Berberine
supplementA plant compound sold as a supplement for blood sugar and weight. It is not a GLP-1 drug.
13 providers
No. 036supplement
Probiotics
Probiotics is a supplement that is sold over the counter.
Also known as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii
Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts meant to benefit the host. People take them for digestion, after antibiotics, and for general gut health; different strains do different things.
Is Probiotics FDA-approved?
Sold without a prescription. Supplements are not reviewed by the FDA before sale, so third-party testing matters. Sold as dietary supplements and foods. None are FDA-approved to treat disease.
As of September 23, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts meant to benefit your health. What they do depends on the exact strain.
- The American Gastroenterological Association does not recommend probiotics for most digestive conditions.
- Certain strains have evidence for preventing C. difficile infection while you take antibiotics.
- People who are seriously ill or immunocompromised face rare but serious infection risk.
How does Probiotics work?
Probiotics add specific microbes to your gut, where they may compete with harmful bacteria, support the gut lining, or influence the immune system.
Different strains behave differently, so evidence for one product does not carry over to another. Most do not permanently settle in the gut.
What does the evidence say about Probiotics?
Emerging evidenceSome strains have reasonable evidence for specific uses, such as preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea; evidence for general wellness is weak.
What do clinicians say about Probiotics?
Gastroenterologists recommend probiotics only for a few specific situations and specific strains.
The AGA's 2020 guideline supports specific strains for preventing C. difficile infection during antibiotics, and for a few other narrow uses. For IBS, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, it recommends probiotics only in clinical trials.
AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in GI disorders (2020)The AGA says effects are strain- and combination-specific, and that probiotics should not be given routinely to children seen in the emergency room for diarrhea.
AGA: AGA does not recommend the use of probiotics for most digestive conditions (2020)In 2023 FDA warned of invasive, potentially fatal infections in preterm infants given probiotics, and said it has not approved any probiotic as a drug for infants.
FDA: Risk of invasive disease in preterm infants given probiotics (Sept 2023)NCCIH says there is moderate evidence for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and that some products contain microbes not listed on the label.
NCCIH: Probiotics, what you need to know
Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
Is Probiotics right for you, and who should avoid it?
Often considered for
- People taking antibiotics, using strains with evidence for preventing C. difficile, after talking to a clinician
- People curious about a specific strain studied for their specific issue
Not a fit, or needs extra care
- People who are critically ill or have a weakened immune system
- Preterm infants in hospital, unless under a supervised study
- Anyone with a central line or recent major surgery should ask first
Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.
What are the risks and side effects of Probiotics?
- Gas and bloating are common at first.
- People who are severely ill or immunocompromised have rare but serious infection risk.
- FDA warned in 2023 against giving probiotics to preterm infants in hospitals after a fatal infection.
- Labels may not match contents; look for strain names and third-party testing.
What should you ask a clinician about Probiotics?
- Which strain, if any, has evidence for my specific issue?
- Is it safe with my immune status?
These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.
How do people buy Probiotics?
No prescription is needed. Supplement brands and retailers sell it online and in stores.
Check with a clinician or pharmacist first if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.
Choose a product with independent testing, such as NSF Certified for Sport or USP Verified, because FDA does not check supplements before they are sold.
Look for the full strain name on the label, not just the species, and match it to the evidence for your use.
Where some people buy it
- Nordic NaturalsSells probiotic powders and gummies, with a certificate of analysis lookup.
- iHerbCarries probiotics from many brands; some products are tested through its iTested program.
From each provider’s own site, checked September 23, 2026. Programs change, so confirm the details before you sign up.
Where can I get Probiotics?
17 providers list Probiotics on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.
$17.99listed price†
Buy at Culturelle $19.99listed price†
Buy at NOW Foods $22.50listed price†
Buy at Life Extension $26listed price†
Buy at Pure Encapsulations $27.99listed price†
Buy at Garden of Life $28.69listed price†
Buy at Nature Made $49.99/molisted price†
Buy at Seed Health † Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.
How much does Probiotics cost?
The listed price is $49.99 a month, from 1 provider, as checked October 7, 2026.
Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change. Membership or consult fees may be separate; see each provider.
Probiotics: questions, answered
Should I take a probiotic for general gut health?
Evidence for general wellness is weak, and the AGA does not recommend probiotics for most digestive conditions.
Do probiotics help with antibiotics?
Certain strains have evidence for preventing C. difficile infection during antibiotics. Ask which strain your clinician recommends.
Are they safe?
For healthy people, usually, with some gas and bloating at first. People who are very ill or immunocompromised face rare serious infections.
Can I get them through telehealth?
They do not need a prescription. You buy them from supplement brands and retailers.
Important safety information
Key risks
- Gas and bloating are common at first.
- People who are severely ill or immunocompromised have rare but serious infection risk.
- FDA warned in 2023 against giving probiotics to preterm infants in hospitals after a fatal infection.
- Labels may not match contents; look for strain names and third-party testing.
Talk to a clinician first, or avoid it, if
- People who are critically ill or have a weakened immune system
- Preterm infants in hospital, unless under a supervised study
- Anyone with a central line or recent major surgery should ask first
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk to a licensed clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. If you have a severe reaction, call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sources
Also checked for this guide
- AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in GI disorders (2020)
- AGA: AGA does not recommend the use of probiotics for most digestive conditions (2020)
- FDA: Risk of invasive disease in preterm infants given probiotics (Sept 2023)
- NCCIH: Probiotics, what you need to know
- Nordic Naturals: NSF Certified for Sport products
- iHerb: Quality
Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.
Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.
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