.13, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best for women –Vida Glow gut pro: £30, Lookfantastic.com
  • Best for children – Optibac kids gummies, 30 gummies: £9.87, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best liquid probiotic –Symprove daily essential: £39.99, Symprove.com
  • Best for gut issues – Thorne sacro-b: £32.08, Iherb.com
17 best probiotics to help improve gut health (2025)
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