Best Vegan Probiotic Supplements

Vegan Probiotic Supplement Buyers Guide

So what do we look for in a quality probiotics supplement?

There are some key things that you should look for when purchasing vegan probiotics to ensure you are getting the best vegan probiotics supplements for your needs.

Type of probiotic species and strains contained

There are two main species of bacteria that we tend to utilize the most, and in these two species, there are around six strains that are found in food and supplements. Different strains will have different health use cases.

Below are the two most common species and some of their strains:

Lactobacillus: One of the health benefits of probiotic products with the lactobacillus species is that it can serve as energy/fuel for our muscles and absorb nutrients from food better. Some people with imbalanced gut bacteria may be eating all the right things but unable to draw the nutrients from the food, so choosing a supplement with the lactobacillus species can help create balance. They also help maintain an optimal balance of gut bacteria by producing lactic acid, which keeps the adverse bacteria in check and supports a healthy gut.

• L.acidophilus
• L.reuteri
• L.Rhamnosus
• L-Casei

Bifidobacteria: Like the lactobacillus species, bifidobacteria keeps the bad gut bacteria in check but mainly in and around the intestines. They also can help strengthen our immune system.

• B.breve
• B.animalis
• B.longum
• B.lactis

How many colonies per serving or CFU?

Pay close attention to the number of colonies per serving in each supplement. Some supplements may have 50 servings of only 1million CFU (which is 50 million in total), where another supplement may have 25 servings of 10 million CFU per serving (250 million in total), so don’t let a high serving amount trick you into thinking it means high value. Some companies will try to sway a buyer with a high amount of servings, but the overall amount of CFU in the bottle is lower than another brand due to the serving sizes being so small.

The best vegan probiotics supplements will have a serving size of 5 million+ per serving and a minimum of 30-50 servings per purchase. Our daily target amount of b12 is around 1000mcg factoring in a low absorption rate, so keep this in mind at all times. 

Is the probiotics shelf life guaranteed?

It is essential to keep in mind that the bacteria are living. For the probiotics to be effective, the micro-organisms need to be alive in your stomach. Some brands may promote a high CFU, knowing that by the time you use the product, the number of colonies left alive could be less than half. This will make the product’s overall value decrease, and the positive health benefits you would have achieved diminish. Look for a guarantee on the product that ensures the survival of the probiotics from packaging point to consumer consumption.

Vegan label

To be certain that no animal usage in the production of the probiotics products lookout for a vegan label on the packaging. Also, double-check the ingredient list to ensure the food sources contain no dairy products.

Value

What is the cost per serving of probiotics and how many colonies are you getting per serving for the price of the products. Always compare serving amounts to the overall cost of the product and other similar products to make sure you are getting the best value for money.

The second thing to pay attention to is whether the company provides a return or guarantee with the purchase. When a company offers a way for you to return your product if you are not satisfied, it instills confidence in your purchase and the brand.

What are the benefits of probiotics for vegans? 

The main benefits of probiotics relate to gut health and the digestive system.

Each of the three species of probiotics has a group of strains under it like a family. 

The benefits you will gain from the consumption and use of probiotics will depend on the strains used in your supplement.

Some strains have the potential to help prevent diarrhea and urinary tract infections 

while others can go deeper into your system helping to combat more complex internal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis 

They have also been found to help with energy and to increase your mood through serotonin.

Recommended dosage and timing

Eating high probiotic foods is an excellent way to help prevent bacterial imbalances. Still, the downside is that its hard to measure the amounts you are consuming because probiotic information is not a compulsory nutritional requirement to put on food labels. 

The simplest method to manage probiotic consumption is through supplements since you will have a much more precise estimation of how much you are consuming with each serving.

According to recent research, the recommended amount for a healthy individual is between 5-10 billion colony-forming units per day

Timing also matters when it comes to consuming probiotic supplements since its critical to ensuring the bacteria survive the journey to your stomach. Studies show that the optimal time to take them is with a meal or 30 mins before to provide the highest chance of the probiotics reaching your stomach safely. 

Frequently asked questions

Want to learn more about Probiotics on a vegan diet?

Check out our in-depth article on the best natural vegan sources of probiotics to bring balance to your plant-based diet.