Best Supplements for Improved Gut Microbiota Composition
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 75 supplements across 108 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Low evidence4 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on gut microbiota composition, with two showing moderate effect sizes and one showing a small effect. No consistent dose range, study duration, or form was reported across studies. The evidence base is small and preliminary.
- Very low evidence6 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on gut microbiota composition, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The strongest evidence comes from a systematic review in adults with alcoholic liver disease, showing an increase in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and a decrease in pathogenic taxa. No dose, duration, or form data were consistently reported.
- Very low evidence5 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on gut microbiota composition, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One statistically significant finding showed BB-12 increased beneficial Ligilactobacillus and decreased Bilophila in mice with acute pancreatitis. The evidence base is very small and preliminary.
Dose: Not reported across studies
- Very lowBifidobacterium plantarumAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on gut microbiota composition, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The strongest evidence comes from a systematic review in adults with alcoholic liver disease, showing an increase in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and a decrease in pathogenic taxa. No dose, duration, or form data were consistently reported.6 beneficial6 studies
- Very lowBifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on gut microbiota composition, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One statistically significant finding showed BB-12 increased beneficial Ligilactobacillus and decreased Bilophila in mice with acute pancreatitis. The evidence base is very small and preliminary. · Dose: Not reported across studies5 beneficial5 studies
- LowLactobacillus rhamnosusAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on gut microbiota composition, with two showing moderate effect sizes and one showing a small effect. No consistent dose range, study duration, or form was reported across studies. The evidence base is small and preliminary.4 beneficial4 studies
- Very lowBifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02 on gut microbiota composition, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. One study (a clinical trial in NC/Nga mice) demonstrated a statistically significant moderate effect, showing increased levels of beneficial genera such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. The evidence is drawn from a small number of studies, including one animal trial and two reviews, with no human intervention data available.3 beneficial3 studies