The Benefits of Taking a Probiotic

You may have heard of a Probiotic, whether in a trendy smoothie, a health blog, or a yogurt commercial, but what exactly is a Probiotic? Is there a difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics? What benefits does a Probiotic provide? We have the answers to all of these questions here at Nature Made.

What is a Probiotic?

A "Probiotic" is a dietary supplement that includes probiotic bacteria, beneficial bacteria that work with preexisting good bacteria in our digestive system. Our digestive system is a complex, multi-faceted system, and one part of it is our "gut microbiome."

Do Probiotics help with digestion? Our microbiome is complex and has many different kinds of bacteria; some are helpful, and others are not. By providing your gut with probiotics, you help support the good bacteria naturally found in your gut, which supports healthy digestion. So, where do we usually get these probiotic bacteria?^†

Where Can I Find Probiotics in My Diet?

Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods, like yogurt, kefir, miso, and tempeh. The fermentation process feeds these beneficial bacteria, so we provide our gut with probiotic bacteria when we eat these fermented products. Now it makes sense why yogurt commercials talk about probiotics, right?

If you don't include many fermented foods in your daily diet or want to give your gut microbiome an extra dose of probiotic bacteria, Nature Made^®'s Probiotic Collection offers a selection of probiotic supplements to suit your needs. Talk to your doctor to answer the question of, "what probiotic I should take."^†

Our Digestive Probiotics Extra Strength Gummies are formulated to provide at least 8 billion live cells of the probiotic bacteria Bacillus coagulans in every two gummies,^♦ in delicious Raspberry and Cherry flavors.

What are the Benefits of Taking a Probiotic?

We know what they are, but what do they do for you? What are the benefits of taking a Probiotic supplement?

Supports Healthy Digestion

Probiotics work with good bacteria naturally found in your gut to support healthy digestion. They help support the digestive process and assist with breaking down nutrients so your body can absorb them more effectively. Nature Made^® Extra Strength Probiotic Gummies work with good bacteria found in your gut to support healthy digestion.^†

Support Gut's Natural Balance

Our gut microbiome is made up of billions of tiny little bacteria that are affected by all sorts of things, including the food we eat. Certain lifestyle factors can sometimes disrupt the natural balance in our gut. A balanced diet, including nutrient-rich foods, probiotic foods, and prebiotic fibers, helps support the beneficial bacteria to support a balanced gut. Probiotic supplementation can also help to support the gut's natural balance by providing good bacteria.^†

Nature Made^® Probiotics Capsules provide 1 billion CFU to support digestive health, promote regularity and support a healthy immune system.^†

Choosing a High-Quality Probiotic

What should you look for when choosing a Probiotic? When selecting a Probiotic supplement, pick one that lists all of the ingredients on the label, so you know which beneficial bacteria you are providing your gut with.

Different Probiotic bacteria can have different effects, so select the supplement that supports the benefits and health goals you want to achieve. Nature Made^® Probiotic supplements are sourced from high-quality ingredients.

How to Include a Probiotic in My Daily Routine

What is the best way to take Probiotics? Most Probiotics are suggested to be taken with cold or room temperature water and a meal, though you should always check your individual supplement's suggested use for more specific guidance.

One of the best ways to ensure you take Probiotics regularly is by attaching your probiotic routine to a daily meal, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner. That way, you ensure you take your supplement with water and a meal, increasing the likelihood of remembering to take it because it is attached to a preexisting daily routine.

Who should take Probiotics? Everyone is different so as with all supplements, consult your primary care provider for guidance before beginning or changing a supplement routine. They are best equipped to give you personalized advice on supplements and health goals.

Is a Prebiotic Different from a Probiotic?

So, if that's all Probiotics, what's a "Prebiotic"? Prebiotics are dietary fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Think of it like a meal for your probiotics; the probiotics are the bacteria, and the prebiotics are the food they eat. Prebiotic fibers support the good bacteria in your gut and help support digestive health.^†

In our diet, we can support our Prebiotic intake with oatmeal, bran, flaxseed, nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes. For Prebiotic Fiber support, Nature Made^® offers a Prebiotic Fiber Drink Mix and Fiber Gummies to help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Another option is Nature Made^® Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber Gummies, which include Probiotics to help relieve occasional gas,  bloating, burping, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion along with Prebiotic Fiber to nourish good bacteria.^†

Comprehensive Support with Nature Made®

Nature Made's Probiotic and Prebiotic Collections provide a selection of digestive support supplements made with high-quality ingredients, but that's just one way Nature Made offers dietary support.^†

Probiotic Supplements

Prebiotic Fiber Supplements

If you're looking for a daily wellness routine made by Nature Made^® Registered Dietitians to support your overall well-being, check out The Daily 4™ Value Pack. The Daily 4™ includes Probiotics to support gut health, Multivitamins to bridge possible nutrient gaps, Magnesium to help your muscles relax and recharge, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids for heart health support.^†

Explore our gut health supplement options today, Nature Made^® is the #1 pharmacist recommended vitamin & supplement brand.*

♦Formulated to provide at least 8 billion live cells per serving if continuously stored in a cool, dry place at or below 75°F (23°C) and consumed prior to expiration date. Storage and handling conditions can vary, and may affect the total amount of cells delivered at time of consumption.

‡2x the CFUs of Nature Made® Advanced Dual Action Probiotics (different strains).

▲Lactobacillus plantarum 10 billion CFU

➕Biffidobacterium lactis 2 billion CFU

*Based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.