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Most people interested in health and wellness are aware of probioticsโbut itโs lesser known that probiotic supplements can be specifically targeted to the different sexes.
Probiotics are characteristically linked to gut health and digestion, but probiotics can also support immunity and mood, as well as menโs health like testosterone levels, reproduction, and fertility.
Keep reading to learn more about the top probiotics for men recommended by our team, taking into account their price, ingredient formulation, and the number and quality of bacterial strains.
Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics Men’s
Description
The top recommended probiotic for men is this high-potency formula containing not only 25 billion CFUs of live probiotics but also superfood ingredients for menโs health and medicinal mushrooms.
In addition to 25 billion CFUs of clinically studied probiotics, this supplement contains superfoods like organic fermented ginger root, fenugreek seed, and fo-ti root, which have all been used for centuries to support male health.
Specifically, fo-ti root is known as the โElixir of Lifeโ in some Asian cultures and may promote sexual vigor and fertility in males, and fenugreek seed is linked to increased testosterone levels.
This Ancient Nutrition supplement contains beneficial superfood compounds, including organic licorice, marshmallow, zinc, magnesium, and the functional mushrooms maitake, turkey tail, reishi, and shitake.
Best for General Gut Health: Garden of Life Once Daily Men’s
Containing a high quantity of both CFUs (colony-forming units) and bacterial strains, this probiotic from the well-known brand Garden of Life is a potent option for men with digestive or immune concerns.
Two of the prominent bacteria in this supplement are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which are well-known genera for supporting colon health and digestive function as a whole.
Plus, the formula contains beneficial whole-food prebioticsโa group of fibrous carbohydrates that healthy bacteria consume to grow and thrive in the gut.
Best for Prostate Health: Solaray Men’s Formula
Pros
Contains prebiotics and probiotics
High number of bacterial strains
Specifically targeted for male reproductive health
Best for: Those wanting targeted support for male reproductive concerns, including fertility, prostate function, and testosterone levels.
With an impressive 30 billion CFUs from 24 bacterial strains, the Solaray Mycrobiome Probiotic Men’s Formula is a combination of prebiotics and probiotics that can benefit menโs digestive health.
Fourteen of the 24 bacterial strains are specifically formatted for menโs health, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, which have been studied for their role in supporting testosterone levels, prostate health, and male fertility.
Solarayโs Mycrobiome Menโs Formula also utilizes an enteric-coated capsule, which is designed to enable the beneficial bacteria to travel through the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and make it to the lower intestines unscathed.
While this probiotic supplement does require refrigeration upon receiving it, it can survive unrefrigerated shipping, as the bacteria will be stable for up to seven days in extreme heat conditions.
Best for General Health: Nordic Naturals Nordic Flora Probiotic Daily
Pros
Affordable option
Good for general health
Cons
Fewer CFUs and bacterial strains than other brands
Although it has a slightly lower bacterial count at 12 billion CFUs, this probiotic is suitable for men wanting general wellness support.
While it only contains four bacterial strains, this group is among the most studied bacterial species, including Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, the first commercially available probiotic for dietary supplements.
In addition to L. acidophilus, the other species include Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which support digestive function and may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Best for Chronic Digestive Issues: Ancient Nutrition Gut Restore
Pros
Targeted for gut health
Uses soil-based probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics
Contains additional ingredients like organic mushrooms and fermented botanicals
Standing for soil-based organisms, SBO probiotics are microbes that naturally occur in soilโthey are resilient, shelf-stable, and designed to thrive in the high temperatures of the gut.
The Ancient Nutrition Gut Restore probiotic uses a trifecta approach to heal the gut, with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbioticsโbeneficial metabolites (like enzymes and organic acids) that are created when probiotics consume prebiotic fibers.
This probiotic is best for men with digestive concerns because it contains 25 billion CFUs from four microbial strains (three are bacteria and one is a yeast), which are a proprietary and clinically studied blend that may reduce constipation, gas, and bloating while supporting healthy bowel transit and digestion.
Best for: Men on a budget wanting general digestive support.
The NOW Probiotic-10โข 25 Billion contains a potent mixture of 25 billion CFUs from ten acid-resistant probiotic bacterial strains that have been found to colonize in the intestinesโand with 100 servings per bottle, this is by far the most affordable on the list.
The ten bacterial strains in this probiotic have been clinically studied for their role in maintaining gut integrity, supporting intestinal motility, and helping to facilitate the detoxification process.
One of the beneficial bacterial species found in this probiotic is Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which is acid-resistant and has shown great ability to adhere to the intestinal tract.
Housing upwards of 100 trillion bacteria, the human intestines contain a wide diversity of microbesโwhich can be good, bad, or neutral.
Although gut bacteria were once thought to only play a role in digesting food and synthesizing certain vitamins, research over the past two decades has exploded with new insights into how these microbes affect human health.
One way to support the diversity and strength of our gut microbiomes is with supplemental probiotics, which contain healthy bacteria that benefit not only our gut health but also immunity, energy, mood, skin, and more.
Probiotics for Menโs Health
Certain probiotic strains can target aspects of menโs health, including hormone levels, reproduction, fertility, and prostate function.
Some bacterial species that benefit menโs health include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, which may improve testosterone levels, prostate health, and fertility.
The species Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum have also been studied for their role in enhancing sperm quality, which could lead to improved male reproduction and fertility.
The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri has also been shown to boost testosterone levels in animal studies, but human research has not verified this yet.
FAQs About Probiotics for Men
Do Probiotics Do Anything for Men?
Yes, probiotics can benefit men, as certain bacterial strains have been found to improve male-specific health concerns like prostate function, fertility, reproduction, and testosterone levels.
Probiotics can also benefit men by improving digestion and immune function.
What Is the #1 Probiotic?
The top probiotic for men recommended by our team is the Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics Menโs because it containsnot only 25 billion CFUs of live probiotics but also superfood ingredients for menโs health and medicinal mushrooms.
What Are the Signs You Need Probiotics?
You may need probiotics if you have any digestive problems, including excess gas, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
There are also many non-digestive signs that you need probiotics, including poor immunity or getting sick constantly, mood disorders, and acne or other skin issues.
How Often Should Men Take Probiotics?
Itโs recommended to take probiotics daily, as they tend to work better when consumed on a consistent basis.
Is It Better to Take Probiotics in the Morning or at Night?
The best time to take a probiotic is on an empty stomach, which could be either first thing in the morning before eating or just before going to sleep at nightโas long as you hadnโt eaten dinner just prior.
Probiotics tend to be the most effective when taken on an empty stomach because your stomach acid levels are naturally lower and will allow the bacteria to travel to the large intestine safely.
Do Probiotics Increase Testosterone?
Some probiotic strains can increase testosterone levels.
The most-studied bacterial strains that are linked to increased testosterone levels are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus casei.
The probiotic supplement Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics Menโs also may increase testosterone, as it contains the botanical ingredients fo-ti root and fenugreek seed, which are linked to increased testosterone levels and fertility.
Key Takeaways
Probiotic supplements can benefit most people, but there are several male-specific probiotics that can target specific health concerns.
Probiotics for men can not only improve digestion and immunity but also help to boost testosterone levels and support male fertility, prostate health, and reproductive function.
รiftci G, Tuna E. Effects of cholesterol and Lactobacillus acidophilus on testicular function. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2021;48(3):229-235. doi:10.5653/cerm.2020.04322
Poutahidis T, Springer A, Levkovich T, et al. Probiotic microbes sustain youthful serum testosterone levels and testicular size in aging mice. PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84877. Published 2014 Jan 2. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084877
Singh J, Rivenson A, Tomita M, Shimamura S, Ishibashi N, Reddy BS. Bifidobacterium longum, a lactic acid-producing intestinal bacterium inhibits colon cancer and modulates the intermediate biomarkers of colon carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis. 1997;18(4):833-841. doi:10.1093/carcin/18.4.833
Valcarce DG, Genovรฉs S, Riesco MF, et al. Probiotic administration improves sperm quality in asthenozoospermic human donors. Benef Microbes. 2017;8(2):193-206. doi:10.3920/BM2016.0122
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