Skip to main content
Supplement Research and Comparison Website•Best Price Guarantee
Supplement Research and Comparison Website
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Choosing Probiotics: Food vs. Supplements for Optimal Gut Health

Explore the benefits of probiotic supplements even when consuming probiotic-rich foods. Learn about strain diversity, specific health conditions, and practical considerations for integrating probiotics into your diet according to individual health goals.

  • Probiotics question
    If one is eating already rich foods in probiotics.

    Should one also be taking a strains of probiotics as a supplement?

  • Whether or not to take probiotic supplements when already consuming probiotic-rich foods depends on various factors, including individual health goals, dietary habits, and existing health conditions.

    1. Diversity of Strains: Different probiotic strains offer varying health benefits, so supplementation might be beneficial if the dietary intake of probiotic foods lacks variety in strains1. For example, certain strains are known to improve immune function, intestinal health, and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome2.

    2. Health Conditions: There is evidence supporting the use of specific probiotic strains for managing certain medical conditions, such as diarrhea associated with antibiotics or gastrointestinal infections3. If an individual suffers from such conditions, they might benefit from targeted supplementation.

    3. Balance and Quantity: While foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables) can provide beneficial bacteria, they might not always deliver the concentrations or specific strains that supplementation can4. Supplements can ensure a consistent intake and might be more effective in certain therapeutic uses5.

    4. Lifestyle and Convenience: Some people might find it more practical to rely on supplements, particularly if they have dietary restrictions or do not consume enough probiotic foods regularly6.

    It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to tailor probiotic intake to your specific needs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are considering probiotics for therapeutic purposes.

    Footnotes

    1. Amy C. Brown, "Probiotics and Medical Nutrition Therapy," PMC 2006. ↩

    2. Maria Kechagia, "Health Benefits of Probiotics: A Review," PMC 2013. ↩

    3. Anam Latif, "Probiotics: mechanism of action, health benefits and their application in food industries," PMC 2023. ↩

    4. Mahmoud Youssef, "Probiotic Supplements: Their Strategies in the Therapeutic and Prophylactic of Human Life-Threatening Diseases," PMC 2021. ↩

    5. Daniel Merenstein, "Emerging issues in probiotic safety: 2023 perspectives," PMC 2023. ↩

    6. Anam Latif, "Probiotics: mechanism of action, health benefits and their application in food industries," PMC 2023. ↩

New Topic

Browse Related Questions

Back to top