Key Takeaways
- Some research shows that probiotics that contain strains like lactobacillus may aid with weight loss.
- When choosing a probiotic for weight loss, consider factors like CFU count, storage needs, and third-party testing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- mindbodygreen’s Advanced Probiotic+ is our best overall probiotic due to its third-party testing, probiotic strains, and its shelf stability.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are associated with a wide range of health benefits.
For example, some strains have been shown to be effective for treating irritable bowel syndrome, while others may help with reducing weight and fat loss.
Obesity is a multifaceted condition that involves genetics, hormones, diet, environment, socioeconomic status, exercise and movement habits, and sleep patterns. However,
Why you should trust us
Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
- has been third-party tested to confirm purity and potency by an independent lab.
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under $1 per serving
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$1 to $1.99 per serving
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over $1.99 per serving
22 billion CFU
50 billion CFU
50 billion CFU
50 billion CFU
The probiotic supplements featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
- Probiotic strains: We included products with probiotic strains that have been clinically shown to be effective for weight management. Studies show that these strains may help reduce body weight, body fat mass, and waist circumference.
- CFU count: We included products that contain doses of probiotics that have been shown to be effective for weight loss in clinical studies.
- Ingredient quality: We looked for products that are made with high quality ingredients and free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
- Vetting: Every product and brand on our list has been vetted to ensure that it meets Healthline’s medical and business standards.
Only a few probiotic strains have been clinically tested for effectiveness in weight loss and management:
- B. animalis ssp. lactis 420
- B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145
- L. rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724
- L. gasseri BNR 17
- L. gasseri SBT2055
- L. plantarum TENSIA and L. plantarum LP28
- L. casei strain Shirota
- L. sakei (CJLS03)
- combination of L. curvatus HY7601 and L. plantarum KY1032
- a multi-strain blend of L. acidophilus CUL60, L. acidophilus CUL21, L. plantarum CUL66, B. bifidum CUL20, and B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL34
The methods by which these probiotic strains affect body weight aren’t well understood, but it’s thought that they may reduce inflammation by regulating the gut microbiome,
When shopping for probiotics to assist in your weight loss efforts, it’s important to look for one of the above strains.
Also keep in mind that while they may be appropriate for general gut health support, most broad-spectrum probiotics don’t contain the exact strains that have been shown to be effective for weight loss.
For example, a probiotic supplement may list Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the ingredient list. However, there are many types of L. rhamnosus, and only L. rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 has been shown to be effective for weight loss.
By looking at the label, it’s impossible to know whether the product in question contains the correct strain for weight loss.
When shopping for a probiotic to support your weight loss efforts, it’s important to consider several factors, including your dietary needs and the product’s probiotic strains, CFU count, storage requirements, third-party testing, and cost.
The Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products is a handy reference that lists brand names of clinically tested probiotic strains and their proposed uses. You can check here for one that could assist with weight loss. It’s important to ensure it contains an effective dose of this strain.
For example, Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 has been shown to be effective at a dose of 10 billion CFU per day.
Additionally, weight loss studies using a mix of Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL-60, Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL-21, Lactobacillus plantarum CUL-66, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34, and Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL-20 were effective at 50 billion CFU per day.
Look for a product that has 100 million to 10 billion CFU, which is the minimum effective daily dose for probiotics.
Probiotics may be shelf-stable (stored at room temperature), or they may require refrigeration. Choose a shelf-stable option if you travel often.
Because the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way as pharmaceuticals, the best way to ensure the safety, purity, and potency of a probiotic supplement is to purchase a product that’s third-party tested by a credible organization.
Some examples of third-party organizations to look for are:
- NSF International
- USP
- UL Solutions
If so, look for products that meet your specific dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, soy-free, or gluten-free.
Probiotics can vary in price, so compare brands and buy based on what you can afford.
Probiotics are generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, using an inappropriate strain can upset the balance of your gut microbiome and
In some cases, probiotics may be harmful, such as for those with suppressed immune systems.
The
- have autoimmune conditions
- have heart conditions
- have been diagnosed with HIV
- take immune-suppressing drugs
- are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
- are pregnant or nursing
- have recently had surgery
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before adding a probiotic to your wellness routine.
Probiotic supplements are usually taken once or twice per day or as directed by a healthcare professional. Supplements can be taken at any time of the day, but the best time is after a meal.
This is because food helps neutralize the acidic environment of your stomach, allowing the probiotic bacteria to survive in your digestive tract.
Just keep in mind that probiotics and antibiotics should be spaced at least 2 hours apart.
When paired with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, probiotics may help you lose weight and trim your waistline. However, probiotic supplements on their own won’t lead to dramatic weight loss or a flat tummy.
Overall, research on probiotics for weight loss is limited.
However, some studies have found certain strains — including B. animalis ssp. lactis 420 and CECT 8145, L. rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724, L. gasseri BNR17, L. acidophilus CUL-60 and CUL-21, L. plantarum CUL-66, B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34, and B. bifidum CUL-20 — to be effective for weight loss and appetite regulation.
While it’s important to choose a product containing probiotic strains that have been shown to be effective for weight loss, keep in mind that probiotic supplements are just one tool to assist in your weight loss efforts.
To reach and maintain your weight loss goal, you’ll still need to focus on other healthy habits, including eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.