Best Supplements for Improved Growth Performance
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 47 supplements across 74 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus amylovorus on growth performance in livestock and aquaculture species, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (two moderate, one small, one large). The most studied populations were weaning pigs and newborn piglets, but doses were not reported in any study. Evidence is currently limited to animal models, and its relevance to humans is unknown.
- Low evidence4 studies
Across 4 animal studies, all 4 reported beneficial large effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance, with 3 of 4 reaching statistical significance. The evidence is derived exclusively from broiler chickens, weaning pigs, and fish, with no human trials available. Doses and forms were not consistently reported.
- Very low evidence3 studies
Across all 3 available studies (all reviews), Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate or postbiotic supplementation shows moderate beneficial effects on growth performance in animals, including poultry, swine, horses, and ruminants. The evidence consistently indicates improvements in feed conversion ratios, weight gain, and overall health, though no studies reported statistical significance or effect sizes specific to individual trials. The predominant effect size is moderate, but the evidence base is too small to draw firm conclusions about dose or duration.
- ModerateLactobacillus amylovorusAcross 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus amylovorus on growth performance in livestock and aquaculture species, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (two moderate, one small, one large). The most studied populations were weaning pigs and newborn piglets, but doses were not reported in any study. Evidence is currently limited to animal models, and its relevance to humans is unknown.4 beneficial4 studies
- LowLactobacillus plantarum UALp-05MAcross 4 animal studies, all 4 reported beneficial large effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance, with 3 of 4 reaching statistical significance. The evidence is derived exclusively from broiler chickens, weaning pigs, and fish, with no human trials available. Doses and forms were not consistently reported.4 beneficial4 studies
- Very lowSaccharomyces cerevisiaeAcross all 3 available studies (all reviews), Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate or postbiotic supplementation shows moderate beneficial effects on growth performance in animals, including poultry, swine, horses, and ruminants. The evidence consistently indicates improvements in feed conversion ratios, weight gain, and overall health, though no studies reported statistical significance or effect sizes specific to individual trials. The predominant effect size is moderate, but the evidence base is too small to draw firm conclusions about dose or duration.3 beneficial3 studies