The Ultimate Guide To The Best Refrigerated Probiotics
Contents
You may be surprised to learn there are hundreds of species of bacteria naturally living in your gut. Older estimates put the total at around 100 trillion bacteria in and on your body. A 2016 analysis revised that to about 38 trillion, roughly matching the number of human cells.
No need to worry, though. Although there are harmful bacteria, many gut microbes help with digestion and other body functions.
When considering ways to support your gut health, it’s essential to explore the right type of probiotics. These beneficial microorganisms can play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut flora and promoting overall well-being.
With the use of supplements, we can utilize the strength of these friendly bacteria to improve our overall health.
People take refrigerated probiotics hoping to support digestion and immunity. According to NCCIH, there is some evidence probiotics help certain conditions, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but for many uses the evidence is weak or mixed.
Refrigeration matters only if the label says so. Many probiotics are made to be shelf-stable, so store each product as directed.
Deciding which probiotic to use can be difficult with the variety available. Effects depend on the strain, and the FDA does not approve supplements before they are sold.
Probiotics are generally safe for healthy people but can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems or serious illness. Ask your doctor before starting one. Here are 5 popular refrigerated probiotics; formulas change, so check current labels.
Top 5 Best Refrigerated Probiotics
| Image | Model | CFUs (billion) | # of capsules | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSL | VSL | 112.5 | 120 | |
| Renew Life | Renew Life | 30 | 30 | |
| Nutamax | Nutmax | 10 | 30 | |
| Earth's Wisdom | Earth’s Wisdom | 50 | 30 | |
| Garden of Life | Garden of Life | 15 | 19 |
VSL
VSL is a high-potency, multi-strain probiotic blend that has been studied in digestive conditions such as IBS and pouchitis. It is not a treatment for joint pain or eczema, and anyone with IBD should use it only under a doctor’s care.
The blend includes Lactobacillus plantarum among other strains.
It is typically shipped with an ice pack to keep the bacteria viable.
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Extra Care
Known for its immune boosting probiotic blend, this product is a great all-around daily supplement.
Its multi-strain formula is marketed to support digestive balance.
Probiotics are not an energy booster. If you often feel tired or run down, see a doctor to look for a cause.
Renew Life markets this product for occasional digestive discomfort.
Nutamax Probiotic Supplements
When you’re visiting other countries you may find that your digestive system will become sensitive when consuming certain foods.
This product’s blend includes the probiotic species L. rhamnosus, which has been studied for travelers’ diarrhea with mixed results.
No probiotic is proven to prevent or treat salmonella or food poisoning. The CDC estimates that 48 million people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illness each year, so safe food handling and, when traveling, safe food and water choices matter most.
Earth’s Wisdom Probiotic
A positive of this product is it’s 100% natural, vegan, non-GMO, dairy & gluten-free.
If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, then rest assured that Earth’s Wisdom covers a wide variety.
Supporting the immune and digestive system, I see this product as an all-rounder with a few added extras. One is the inclusion of fermented greens such as barley grass, oat grass, wheat grass and alfalfa.
Marketed for both men and women, this blend uses delayed-release capsules, which the company says help it survive stomach acid.
If you’re looking for a probiotic that covers all your specific requirements, go for Earth’s Wisdom.
Garden Of Life Primal Defense Ultra Probiotic
Garden of Life excels in the support of the digestive system and colon health.
It is marketed for regularity and digestive comfort; results vary by person.
The company says the blend is resistant to stomach and bile acid.
If you’re looking for help with regularity, start with fiber and fluids, and ask your doctor whether a probiotic makes sense for you.
Conclusion
With growing health awareness, people are paying more and more attention to refrigerated probiotic supplements.
Some people with occasional digestive upset find a probiotic helpful, but benefits depend on the strain and are often modest.
If you have ongoing stomach problems, fatigue, or a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor before choosing a probiotic.
The five products above differ in strains and potency. Compare labels, store them as directed, and set realistic expectations.
