Staci Gulbin

With so many probiotics filling store shelves, you may be wondering which one will work best for you. Are there probiotics out there specifically for men? And if there are, do men really need to take probiotics? Well, we can assure you that you do – and for a number of reasons. If you’re looking for something to boost your health, strengthen your immunity, improve gut health, and power up your testosterone levels, then you’ve come to the right place.

What are probiotics?

In your gut, you have good bacteria and bad bacteria. It’s completely normal to have both. The good bacteria work in your small and large intestines to help digest your food and fight off harmful microbes, or the bad bacteria. Probiotics are a type of live “good” bacteria found in supplement form or in fermented foods like yogurt that help keep your good bacteria stores at healthy levels in the gut. Research shows that you can have over 400 species of probiotics in your gut at any one time. That’s a whopping 300 trillion good and bad bacteria, making up around 70% of your body’s cell count.

With every research study that comes out, the list of probiotic benefits keeps growing. Probiotics can help with many functions in the body such as:

• Producing vitamins such as A, K and B1
• Regulating testosterone in the body
• Responsible for 70% of the body’s immune response
• Maintaining urinary and colon health
• Managing and reducing symptoms of various conditions/infections like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s, diarrhea and eczema
• Weight loss
• Defence against bad bacteria by boosting the immune system

Healthy bacteria can be found in a lot of fermented drinks and food. Some of the most common sources of probiotic bacteria are yogurt, kombucha, which is a fermented tea drink, and kimchi,which is a popular Korean dish of fermented, spicy cabbage.

These fermented foods, along with others like miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kefir, are not your everyday pantry staples. Therefore, you may not have tried them all before, and they may be difficult to fit into your meal regimen every day.

That is why it may be more convenient to get your daily dose of probiotics from a supplement. Probiotic supplements can come in powder, capsule, or tablet form. And if you’re going to take a daily probiotic, it’s a great idea to also consume prebiotics. Prebiotics are a kind of fiber found in a lot of everyday foods.

They’re indigestible in your body, but the probiotics in our gut use them as food and fuel. Luckily, prebiotics are easily accessible and they’re probably already in your diet. Bananas, asparagus, onions, oats, and garlic are just a few examples of prebiotics.

Seven essential things to look for when purchasing probiotics

It can be VERY overwhelming trying to purchase a suitable probiotic supplement. To make it a little easier, follow this checklist of essential features your supplement needs to have so you can gain the maximum health benefit.

1. Get a solid amount of colony forming units (CFU’s)

Each probiotic supplement will tell you how many viable cells of probiotics they dish up to you in one serving, which is measured in colony forming units, or CFU’s. When you’re starting to take probiotics, aim for around 10 billion CFU’s per serving. This will let your body get used to the influx of good bacteria. Then, over time, you can choose a probiotic with a more potent dose. Before long, you will start to see awesome results in your health inside and out.

2. Get the right probiotic strains for your health needs  

Not all strains of probiotic are created equal. Some probiotic strains are better than others at improving certain health aspects. If you have a specific health concern you are looking to improve, then you may need to do a little research into which probiotic strains you need to take to help you. Then you will need to grab a probiotic supplement with as many of those strains in it as possible. This diversity of probiotic strains will ensure optimal results.

3. Coating on the capsules 

Your stomach acid is a major buzzkill when it comes to probiotics. The acidity will kill off the good bacteria before they get the chance to even make it out of your stomach. That’s why you need to purchase a probiotic that has a stomach acid-resistant coating to ensure maximum longevity of the friendly bacteria.

4. Expiry date and refrigeration

Some probiotic supplements will need to be refrigerated. This information will be located on the bottle. If the probiotic you choose has to be refrigerated, only purchase the bottle if it’s been refrigerated at the store prior to purchase. Also, grab a bottle furthest from its expiration date to ensure maximum potency of the organisms.

5. Yes to vitamins, no to fillers

Look out for probiotic supplements with added vitamins and minerals. This is because you need to be sure you steer clear of any products that have unnecessary fillers – in them so you can focus your attention on getting the purest form of probiotic strains in your body. Added vitamins and minerals on their own are OK. However, be sure to avoid any other unnecessary ingredients in your probiotic product. However, you should splurge a little on a higher quality probiotic if possible.

6. Prebiotics

As mentioned above, prebiotics are basically food for your probiotics. If you can, get a supplement that contains both prebiotics and probiotics, also known as a synbiotic.

7. One dose

Aim for a once daily dose on whatever form of supplement you get. That’ll keep it easy to remember and minimize your risk of missing a dose in your busy schedule.

The 10 best probiotics for men

Now that you’ve got all the background information, you’re ready to start checking out some probiotic options. We’ve rounded up our top ten choices for the best probiotics for men in 2018 and will let you know why we recommend them.

#1 – Editor’s Choice – 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum

Huge variety of probiotics

It’s no wonder this product tops the list as our Editor’s Choice. 1MD has created a probiotic supplement that delivers 51 billion CFU’s in every single serving with 11 different strains of probiotics.

This means you’re going to get the maximum results over a huge range of health issues. It also contains prebiotics to feed your good bacteria. All-in-all this vegan friendly probiotic is an excellent all-around supplement to help boost your healthy gut flora.

Take it slow

If it’s your first time taking a probiotic, you might want to opt for something with less CFU’s to begin with. Some customers have reported adverse effects within the first couple weeks including gas, bloating, and rapid weight loss.

These are reported to have subsided after that initial two-week period, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If it does turn out however, that your body does not agree with this supplement, 1MD will offer a full refund within 90 days as part of their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Awesome results

In a survey at the end of 2016 conducted by 1MD, 93% of users reported having more energy and a whopping 96% of users experienced healthier digestion. With results like that, you’re almost guaranteed to feel benefits with 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum.

The link below will get you to the official supplier which has the best price available as of October 2018.

Price: (30 capsules) on 1MD.org

PRO’S

• 51 billion CFU’s per serving
• 11 strains
• Vegan, non-GMO, gluten, soy and preservative free
• Contains prebiotic
• Money back guarantee
• Once daily dose

CON’S

• Expensive
• May cause temporary digestion issues in first time users

#2 Nutrition Essential Probiotic

Multi-purpose strain

This probiotic supplement contains only one probiotic strain, Bacillus Coagulan. This strain assists with digestive issues, bowel disorders, bloating, gas, encourages vitamin production and decreases the growth of nasty bacteria in your gut – all at the same time.

It’s considered one of the most effective strains of probiotic and Nutrition Essentials guarantees at least 90% of the 15 billion CFU count will survive the journey to your intestines. This property makes it one of the most powerful probiotic supplements on the market.

Consistency can be a little patchy

The majority of negative Amazon reviews on this product were less about the results and more about the quality of the probiotic being different with every new bottle they purchased and received.

Some users received a bottle that looked different from the first and the effectiveness was not consistent from bottle to bottle. If you find yourself with a bottle that doesn’t seem to be as effective, be sure to request your full money back since Amazon will honor it.

Price: (60 tablets) on Amazon

PRO’S

• Effective strain
• 15 billion CFU’s (90% guaranteed potency)
• Money back guarantee
• Once daily dose
• Affordable

CON’S

• Some bottles are different to others
• One strain

#3 Garden of Life – RAW Probiotics Men 50 & Wiser

Targeted probiotic

As the name suggests, this probiotic supplement is specifically for assisting the health of men 50 years of age and older. This probiotic product is geared towards promoting healthy cholesterol levels, immune health, digestion, and it delivers essential vitamins for a full spectrum of targeted health benefits.

Added vitamins

As you grow older it’s important to maintain good health. Therefore, along with 85 billion CFU’s and 32 strains of probiotic, this supplement from Garden of Life also caters all your vitamin needs. Calcium, magnesium, folate, vitamins C, D, E and B are just a few of the vitamins included in this probiotic supplement.

Price: (90 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• Huge range of added vitamins
• 85 billion CFU’s
• 32 strains
• Targeted for men over 50

CON’S

• 3 capsules recommended daily

#4 Garden of Life – RAW Probiotics Men

Colon, prostate and heart health

This is another great product from Garden of Life that specifically targets the most important aspects of men’s health. This probiotic product supports prostate and colon health and can help promote a lower risk of such health issues.

As with the previous Garden of Life product mentioned above, this probiotic supplement has the same number of strains, CFU’s, and vitamins added along with a blend of raw fruits and veggies in each serving.

Three capsules daily

This may sound inconvenient and it definitely could be, but users have reported that this higher number of supplements dosed daily allows them to alter their dosage to suit them best.

Each serving of 3 capsules has such a huge amount of strains and CFU’s that taking only one or two capsules a day will still produce great results.

Price: (90 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 85 billion CFU’s
• Added vitamins
• 32 strains
• Targeted support for colon, heart and prostate health

CON’S

• 3 capsules daily

#5 BioSchwartz Advanced Strength Probiotic

Guaranteed potency

BioSchwartz’s main benefit over other probiotic supplements is that they guarantee the potency of their product until it expires. This means that your probiotics will be delivered to you, fresh and ready to get to work effectively every time.

Digestion and immune

Although not specifically targeted at men, this probiotic supplement makes the list because it targets two of the biggest systems in your body, the immune system and the digestive system.

This supplement gives you a full range of the health benefits probiotics can offer while being formulated by doctors and undergoing strict quality control tests to ensure great results.

Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 40 billion CFU’s per serving
• 4 strains
• Contains prebiotic
• Guaranteed potency until expiration

CON’S

• Not targeted at men
• Two capsules daily

#6 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Once Daily Men’s Probiotic

Simple is best

keep up with. This Garden of Life product gives you all the 50 billion CFU’s in one convenient dose that will make it easier for you to keep on track.

No refrigeration

Another convenient bonus is that you don’t have to refrigerate these bad boys. The 15 strains and prebiotic fibers in this probiotic will stay fresh without the need to refrigerate. This is especially handy if you’re ordering them online and were worried about them being damaged on the journey.

Price: (30 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 50 billion CFU’s
• 15 strains
• Once daily dose
• No refrigeration required
• Targeted for men
• Contains prebiotic

CON’S

• Customers report acne with this product, which may be caused by any intolerances some may have to the prebiotics in the supplement.

#7 Dr.Tobias Deep Immune Probiotics

Targeted immune support

The biggest focus of this product is the immune support it offers. Your health is completely dependent on a strong and healthy immune system. Therefore, if you want to stay at your peak, this is an excellent, targeted product for maintaining immune health.

Protected from stomach acid

This Dr.Tobias product has patented protection technology on all its veggie capsules that will keep your probiotic safe and help to deliver more CFU’s directly into your intestines.

Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 4.4 billion CFU’s
• 4 strains
• Targeted immune health
• No refrigeration needed

CON’S

• Not targeted at men
• Twice daily dose

#8 Supptology Innovations Extreme Probiotics

Added prebiotics

Just like us, your probiotics need food to thrive. And if you’re not getting enough prebiotics in your diet naturally, then a supplement that includes them is the best way to go.

With patented Nutraflora prebiotics, you know that your probiotics are getting the fuel they need with this once a day dose.

Affordable

For just under $19 a bottle, you can get a 30-day supply of probiotics that aim to deliver 11 clinically proven strains and 50 billion CFU’s into your gut. That’s an amazing price for such a big hit of probiotics.

Price: (30 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 50 billion CFU’s
• 11 strains
• Prebiotics
• Once daily dose
• Affordable

CON’S

• Not targeted at men

#9 Probiotics by Herrmann Health Products

Good for beginners

This probiotic product is a great place to start if you’re considering starting probiotic treatment. Herrmann Health Products Advanced Probiotic comes with 5.75 billion CFU’s and 7 different strains to assist with a range of immunity and digestion health issues.

It aims to balance your gut flora to maintain health and comes at a very affordable $15 for a 2-month supply.

What the customers are saying

This Herrmann’s product may not have many reviews on Amazon, but the ones it does have are extremely positive. Users claim it has changed their lives, helping with everything from lactose intolerance to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 5.75 billion CFU’s
• 7 strains
• Very affordable
• Once daily dose

CON’S

• Not targeted at men
• Great for beginners but not enough CFU’s for optimal results

#10 Hyperbiotics PRO-15 Probiotics

Pearls

This probiotic product has decided to forego the normal capsule or tablet form and opt for an easier to swallow, smaller “pearl”. These pearls are a fraction the size of normal probiotics but will still pack a tidy 15 strains and 5 billion CFU’s into your body with time release technology.

Dosage can be modified

As the bottle indicates, if you’re suffering with a specific and more serious issue that you’re trying to target with your probiotic, then Hyperbiotics recommends taking up to 3 pearls a day for intensive support. Being able to modify your dosage if needed will help on days you need an extra health kick or two.

Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• Pearls
• 15 strains
• 5 billions CFU’s
• Once daily dose which can be increased if necessary

CON’S

• Not targeted at men
• Great for beginners but not enough CFU’s for optimal results

Benefits of probiotics for men

Along with all the awesome overall health benefits that probiotics can have on the body, there are also some essential improvements they can make specifically to men’s health.

Here’s a few of the most important and exciting ones:

1. Testosterone levels

A medical test conducted on mice, in which the subjects were given the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri over a period of time, were seen to have higher levels of testosterone within their body than the mice who weren’t given the probiotic. This result was regardless of their diet.

The mice were actually fed a “typical Westernized diet” of high fats and low fiber. In this study, the probiotic worked to lower cortisol levels in the body, which when produced in excess, can cause muscle breakdown, erectile dysfunction, and can decrease testosterone production.

So basically, probiotics equal less stress and cortisol which in turn results in optimal testosterone production. A reduction in testosterone can lead to depression and reduced libido, sperm production, and muscle mass.

2. Testicular health

The same study concluded that the mice who were given the Lactobacillus reuteri exhibited better growth rate of their testes. This is due to less muscle breakdown and more anti-inflammatory benefits provided by this particular strain of probiotic. In turn, this meant that their testicular health and sperm production, count, and activity was higher than the subjects who didn’t receive a probiotic.

3. Urinary health

Yeast imbalances don’t just affect women, but can also affect men and can lead to a painful and uncomfortable experience if left untreated. We won’t get into the nasty details, but if your bacterial balance is out of whack in your gut, you may find that your urinary health becomes an issue. Nip it in the bud by taking a probiotic that assists with urinary tract health.

4. Prostate health

Your prostate is a small, very important gland in your reproductive system. All men have one and its main role is to make fluids that protect and feed your sperm. Prostate cancer can be sudden and deadly, affecting around 1 in 7 men over the age of 75. Genetics and a poor diet can increase your chances of developing it.

Inflammation is a big factor in prostate cancer. Research suggests that maintaining a consistent influx of probiotics will lessen your chance and can also help to prevent prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate, which can be extremely uncomfortable.

Will I notice changes immediately?

Although they may be small, some improvements can be noticed within even a couple hours of starting to take a probiotic supplement.

Symptoms like cramping, gas, and bloating are all affected quickly and reduction of such symptoms will be some of the earliest signs that the probiotic is working.

Other issues like digestion, immune function, and regularity of bowel movements will most likely be seen to improve within the first couple weeks – and it’s only uphill from there.

If you’re not seeing the results you were expecting from your probiotic treatment, then there’s a few lifestyle factors you may need to tweak to get on track:

Poor diet

If you’re not getting enough nutrients into your body, your probiotics won’t be able to extract the goodness from your foods and do their best work. Be sure to cut back on intake of sugar and unhealthy fats. On the other hand, load up on veggies, fruit, and other fiber-rich foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Exercise

When you exercise, all your normal bodily functions are going to be working at full capacity. To move your probiotics around your system quickly and have them work efficiently, be sure to get some more exercise in each day.

Medications

Some medications can make your body more acidic than usual or can mess with your digestion. Medications like antacids, laxatives, and antibiotics can stop your probiotics from working efficiently.

Strains

If you don’t get the right strains of probiotic for your specific health concerns, you’re not going to see the results you want.

Low quality

If you’ve skimped out on your supplement and opted for a cheap one, chances are it may not be of great quality. Splurge a little and get a probiotic that ticks all of the items off our checklist above. After all, you can’t put a price on your health!

What’s the best time of day to be taking probiotics?

Most probiotic supplements will tell you exactly when you should be taking them. Generally, it’s best to follow the instructions on the label. However, according to this medical study, the best time to take a probiotic is directly before or with your meal.

Of these two options, taking your probiotic supplement with your meal is best. This is simply because the food will act as a barrier between the probiotic and your stomach acid to ensure as many of your little probiotic friends make it all the way to your gut safely.

Should I take my probiotic at breakfast, lunch or dinner?

In general, the best time of day to take your probiotic is in the morning. This way, you can experience the benefits of your probiotic throughout the day. However, if you’re taking your probiotic for a specific health concern, it’s best to take the supplement with the meal that comes directly before your symptoms usually start acting up.

For example, if you’re taking your probiotic to help you sleep better you should be taking it with dinner. Or if your bloating and gas is at its worst right after lunch, take it with your midday meal.

How often do I need to be taking my probiotics?

You should be taking your probiotic daily for best results. Staying consistent with your probiotic supplement will help you to experience the intended benefits. Probiotics don’t actually hang around in your body for too long.

They pass through the body, populate the gut, and encourage good bacteria to grow. Then, they are flushed out with normal bodily functions. So, to keep your good bacteria levels up, a daily dose of probiotics is going to be your best bet.

Are there any side-effects to taking probiotics?

The great thing about taking a probiotic is that there’s virtually no risk of overdosing. There are trillions of good bacteria already in the body, so taking a few billion more won’t hurt. And if you do overdo it, your body will simply flush out the unnecessary probiotics.

Possible side effects:

• Minor digestion issues – When first adding a probiotic to your diet, gas and bloating may be experienced until your body gets used to the new supplement. These symptoms can last up to two weeks but starting with a smaller dose of probiotics and working your way up slowly can reduce the risk of tummy troubles.
• Allergic reaction – Certain products may contain common allergens like soy, dairy or egg so be careful when reading the labels to avoid any allergic reactions.
• Risk of infection – If you’ve got a compromised immune system due to diseases like cancer or HIV, be sure to check with your doctor before starting use of a probiotic as you could develop a serious infection. This affects every one in a million people and is generally associated with the Lactobacilli bacteria but can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Aside from the above symptoms, if you notice any adverse changes in your health when you take your probiotic, be sure to let a doctor know what’s going on. This way, your healthcare provider can give you the best recommendation on how to proceed.

Edited by Staci Gulbin, RD.