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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are associated with a wide range of health benefits (
For example, the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum 35624 has been shown to be effective for treating irritable bowel syndrome, while the strain Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 may help with weight management (2,
Over the past several years, interest in probiotics for weight loss has been growing.
Obesity is a multifaceted condition that involves genetics, hormones, diet, environment, socioeconomic status, exercise habits, sleep patterns, and sedentary time. However, research suggests that probiotics may be a useful tool to help some individuals lose weight (
Keep reading for our picks of the 3 best probiotics to support your weight loss efforts.
- Best overall: Metagenics UltraFlora Control
- Best shelf-stable: Bariatric Advantage FloraVantage Control
- Best vegan-friendly: Genestra Brands HMF Metabolic
Only a few probiotic strains have been clinically tested for effectiveness in weight loss and management (2):
- B. animalis ssp. lactis 420
- L. acidophilus CUL-60
- L. acidophilus CUL-21
- L. plantarum CUL-66
- B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34
- B. bifidum CUL-20
The methods by which these probiotic strains affect body weight aren’t well understood, but it’s thought that they may reduce appetite-regulating hormones or decrease fat storage (
When shopping for probiotics to assist in your weight loss efforts, it’s important to look for one of the above strains.
Also keep in mind that while they may be appropriate for general gut health support, most broad-spectrum probiotics don’t contain the exact strains that have been shown to be effective for weight loss.
For example, a probiotic supplement may list L. acidophilus on the ingredient list. However, there are many types of L. acidophilus, and only L. acidophilus CUL-60 has been shown to be effective for weight loss.
It’s impossible to know whether the product in question contains the correct strain for weight loss (2).
The probiotic supplements featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
- Probiotic strains: We included products with probiotic strains that have been clinically shown to be effective for weight management. Studies show that these strains may help reduce body weight, body fat mass, and waist circumference (2,
6 ). - CFU count: We included products that contain doses of probiotics that have been shown to be effective for weight loss in clinical studies.
- Third-party testing: The products on our list are third-party tested to ensure safety, purity, and potency.
- Ingredient quality: We looked for products that are made with high quality ingredients and free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
- Vetting: Every product and brand on our list has been vetted to ensure that it meets Healthline’s medical and business standards.
Why you should trust us
Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.97 to $2.00 per serving, or $42 to $60 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $1 per serving
- $$ = $1–$1.99 per serving
- $$$ = over $1.99 per serving
Best overall
Metagenics UltraFlora Control
- Price range: $$$
- Serving size: 1 capsule daily
- CFU count: 10 billion CFU
- Strains: Bifidobacterium lactis B-420
- Certifications: NSF Certified
Metagenics UltraFlora Control contains Bifidobacterium lactis B-420, a probiotic strain that is a trademark of the chemical and technological innovation company DuPont.
This strain has been studied specifically for its use in weight management (
One study found that taking 10 billion CFU of Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 daily helped regulate body fat mass, reduce waist circumference, and reduce food intake over 6 months (
However, it’s important to note that the study was funded by DuPont.
Metagenics UltraFlora Control is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly and does not require refrigeration.
Pros
- shelf-stable
- vegetarian-friendly
- gluten-free
- clinically tested single-strain probiotic
- third-party certified
Cons
- expensive
- not vegan-friendly
Best shelf-stable
Bariatric Advantage FloraVantage Control
- Price range: $$
- Serving size: 1 capsule daily
- CFU count: 10 billion CFU
- Strains: Bifidobacterium lactis B-420
- Certifications: NSF Certified
Bariatric Advantage is a shelf-stable supplement that also uses the trademarked probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis B-420, which has been specifically studied for use in managing weight and body fat mass and reducing waist circumference (
This supplement is slightly less expensive than Metagenics UltraFlora Control.
While it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, FloraVantage Control does need to be stored below 75°F (24°C). As such, it’s important to purchase the product from a reputable retailer to ensure that it is stored and shipped at a proper temperature.
Pros
- shelf-stable
- vegetarian-friendly
- gluten-free
- clinically tested single-strain probiotic
- third-party certified
Cons
- expensive
- not vegan-friendly
Best vegan-friendly
Genestra Brands HMF Metabolic
- Price range: $
- Serving size: 1 capsule daily
- CFU count: 50 billion CFU
- Strains: L. acidophilus CUL-60, L. acidophilus CUL-21, L. plantarum CUL-66, B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34, B. bifidum CUL-20
- Certifications: NSF Certified
The probiotic strains used in Genestra Brands HMF Metabolic have been clinically tested in a study funded by Cultech Limited, a supplement ingredient manufacturer.
The randomized controlled trial showed that people who took probiotic supplements with 50 billion CFU of a mix of L. acidophilus CUL-60, L. acidophilus CUL21, L. plantarum CUL66, B. bifidum CUL20, and B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL34 had lower weight, lower body mass index, and smaller waist circumferences after 6 months than people who took a placebo (
The effects were more pronounced in women and in people who were obese before starting the supplement.
Unlike the other two supplements above, Genestra Brands HMF Metabolic is vegan-friendly, though it does require refrigeration.
Pros
- vegan-friendly
- gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free
- third-party tested
- relatively affordable
Cons
- requires refrigeration
Here’s a quick look at how our top picks compare:
| Price range | Strains | Daily dose | Third-party tested | Shelf-stable | Vegan-friendly | Gluten-free | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metagenics UltraFlora Control | $$$ | Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 | 1 capsule | yes | yes | no | yes |
| Bariatric Advantage FloraVantage Control | $$ | Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 | 1 capsule | yes | yes, below 75°F | no | yes |
| Genestra Brands HMF Metabolic | $ | • L. acidophilus CUL-60 and CUL-21 • L. plantarum CUL-66 • B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34 • B. bifidum CUL-20 | 1 capsule | yes | no | yes | yes |
When shopping for a probiotic to support your weight loss efforts, it’s important to consider several factors, including your dietary needs and the product’s probiotic strains, CFU count, storage requirements, third-party testing, and cost.
Does it contain the exact strain that you’re looking for?
Make sure to choose a product that contains a probiotic strain that has been shown to be effective for weight management.
The Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products is a handy reference that lists brand names of clinically tested probiotic strains and their proposed uses (2).
Does it contain an effective dose?
In addition to containing an evidence-based strain, probiotics for weight loss should contain an effective dose of that strain.
For example, Bifidobacterium lactis B-420 has been shown to be effective at a dose of 10 billion CFU per day.
Additionally, weight loss studies using a mix of L. acidophilus CUL-60, L. acidophilus CUL-21, L. plantarum CUL-66, B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34, and B. bifidum CUL-20 were effective at 50 billion CFU per day.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Probiotics may be shelf-stable (stored at room temperature), or they may require refrigeration.
If you travel often for work or don’t always have access to a refrigerator, it’s best to go with a shelf-stable product.
Is it third-party tested?
Because the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way as pharmaceuticals, the best way to ensure the safety, purity, and potency of a probiotic supplement is to purchase a product that’s third-party tested by a credible organization.
Some examples of third-party organizations to look for are:
- NSF International
- USP
- UL Solutions
Do you have any food allergies or intolerances?
If so, look for products that meet your specific dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, soy-free, or gluten-free.
How much does it cost?
Probiotics can vary in price, so compare brands and buy based on what you can afford.
Probiotics are generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, using an inappropriate strain can upset the balance of your gut microbiome and may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gas and bloating (
Using the correct probiotic for the right reason can reduce the possibility of side effects (
The medical literature also cautions against probiotics for certain populations, including people who (
- have immune conditions
- have heart conditions
- have been diagnosed with HIV
- take immune-suppressing drugs
- are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
- are pregnant or nursing
- have recently had surgery
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before adding a probiotic to your wellness routine.
When is the best time to take probiotics for weight loss?
Probiotic supplements are usually taken once per day, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Many practitioners recommend consuming supplements with food. Supplements can be taken at any time of the day (
Just keep in mind that probiotics and antibiotics should be spaced at least 2 hours apart (
Can probiotics help flatten your stomach?
When paired with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, probiotics may help you lose weight and trim your waistline. However, probiotic supplements on their own won’t lead to dramatic weight loss or a flat tummy.
Overall, research on probiotics for weight loss is limited.
However, some studies have found certain strains — including B. animalis ssp. lactis 420, L. acidophilus CUL-60, L. acidophilus CUL-21, L. plantarum CUL-66, B. animalis subsp. lactis CUL-34, and B. bifidum CUL-20 — to be effective for weight loss and appetite regulation (2).
While it’s important to choose a product containing probiotic strains that have been shown to be effective for weight loss, keep in mind that probiotic supplements are just one tool to assist in your weight loss efforts.
To reach and maintain your weight loss goal, you’ll still need to focus on other healthy habits, including eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.
