Best Supplements for Improved Quality of Life
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 39 supplements across 50 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The highest-quality evidence comes from a meta-analysis of 16 RCTs in IBS patients showing moderate benefit, while two reviews in skin conditions show small beneficial effects. However, most studies evaluated multi-strain probiotics, not exclusively Bifidobacterium plantarum.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with 1 of those finding a statistically significant result. The predominant effect size is moderate, but the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and mixed statistical significance. The most studied populations are cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition and patients with IBS.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 review-level studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus casei PXN 37 on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The predominant effect size was moderate, observed in two of the three reviews. The most studied populations were colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients with neurodegenerative diseases, and patients with gastrointestinal diseases. No specific dose range was reported across studies.
- ModerateBifidobacterium plantarumAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The highest-quality evidence comes from a meta-analysis of 16 RCTs in IBS patients showing moderate benefit, while two reviews in skin conditions show small beneficial effects. However, most studies evaluated multi-strain probiotics, not exclusively Bifidobacterium plantarum.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowLactobacillus plantarum 299vAcross 3 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on quality of life, with 1 of those finding a statistically significant result. The predominant effect size is moderate, but the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and mixed statistical significance. The most studied populations are cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition and patients with IBS.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowLactobacillus casei PXN 37Across 3 review-level studies, all reported beneficial effects of Lactobacillus casei PXN 37 on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The predominant effect size was moderate, observed in two of the three reviews. The most studied populations were colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients with neurodegenerative diseases, and patients with gastrointestinal diseases. No specific dose range was reported across studies.3 beneficial3 studies