The Best Probiotic for Men, According To A Certified Nutrition Coach (2024)

Hours of cardio and strength training may help your gut look good on the outside, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters—in this case, your gut health. The gut has been called “the second brain” and people have been trusting it for generations, but we guys often do more to hurt it than help it (I’m talking about a guy’s night at the bar—you know who you are.)

No worries, though—our choices for the best probiotic for men are formulated to benefit men’s gut health and reduce symptoms like bloating, constipation, and nausea, and even boost your athletic performance. You might be weirded out by the fact that probiotics contain live bacteria (several billion of them, in fact), but we’ll tell you why that’s nothing to worry about and how it can actually help you.  

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We’re a group of nutrition experts, dietary professionals, certified personal trainers, and competitive athletes who have been testing and reviewing home gym equipment and supplements for years, and we’ve been able to get companies to change their products for the better. We’re not afraid to tell you the downsides of a product, even if we really like it, so you know you’ll always get the truth from us.   

We intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Our 11 Top Picks for the Best Probiotic for Men 

• Best Overall Probiotic for Men: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Probiotic for Men for Immunity: Transparent Labs Probiotic-Advanced Gut Health Formula 
• Best Vegan Probiotic for Men: Sports Research Daily Probiotics
• Best Budget Probiotic for Men: Nutricost Probiotic Complex
• Best Probiotic for Active Men: Legion Biome
• Best Men’s Probiotic With Prebiotics: Ora Organic Probiotic
• Best Liquid Probiotic for Men: Promix Debloat
• Best Men’s Probiotic for IBS: Biotics 8
• Best Allergen-Friendly Probiotic for Men: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
• Best Raw Probiotic for Men: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Men
• Best Subscription Probiotic for Men: Onnit Total Gut Health

Best Overall Probiotic for Men: Ritual Synbiotic+

Good for: Those who want to increase the effectiveness of their probiotic

Best Overall

Ritual Synbiotic+

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Filled with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
• Clinically studied 
• Supports gut barrier function
• Delayed-release capsule designed so bacteria reaches the colon

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Traceable ingredients
• Supports gut lining and gut barrier function
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Delayed-release capsule

Cons

• Expensive
• Automatically signs you up for subscription
• There can be uncomfortable side effects at first

Bottom Line

The Ritual Synbiotic+ is a clinically backed probiotic with clean, traceable ingredients designed to support overall digestive health.

Ritual Synbiotic+ is “cutting edge and a winner,” says supplement expert and registered dietitian Bob Iafelice. He points to the 11 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of the two most-studied strains of good bacteria (BB-12 and LGG), the delayed-release capsule to bypass stomach acid, and additions of prebiotics and postbiotics as his reasoning for recommending this as the best probiotic supplement for men. Our tester also gave Ritual Synbiotic+ a 5 out of 5 for flavor, saying the peppermint flavor is very refreshing.

The BB-12 and LLG strains have been linked to improved gastrointestinal and immune health, and Iafelice says the 11 billion CFU dose is large enough to be effective.

The registered dietitian was also impressed with the inclusion of tributyrin, a postbiotic. The International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP)²⁰ defines postbiotics as the byproduct of postbiotics feeding off of prebiotics. One example of a postbiotic is butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that a January 2018 review²¹ reported could help with immunity and ease inflammation, though the researchers specified more research needed to be done. 

Tributyrin is a more effective form of butyrate, according to Iafelice. “It’s great for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining,” he says. “Of course, this is critical for protecting against autoimmune conditions.”

The natural question is, “Do I need postbiotics in my probiotic?” Ritual would like you to think so, and even did two studies on its supplement’s effectiveness, so maybe you shouldn’t be surprised that they found it had great gut health benefits. 

As a rule, we’re weary of studies done or paid for by supplement companies since they may have a hand in designing the study, which increases the chance of them making it so the study reaches their predetermined conclusion (to be clear, we’re not accusing Ritual of this, but it has been done by some companies). 

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That said, independent research as recent as April 2022²² has said postbiotics should be explored and may have significant benefits. However, more research needs to be done. 

Best Probiotic for Men for Immunity: Transparent Labs Probiotic-Advanced Gut Health Formula 

Good for: Any person who’s trying to support his immune system or reduce his overall disease risk

Immune Health

Transparent Labs Probiotic-Advanced Gut Health

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Made with 10 different probiotic strains
• Can be bought on a subscription basis
• Has 100 billion CFUs per serving
• 2 capsules is 1 serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made to promote a healthy gut and strengthened immune system
• No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
• Has more than 1,000 five-star reviews

Cons

• Transparent Labs recommends that the capsules be taken on an empty stomach

Bottom Line

The Transparent Labs Gut Health Series Probiotic aims to aid immune support, overall gut health, and more.

There are 100 billion alive and active microorganisms present in each serving of Transparent Labs Probiotic-Advanced Gut Health Formula, which is easily the highest amount we’ve seen in the best probiotic supplements. There are 10 different strains of probiotics, each with a differing amount of colony-forming units (better known as CFUs). 

The most prevalent strain is Lactobacillus acidophilus (25 billion CFU), which a November 2020 study⁹ found was beneficial in treating chronic diarrhea, an indicator of poor digestive health. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the second-most prevalent strain (15 billion CFU), has been found to be effective in treating gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, and more, according to this March 2019 review¹⁰.

You get the point—it’s chock full of live gut bacteria that have major benefits for your gut and immune health. What’s more, it’s free of artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings, and preservatives, all of which could cause bloating and negatively impact your immune system. 

Each serving is only two pills and they’re quite easy to swallow. We like that the capsules are made with hypromellose to ensure a delayed-release delivery until they reach the intestines⁸.  Our tester was also impressed that there was no taste or smell, or any noticeable side effects, giving this formula a 5 out of 5 for side effects.

Best Vegan Probiotic for Men: Sports Research Daily Probiotics

Good for: Those who live a plant-based lifestyle 

Vegan-Friendly

Sports Research Daily Probiotics

GGR Score: 3.97

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Product Highlights

• Delayed-release veggie capsule probiotic supplement
• 12 lacto and bifidobacteria probiotic strains
• Listed benefits: replenish good bacteria in the gut and support gut health
• Certified vegan

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
• Third-party tested
• Satisfaction guaranteed when purchasing directly from Sports Research

Cons

• Mixed reviews on effectiveness
• Only available in one dosage: 60 billion CFU
• Some customers experienced cramps and bloating
• Refrigeration recommended (not required)

Bottom Line

Sports Research Daily Probiotics use a delayed-release veggie capsule to deliver 60 billion CFU of probiotics. There are 12 different probiotic strains. There are mixed reviews on effectiveness. Some customers experience stomach issues such as cramps and bloating. Other customers found the probiotic decreased their stomach issues.

While there are few studies on the effectiveness of vegan probiotics—which, as a reminder, are probiotics that are derived from plant-based food sources rather than dairy or other animal-based products—a wide-ranging review on vegans’ gut health published in April 2019³⁵ found they had a more diverse group of beneficial bacteria than meat eaters. 

Sports Research Daily Probiotics contains 60 billion CFUs of 12 different strains, though the strains are in a blend, so we can’t say exactly how much of each strain you’re getting. Each delayed-release veggie capsule also contains 60 milligrams of an inulin fiber blend, a prebiotic that’s meant to help support the growth of healthy bacteria. 

Even though each capsule is packed with ingredients, our tester was pleasantly surprised by the small size of each pill. They are very easy to swallow and very slim, about penny-sized in length. For swallowability, these probiotics earned a 5-out-of-5 rating. 

Finally, Sports Research Daily Probiotics are certified vegan, cGMP compliant, and third-party tested, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality formula produced with the highest manufacturing standards. 

Best Budget Probiotic for Men: Nutricost Probiotic Complex

Good for: Those who want a high-quality probiotic at an affordable price

Budget-Friendly

Nutricost Probiotic Complex Capsules

GGR Score: 4.42

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Product Highlights

• Vegetarian probiotic complex capsules
• Listed benefits: Add to the healthy bacteria in your body

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Third-party tested
• Affordable at less than $0.50 per serving

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Only available in 60-count container

Bottom Line

Nutricost Probiotic Complex Capsules contain 10 different probiotics within a vegetarian capsule. They’re available in two dosages, 10 billion and 50 billion CFU. This supplement has very limited customer reviews but they are mostly positive.

Probiotics are often expensive supplements, but they don’t have to be. Nutricost’s Probiotic Complex is extremely affordable, costing $12 to $14 for 60 capsules at the time of writing. 

Thankfully, the low price tag doesn’t mean this is a low-quality product. Each capsule contains more than 10 billion CFUs. The probiotics are also gluten-free, non-GMO, and manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility with third-party testing. 

Our tester has been taking a daily probiotic for years, so she didn’t notice any major changes after trying Nutricost’s Probiotic for several weeks. However, she noted that she remained fairly regular after switching to Nutricost, which she took as a sign that the probiotics were working well. 

She gave the probiotics a 4.5 out of 5 for taste and smell, saying, “I noticed a very slight medicinal kind of smell from the bottle, and you can taste something if it sits on your tongue for too long, but it wasn’t off-putting.”

This is the most affordable probiotic we’ve seen that doesn’t compromise on quality and is a great choice for those looking to add probiotics to their routine while saving money. 

Best Probiotic for Active Men: Legion Biome

Good for: Athletes or people who live a very active lifestyle 

For Active Men

Legion Biome

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

* Probiotic containing clinically effective doses of 4 ingredients * Ingredients and doses supported by multiple studies and reviews * No artificial fillers or food dyes * Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ingredients and doses supported by multiple studies and reviews
• No artificial fillers or food dyes
• Third-party tested
• Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

• Pricier cost per serving
• Some users noted no noticeable effects

Bottom Line

Legion Biome contains 25 billion CFUs of three strains of probiotics, along with a clinically effective dose of PreticX, a prebiotic that’s been shown to be effective in lower doses than many other prebiotics. The doses and ingredients are supported by multiple studies, and Legion Biome is third-party tested for purity as well. Although it may be a pricier probiotic, the supplement is free of artificial fillers and food dyes.

A November 2022 clinical review⁶ found that athletes could improve their performance and even reduce recovery time with probiotic supplementation. We recommend Legion Biome for active fellas because it helps with gut health, is third-party tested for purity and banned substances, and contains all-nautural ingredients.

“What’s not to love about it?” asks registered dietitian Bob Iafelice. ““Each strain is well-researched and there’s a strain from each major family: Lactobacillus, Bifido, and Bacillaceae. Plus, the potencies are more than adequate for an effective dose.” We rate the overall formulation a 5 out of 5.

On top of promoting better gut health, the probiotic strains in Legion Biome are linked with leaner body composition in NCAA Division I athletes and the general population. Further studies have proven that Bifidobacterium Lactis B420, another strain found in Legion Biome, can help fight intestinal inflammation, which can sometimes be caused by strenuous exercise or training. It’s a good idea to make sure your intestines are taken care of if you plan on exerting yourself (if you catch our drift).

Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content and a weightlifting coach, says the 2-capsule serving is easy to take with food each morning, as suggested by Legion. “I had no problem getting them down,” she says.

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The only major red flag is the cost—at around $1.66 per serving, it gets a 1 out of 5 on our pricing scale. You could take a few bucks off this dietitian-endorsed supplement by placing it on a subscription or by using a Legion Athletics Coupon Code.

Best Men’s Probiotic With Prebiotics: Ora Organic Probiotics With Prebiotics

Good for: Anyone looking for a probiotic supplement that comes with a prebiotic food source

With Prebiotics

Ora Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Clinically studied acid-resistant probiotic strains
• Support for bloating and digestive irregularity
• Freeze-dried to provide a long-lasting product
• Prebiotics and probiotics in one capsule

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Probiotic count tallied at end of shelf life
• Organic
• Third-party tested
• Long shelf life

Cons

• Glass bottle could break during shipping
• Capsules are somewhat sticky

Bottom Line

The Ora Organics Probiotic With Prebiotics is great for those looking for a basic probiotic that is vegan, non-GMO, and doesn’t require refrigeration.

Prebiotics act as a food source for probiotics to ensure they’re lively by the time they reach your digestive tract. Registered dietitian Bob Iafelice says that’s one of the factors that make Ora Organic Probiotic with Prebiotic a good choice for those looking after their gut health. “Overall, it’s a very good formula,” he says. “It has multiple, well-researched strains.”

One such strain is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which researchers say could help treat chronic and acute diarrhea, as well as autoimmune autistic disorder (AAD). Children with autism sometimes, though not always, have AAD and may have irregular bowel movements.

Ora uses organic Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin as one of its prebiotic source. It’s a non-digestible fiber that has multiple health benefits, including lowering blood sugar, reducing the risks of certain types of cancer, improved bowel movements, and may help alleviate symptoms of depression, according to research.

The downside, however, is that Ora Organic uses a proprietary blend so we’re unsure of how many colony forming units (CFUs) there are for each strain. “The problem here is that, potentially, one strain could make up 90% of total,” Iafelice explains. “Because of this negative, I would give this a 4, but not a 5.”

Two of our expert testers agreed the 2-capsule serving is doable, though they noted they were on the larger side. “Some people who don’t like swallowing pills may think it a challenge,” says Caine Wilkes, an Olympic weightlifter who represented Team USA in the 2020 Olympics.

Best Liquid Probiotic for Men: Promix Debloat

Good for: Those who don’t like taking capsules

Best Liquid

Promix Debloat

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

Easy to take on the goGood flavors5 billion CFUs per servingSave 20% with subscription

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Four flavors
• Portable packets
• No added sugars
• High probiotic count
• 90-day guarantee

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

Promix Debloat is a probiotic supplement that comes in tasty and easy to mix packets, each with 5 billion CFUs of three probiotic strains.

If you’d rather sip your probiotic, Promix Debloat is the best choice. It comes in tasty flavors like Florida Orange and White Peach, contains all-natural ingredients, is vegan-friendly, and gets a nod of approval from registered dietitian Bob Iafelice.

“It has well-researched bacteria strains, good potency overall, includes a prebiotic, and a nice amount of Vitamin C,” Iafelice says. Some researchers have found that Vitamin C supplementation can help increase the amount of “good” bacteria in the gut, even in fully healthy adults, can help with overall immunity and gut health.

Promix Debloat contains three probiotic strains in the Bacillus family, including Bacillus subtilis. This strain is one of the oldest in the scientific communities and can be found in natto, a Japanese dish made from fermented soy bean curd. It has been linked with improved digestion and intestinal function, a lower risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and, as the product promises, can reduce bloating and flatulence, according to research.

Iafelice notes there’s no individual strain count, so we’re not sure how much of each is present. He also notes that while turmeric is listed as an ingredient, it’s unlikely to have any anti-inflammatory effect. “Since it is the second last ingredient on the label, it may be just a sprinkle,” he notes.

Best Men’s Probiotic for IBS: Biotics 8

Good for: People who want to improve their overall gut health

Relief from IBS

Bauer Nutrition Biotics 8 Probiotic

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Men’s-specific probiotic for gut health
• Made to help strengthen your immune system
• Built in digestive enzymes
• Claimed to support gut health, mood, digestion, and immunity
• 3 capsules per day

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made to be taken long-term
• In capsule form, so you don’t get the bad taste that some powders possess
• Also contains vitamin D as well as the probiotic blend
• Can save money by purchasing in bulk
• No refrigeration required

Cons

• Expensive for the amount of capsules
• Limited reviews of the product
• Not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly
• Supposed to take 3 capsules a day, which is a lot

Bottom Line

These capsules contain 10 strains of probiotics with a guarantee of 20 billion CFUs per serving (per three capsules).

Biotics 8 is a one-stop shop for individuals’ gut health needs. Like many of our top picks, it comes packed with probiotics (the live bacteria) and prebiotics, which are essentially food for probiotics to help them do their job, according to this 2019 review¹. The combination of these two creates a synbiotic probiotic, which researchers say has promising benefits. ²²

It also contains several digestive enzymes to aid with your digestive system, and according to a February 2016 review², may enhance probiotics effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal diseases (though the researchers clarified more studies need to be done on those claims). 

We like Biotics 8 as the best probiotic for cis men with IBS because it’s specifically formulated for men. One example of this is the addition of vitamin D, which when combined with probiotics could reduce cis men’s overall disease risk and improve several health markers such as insulin sensitivity, according to a January 2021 meta-analysis³.

Vitamin D⁴ and probiotics⁵ have also both been linked to increased testosterone levels in cis men, though Bauer Nutrition specifies it takes about a month of continuous use to notice this benefit. 

Speaking of continuous use, Biotics 8 requires you to take three capsules per day to get the most out of its probiotics, which is about the average amount of other probiotics. It’s best to take these all at once first thing in the morning.   

Another benefit of Biotics 8 is it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, so you can take them on the go. Refrigerating probiotics tends to make them last longer, as heat can kill the organisms inside, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem here. 

Best Allergen-Friendly Probiotic for Men: Seed Daily Synbiotic

Good for: Anyone who wants to ensure their probiotic is free of allergens

Allergen-Friendly

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

GGR Score: 3.41

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Product Highlights

• Contains both probiotics and prebiotics
• Capsule design features two layers of protection
• 24 active strains
• 53.6 billion AFU
• Allergen-friendly

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains both prebiotics and probiotics
• 2-layer capsule to protect probiotics
• Contains 24 active strains
• 53.6 billion AFU

Cons

• Expensive
• Some users report an upset stomach

Bottom Line

Seed Daily Synbiotic is a two-in-one capsule that contains both probiotics and prebiotic fibers. The capsule features two layers, designed to protect the active probiotics from harsh environments. It contains a wider variety of probiotics than many other brands, but is an expensive product.

As we mentioned above, probiotics themselves don’t have dairy, gluten, or other common allergens, but the strains used in them might have been extracted from food items known to cause problems in some people. 

Seed Daily Synbiotic contains 53.6 billion CFUs, with strains specifically chosen to support digestive health, gut immunity, dermatological health, cardiovascular health, and micronutrient synthesis. Seed uses its ViaCap technology to deliver the probiotics, a 2-in-1 capsule consisting of a prebiotic outer layer and a probiotic inner layer. 

This creates two barriers to help the probiotics survive warm temperatures: moisture and stomach acid. The active strains can then be delivered safely to the large intestine and colon. 

As for allergens, Seed Daily Synbiotic is carefully tested for the most common allergens, including gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, shellfish, sesame, corn, and glyphosates, and there are no binders or preservatives. 

Our tester noted that while he has a sensitive stomach, these probiotics didn’t cause any irritation or discomfort, and he gave Synbiotic a 5 out of 5 for the effects. “The pill did a great job with my sleep, and it performed well when I consumed foods or other supplements. Seed helped to make my consumption of pre-workout less irritating on my stomach,” he said.

Best Raw Probiotic for Men: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Men

Good for: Any person who wants an organic probiotic

It’s Raw!

Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Men

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Raw probiotics for men
• Includes 31 probiotic strains
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Contains 85 billion CFUs in each capsule
• Supports digestion, stress, heart, and prostate health
• Garden of Life is Carbonfree Certified

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Climate Pledge Friendly on Amazon and Carbonfree Certified
• Includes digestive enzymes
• No gluten, soy, or allergens
• Contains no carriers, fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives
• Contents can be poured from the capsule into juice or water to drink

Cons

• Must be refrigerated
• Manufactured in a facility that also processes soy, peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish
• Not FDA-approved

Bottom Line

Garden of Life empowers you to feel in control of your well-being with an optimal bacterial balance in your digestive system. Reviewers have even mentioned gaining a boost in energy while taking the supplements.

The bacteria found in some probiotics is sometimes treated with heat, which can decrease the positive side effects of those strains (this is done to reduce some potential negative side effects of ingesting live bacteria). Garden of Life uses a “raw” probiotic, which is when companies use bacterial strains extracted from whole foods instead of isolated strains. 

There are limited scientific studies on raw probiotics, but a small August 2012 study¹⁷ found promising results when it came to improvements in gut health. 

Garden of Life uses a mixture of Bulgarian yogurt, which was featured in a February 2021 review¹⁸ for the unique bacteria found in it and their potential benefits on human gut health, Eastern European kefir (a fermented milk drink that has active cultures), and scobies (the bacteria that works alongside yeast to ferment drinks like kombucha). 

Our tester gave this product a 5 out of 5 for the side effects and results, saying he didn’t experience any side effects, and his bowel movements were better than usual.

It also contains an original probiotic strain called Lactobacillus fermentum, which researchers in April 2011 reported ¹⁹ was linked to an improved immune system in athletes and active cis male adults. While most probiotic strains are fine for men and women, the researchers emphasized that not enough is known about how this specific strain can affect a cis woman’s immune system and that more research is needed. 

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Best Subscription Probiotic for Men: Onnit Total Gut Health

Good for: Those who are interested in receiving their supplements at regular intervals

Best Subscription

Onnit Total Gut Health

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Gut health dietary supplement
• Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and betaine HCI
• Includes digestive enzymes
• May help digest nutrients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• May support immune system
• Promotes healthy gut flora
• Subscribe and save options
• Vegan-friendly

Cons

• Expensive price per serving
• 7 pills per serving
• Directed to take with largest meal of the day

Bottom Line

Total Gut Health from Onnit offers a unique blend of probiotics, prebiotics, betaine HCI, and digestive enzymes. The brand claims Total Gut Health is designed to promote a healthy gut microbiome, help digest macronutrients and micronutrients, and support your normal digestive functions.

While most brands offer automatically recurring deliveries these days, you still don’t want to sign up for just any supplement. We like Onnit Total Gut Health because it contains five probiotic strains proven to help with digestion and overall gut health, is made by a trusted company, and comes in a convenient package you take each day.

Each 7-capsule serving (more on that in a bit) contains more than just probiotics, but we’re going to focus on them first. Specifically, two strains have been known to aid in weight loss over extended periods: Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The former had positive results in a small, limited study and the latter helped test subjects lose 50% more weight than those on a placebo.

There’s also prebiotics, which act as a food source for probiotic bacteria, and a digestive enzyme blend. Lastly, Onnit Total Gut Health contains betaine HCI, a compound that has been used to alleviate digestive distress in patients.

RELATED: Best-tasting Protein Powder

As we mentioned, Onnit Total Gut Health is a 7-capsule serving. That’s a lot, especially for those who don’t like swallowing pills, but on the bright side this one-stop shop for all your digestive needs comes in a packet, so it’s easy to travel with and none of your capsules will get lost.

The price is also pretty steep, at $2.53 with the subscribe-and-save option.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Probiotic for Men

With so many probiotics on the market, some of which claim to be the absolute best daily probiotic for men, it was a little challenging to narrow our top picks down to just 10 choices. Here are the criteria we used to finalize our list:

• Colony-forming units: It should be noted that a high number of colony-forming units, or CFUs, doesn’t mean a supplement is a high-quality probiotic, but we wanted to ensure our choices had at least 1 billion—which is generally the minimum amount recommended by researchers. This number refers to the number of good bacteria in a probiotic. 
• Storage and expiration information: Bacteria are living organisms so their shelf life is limited compared to creatine, protein shakes, or protein powder. Some may need to be refrigerated to prevent the bacteria from dying, which would make the supplement less effective. 
• Bacterial strains: Not only did we look for a diversity of strains, but we wanted to ensure that each supplement had research-backed bacteria that are proven to be beneficial to those who take them. 
• Price: How much did each supplement cost and what was the price per serving?  
• Ingredients: Does the probiotic supplement contain other ingredients? Do they serve a purpose or could they potentially be harmful?
• Certifications: We looked for certifications showing that the probiotic supplement was third-party tested or had other certifications such as Vegan, Kosher, Halal, and Gluten-Free.

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Types of Probiotics

Not all probiotics are created equal, so it’s important to understand what you’re purchasing. Probiotics are live organisms that grow in quite a few different environments, and supplement manufacturers have multiple options when formulating a new product.

While many formulas contain a blend of different ingredients, here are a few different types of probiotics commonly found in supplements.

• Raw probiotics: Certain probiotics are treated with heat during manufacturing, which is meant to isolate beneficial strains while removing ones that cause digestive stress. Raw probiotics are extracted from whole foods and skip the heat treatment, resulting in a more diverse blend of healthy bacteria. 
• Soil-based probiotics: Soil-based organisms, or SBOs, are probiotics extracted from the soil. They’re believed to be beneficial for gut health. Because they’re grown in soil, they’re robust enough to survive harsh environments, which may help more of the active strain survive your stomach acid. 
• Synbiotic probiotics: Synbiotics are a mix of probiotics, which are healthy gut bacteria, and prebiotics, which are types of fiber that help nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Some products, like Biotics 8 Men’s High Performance Probiotic Formula, also contain digestive enzymes, providing even more beneficial ingredients for your gut health.

Probiotics vs Prebiotics

Since some products contain probiotics and prebiotics, it’s important to understand the difference between them and know what you’re taking. While they sound similar, they’re two entirely different things that have different functions in the human body.

Probiotics refer to the bacteria that are meant to make their way to the gut. When someone talks about the gut microbiome and healthy gut bacteria, they’re referring to various strains of probiotics. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi. 

Prebiotics are certain types of nondigestible fibers that can’t be broken down and absorbed. Instead, these fibers make their way through the digestive system and feed the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics are like a fertilizer that provides nourishment to probiotics and are often found in fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Probiotics and prebiotics are important for maintaining a healthy gut, and many formulas contain a blend of both. If you’re using a product that only contains probiotics, it may be worth adding prebiotic foods to your diet to maximize the benefits.

Benefits of Probiotics 

A 2018 meta-analysis²⁷ concluded that healthy adults could improve their gut health and lead to a better immune system and bowel movements. They may also be beneficial for overall digestive health. This 2022 study²⁸ found that probiotics can treat infections of the digestive tract, irritable bowel, lactose intolerance, allergies, and infections of the urogenital tract.

Probiotics also have specific benefits for individuals born as biological males. A 2021 study²⁹ found that probiotics reduce the bacterial load in urine tests in cis men currently suffering from an inflamed prostate.

Other studies have shown that consistent probiotic use could lead to increased testosterone counts or slow down age-related testosterone decreases⁵ and improve prostate health.  

Along with prostate health, studies have shown that consistent probiotic use could lead to increased testosterone counts or slow down age-related testosterone decreases. In most cis men, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline around the age of 40³⁰, although it can certainly happen at a younger age.

This study³¹ found that probiotic supplementation led to a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility, suggesting that probiotics may be beneficial for cis male fertility.

Some manufacturers, like Ancient Nutrition, also include strains that may be of particular benefit to cis men, like Bacillus subtilis, which is included specifically to boost heart health in men. We couldn’t find human research to support this specific strain, but some research³² confirms that probiotics in general may have cardiovascular benefits.

Probiotics Side Effects

If you’ve ever taken probiotic supplements, you may have experienced gas, bloating, or diarrhea in the initial days, as gastrointestinal distress is one of the most common side effects. 

Aside from mild digestive stress in some individuals, probiotics are generally considered safe, though most research focuses on specific strains and benefits rather than long-term safety. 

That said, according to the Cleveland Clinic³³, there is a small risk of experiencing side effects for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone currently taking immunosuppressive drugs. 

This is because harmful microscopic organisms may be found in products that don’t have strict manufacturing procedures and third-party testing. For healthy individuals, this isn’t anything to worry about, but those with weakened immune systems may develop an infection.

For this reason, we always recommend choosing products that follow strict manufacturing standards and implement regular third-party testing whenever possible.

Foods With Probiotics

While probiotics can certainly be consumed in supplement form, many foods, particularly fermented foods, are naturally rich in probiotics.

Here are probiotic-rich foods you can consider adding to your diet if you don’t want to use a supplement.

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Miso

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Probiotic for Men

Here’s what you should look for in a probiotic for men: 

• Colony forming units: How many living organisms are present in the supplement? There should be at least 1 billion, but remember that more isn’t necessarily better. 
• Storage and expiration information: If your probiotic needs to be refrigerated make sure to do so. 
• Bacterial strains: Ask your physician which strains are best suited for your overall health needs. 
• Price: Find a probiotic that fits your budget. 

RELATED: Best Whey Protein

FAQs About Best Probiotic for Men 

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

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Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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