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Our Choice: Gut Health Supplements 2024

Dive into the exciting world of one of the hottest supplements right now - gut health supplements. Discover the Do's and Dont's when choosing gut health supplements as well as the benefits. See our top picks this year at the bottom of the page.

Once upon a time, the digestive system was widely viewed as a pretty simple and straightforward system in our body… But if you’ve ever experienced gut-related issues, you already know that can be anything but simple… In fact, getting to the root cause of gut and gut-related symptoms can very quickly become an incredibly frustrating and confusing process.


It All Starts In Your Gut

Immune health
Acne or other skin issues
Brain fog and mood
Bloating, constipation, indigestion

Bloating, constipation, indigestion? Acne or other skin issues? It may be stemming from your gut. Feeling run down and sluggish? It could also be related to your gut.[1, 2, 3]


Researchers have become increasingly interested in exploring the gut and its role in so many major areas of our health. But it seems like we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface when it comes to truly understanding the immensely complex connection between gut microbiome health and its impact on our overall well-being.[1, 2, 3]


What Exactly Is Your Gut Microbiome?


Whenever you see the term “gut microbiome,” it’s referring to all of the microorganisms living within your gut. Some of them may be potentially harmful, so-called “bad” bacteria. On the other hand, some are thought to be beneficial, often called “good” or “friendly” bacteria.[1, 2, 3, 4]


Researchers believe that having optimal gut health typically means having a good balance between the “bad” bacteria and the “good’ bacteria. Ideally, they should co-exist peacefully within the gut.[1, 2, 3, 4]

Why Is The Gut Microbiome Important?


The gut microbiome plays so many essential roles in the human body, it’s sometimes referred to as “a supporting organ”. It can affect many aspects of health, ranging from the gut to the immune system to brain health.[3]


Everyone’s gut microbiome is entirely unique and can be impacted by things like diet and our surrounding environment.[5]


It’s likely that our modern lifestyles may have been wreaking havoc on our gut microbiota for years. Eating more processed and sugary foods, experiencing more stress, sleeping less, and being more sedentary, can all contribute to imbalance in the gut microbiome.[1, 2, 3, 4]



How To Support Your Gut Health


Changing your diet, sleeping more, avoiding stressful situations, exercising and avoiding sugar might sound simple but aren't always as easy to follow through with.


That's why some people may turn to supplements such as probiotics and prebiotics to support their gut health.* Some potential benefits of probiotics and prebiotics include:

Support healthy regularity*
Support digestive concerns*
Acne or other skin issues
Promoting a balanced gut bacteria, aka microbiome*
Helping us digest our food better*

Probiotics + Prebiotics = Postbiotics


Haven’t heard of postbiotics? You’re most definitely not alone. A fairly new term in the health and wellness world, researchers have recently begun exploring the potential of postbiotics when it comes to supporting the gut.


Postbiotics are what’s created when “good” gut bacteria feeds on prebiotic fibers. In other words, prebiotics + probiotics = postbiotics.


Postbiotics are what’s left at the end, once the “good” bacteria has fed on fiber (prebiotics). They include a number of substances and nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, as well as short-chain fatty acids.


Short-chain fatty acids are a particularly interesting type of postbiotic because they are thought to contribute to supporting gut health. This is because studies suggest that they can help the “friendly” bacteria flourish in the gut. One of the most prevalent of these is called butyrate, which is believed to support both gut and intestinal health.*


There are plenty of gut health supplements on the market today that promise to restore the balance of your gut. Yet it can be difficult to navigate an overwhelming variety of supplements and their ingredients. Knowing what to look for and what to try to avoid can help you make an informed decision when shopping for a gut supplement.

    Common Ingredients In Gut Support Supplements

    Probiotics

    Probiotics are “good” bacteria and yeasts, thought to benefit the digestive system by helping to maintain gut balance. There are many different strains of probiotics.*

    Prebiotics

    Prebiotics are a form of dietary fiber that acts as a source of food for the “good” bacteria in your gut.*

    Synbiotics

    Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, their name comes from the fact that they create synergy between probiotics and the specific fiber they need to feed on.*

    Postbiotics

    Postbiotics are the “waste” product of probiotics feeding on prebiotics. They are bioactive compounds like short-chain fatty acids, that are associated with a number of health benefits.*

    Digestive enzymes

    Digestive enzymes play a key role in breaking down the food you eat.*

    Try To Avoid:

    Uncertain CFU count

    CFUs, or colony-forming units, are a method of counting how much live bacteria is in a probiotic product. The amount of CFUs can vary from product to product and can change from 1 to 10 billion (though more is not always better).*

    Lack of Third-Party Testing

    Always look for ‘third party lab-tested’ verifications that guarantee the product has been independently tested for any heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, or traces of any other harmful substances. This helps to ensure safety and efficacy of the product.*

    Extremely Low or High Price

    Do your research before buying an overpriced or suspiciously cheap supplement. Do not cut corners for your gut health.

    Our Choice Gut Health Supplements 2024

    PROS
    • Formulated with CoreBiome™️ Tributyrin postbiotics
    • Contains 3 bill. CFUs of B. Longum BB536® probiotics
    • Made with pre, pro, and postbiotics
    • Third-party lab-tested
    • USA-made with globally sourced ingredients
    • Made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA
    • 90-day Money-Back-Guarantee

    CONS
    • Only available online
    • Sometimes runs out of stock

    BOTTOM LINE

    Gut Restore by Primal Harvest is an all-in-one gut support formula that contains pre-, pro- and postbiotics. It is formulated with the trademarked CoreBiome™️ tributyrin postbiotic, 3 billion CFUs of B. Longum BB536® probiotics, and xyliooligosaccharide prebiotics. Our team thoughts that the capsules are easy to swallow and liked the two-capsule serving size as it made it easy to add to our supplement routine. All in all, we felt that this product offered everything we were looking for in a gut supplement, making it our favorite from the products we tried.


    Additionally, the formula is third-party lab-tested and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients in a GMP-certified facility. To top it off, they’re backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee. We thought the product was fairly priced, especially when you buy multiple bottles or sign up for the brand’s easy and convenient subscription service.

    2. Bio Complete 3
    by GundryMD
    GRADE
    B+
    PROS
    • Contains pre & probiotics
    • 90-day money-back guarantee
    • Doctor-formulated
    CONS
    • No subscription service
    • Serving size is 4 capsules

    BOTTOM LINE

    Bio Complete 3 by GundryMD contains a blend of pre, pro, and postbiotics. While this product has a comprehensive formula, the serving size is 4 capsules which may not be so convenient for someone to take each day. You may also want to note that at $69.95, this option is a little pricier than some of the others on this list.

    3. Zupoo
    by UMZU
    GRADE
    B
    PROS
    • Chemist-formulated
    • Variety of ingredients
    • Two capsule serving size
    • Produced in a CGMP facility
    CONS
    • No pre-, pro-, or postbiotics
    • Price (only a 15-day supply)

    BOTTOM LINE

    Zupoo by UMZU is formulated with extracts including Cascara Sagrada, bentonite clay, aloe ferox, milk thistle, and cayenne pepper extract. The product contains sustainably sourced ingredients and is produced in a CGMP-certified facility, it does not contain any probiotics, prebiotics, or postbiotics. Additionally, it is fairly expensive when considering that one bottle only contains a 15-day supply.

    4. Flatter Me
    by HUM Nutrition
    GRADE
    C+
    PROS
    • With ginger, fennel seed, and peppermint
    • Formulated with digestive enzymes
    • Vegan-friendly capsules and formula
    • Clean Label Project certified
    CONS
    • No probiotics
    • Must be taken before meals

    BOTTOM LINE

    Flatter Me by HUM Nutrition combines extracts from ginger, fennell, and peppermint with 18 digestive enzymes. It should be taken before meal times. Although it contains digestive enzymes and a range of extracts, it does not contain pro- and postbiotics. The fact that it needs to be taken before meals may be inconvenient for some users as they would need to carry the product around with them.

    5. Synbiotics
    by BeLive
    GRADE
    C
    PROS
    • Contains pre- and probiotics
    • No corn syrup present
    • Gummies are easy to chew and swallow
    CONS
    • Contains tapioca syrup and stevia as sweeteners
    • Some users reported little improvements from the product

    BOTTOM LINE

    Synbiotics by BeLive is a prebiotic and probiotic formula that comes in flavored gummy form. Although these gummies include bacillus coagulans and prebiotic fiber, they are formulated without postbiotics and are therefore a 2-in-1 formula. Those watching their sugar intake may also want to note that these gummies contain tapioca syrup and sugar.

    Our Choice
    • by Primal Harvest [1]
      • USA-made with globally sourced ingredients
      • Third-Party Lab-Tested
      • 3-in-1 Gut Formula
      • 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
      • Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics
    ★★★★★
    Based on 3739 Reviews of Primal Harvest

    CITATIONS


    DISCLAIMER: This scientific research is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Primal Harvest provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products.


    1. Integrative HMP (iHMP) Research Network Consortium. “The Integrative Human Microbiome Project: dynamic analysis of microbiome-host omics profiles during periods of human health….” Cell host & microbe vol. 16,3 (2014): 276-89. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2014.08.014

    2. Sender, Ron et al. “Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body.” PLoS biology vol. 14,8 e1002533. 19 Aug. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533

    3. Durack, Juliana, and Susan V Lynch. “The gut microbiome… opportunities for therapy.” The Journal of experimental medicine vol. 216,1 (2019): 20-40. doi:10.1084/jem.20180448

    4. Al Bander, Zahraa et al. “The Gut Microbiota…An Overview.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,20 7618. 19 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17207618

    To see a list of our other references, please click here.

    [1] This website is owned and operated by Primal Harvest®, and BeautyLux® brands.

    *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Note: The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. * Results do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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