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August 28, 2023

13 Best Probiotics for Men – Garden of Life

Probiotics for men recommendations

Top 13 Probiotics for Men

Probiotics have become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of promoting intestinal health.

The global probiotics market has grown rapidly, with probiotics now being used not only as supplements but also in food products.

The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. The good bacteria help to keep the gut healthy by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, producing vitamins and other nutrients, and supporting the immune system.

There is some evidence that taking probiotics may be beneficial for men’s health.

Research has shown that it may play a role in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, and diabetes, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, and protect against prostate cancer.

This article features our picks of the 11 best probiotics for men with the brand: Garden of Life – the #1 probiotic brand in the US.

Top Probiotics for Men

Best Overall: Garden of Life Probiotics Dr. Formulated Once Daily Ultra | Skip to Review

Best Efficiency: Garden of Life Organic Probiotic Powder 5-Day Max Care | Skip to Review

Best for the Immune system: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Immune+ | Skip to Review

Best for Digestive Health: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Restore | Skip to Review

Best for Weight Loss: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Weight Management | Skip to Review

Best for Prostate Health: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+ | Skip to Review

Best for Men 50+: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for Men Over 50 | Skip to Review

Best for Colon: Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Colon Care | Skip to Review

Best for Mood: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+ | Skip to Review

Best for Urinary Tract Health: Garden of Life – Acidophilus Probiotic Urinary Tract | Skip to Review

Best for Liver Health: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Liver Health+ | Skip to Review

Best for Skin: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Platinum Series Skin+ | Skip to Review

Best for Sleep: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Restore Sleep | Skip to Review

Who Should Take Probiotics for Men?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are believed to confer various health benefits for men when consumed in adequate amounts.

While generally considered safe for all men, the decision to take probiotics, particularly for men, should be based on specific health considerations and professional advice.

Probiotics have potential benefits for men’s health in certain situations.

They may be effective in treating intestinal chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)✅ and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)✅.

However, the effectiveness of probiotics in IBS treatment depends on the strains used, the different mixtures, and the dosages of these strains.

Probiotics have also shown promising results in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and improving endothelial vascular function in men✅.

Additionally, they can have positive effects on male fertility✅ and semen quality by supporting reproductive tract eubiosis and fertility due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities.

When is the best time to take probiotics for men?

The best time to take probiotics for men may depend on the type and dose of probiotics, as well as your individual health condition and preferences. However, some general guidelines are:

  • Take probiotics on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before a meal. This may help the probiotics survive the acidic stomach environment and reach the colon alive.
  • If you take probiotics with food, choose foods that contain some fat and/or sugar, such as yogurt, kefir, oatmeal, or low-fat milk. These foods may enhance the survival of probiotics in your digestive tract.
  • Take probiotics consistently, preferably at the same time every day. This may help maintain a balanced and diverse gut microbiome.
  • Consult your doctor before taking probiotics, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. Your doctor can help you choose the best probiotics for your needs and advise you on the optimal timing and dosage.

Probiotics can be taken at any time to promote overall gut health and improve immune function.

According to a study in 2010✅, commonly used probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have been found to have positive effects on immune function and can help manage gastrointestinal disorders.

A 2015 meta-analysis✅ found that probiotic supplementation improved H. pylori eradication rates and reduced side effects when used with antibiotic therapy.

The optimal timing of probiotic administration is still unknown, but the study suggests that probiotics can be taken concurrently or after antibiotics.

Lv et al. also found that probiotic treatment lasting over 2 weeks and including Lactobacillus or multiple strains significantly enhanced H. pylori eradication efficacy.

Learn more:

Where Can You Buy Probiotics for Men?

Probiotics for men can be purchased from various sources.

One option is to buy probiotics from pharmacies or drugstores.

These establishments often carry a range of probiotic products specifically formulated for men’s health.

Another option is to purchase probiotics online from reputable retailers or directly from manufacturers.

Many companies offer probiotic supplements that are targeted towards men’s specific health needs.

You can also buy probiotics for men from various online and offline sources, depending on your preferences and budget.

Here are some possible options:

Online

You can order probiotics for men from online retailers, such as Amazon, where you can find a wide range of products, brands, prices, and reviews. 

You can also buy probiotics for men from the official websites of some manufacturers, such as Garden of Life, Physic Choice, Hyperbiotics, or Ritual.

These brands have obtained USDA Organic certifications, ensuring their products are sustainably produced and safe for users.

Also, you should be careful to check the quality, safety, and authenticity of the products you buy online, and read the labels and instructions carefully before using them.

Offline

You can also buy probiotics for men from local stores, such as pharmacies, health food stores, or supermarkets, where you can see and compare the products in person.

You may also get some advice from the staff or pharmacists on how to choose the best probiotics for your needs.

However, you may have a limited selection of products and brands, and you may not be able to find the latest or most innovative probiotics for men in your area.

Why Are Probiotics for Men Different From Other Probiotics?

Probiotics for men are different from other probiotics because they may have some specific benefits for men’s health, such as supporting prostate health, testosterone levels, and weight management.

Firstly, the specific strains of probiotics used in products for men may be different.

Different strains of probiotics have different mechanisms of action and may be more effective in addressing specific health concerns.

For example, Lactobacilli strains treat urogenital infections in women✅, while certain probiotics improve intestinal barrier, oxidation, and inflammation markers in men who exercise regularly✅.

Therefore, probiotics for men may be more effective and beneficial than generic or female-oriented probiotics.

Secondly, the health concerns and conditions that probiotics for men target may be different.

Probiotics can have strain-specific and disease-specific efficacy✅.

Therefore, probiotics formulated for men may be designed to address specific male health issues, such as reproductive disorders or male fertility✅.

Additionally, cultural and socioeconomic factors may influence the consumption patterns of probiotics in men.

Some studies have found that women tend to consume more probiotics than men✅.

How Do You Choose The Best Probiotics for Men?

Choosing the best probiotics for men depends on several factors, such as your health goals, medical conditions, dietary preferences, and budget.

Firstly, it is important to select probiotics for men that have been extensively studied and have demonstrated efficacy and safety.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are among the most studied probiotics✅.

Proper administration of probiotics and prebiotics is essential, particularly when dealing with high-risk groups like infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals✅.

Additionally, probiotics for men should be able to survive through the gastrointestinal tract to exert their beneficial effects.

Probiotic strains must meet safety and functionality criteria, as well as technological usefulness, according to the selection process recommendations from WHO, FAO, and EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority)✅✅:

CriteriaRequired Properties
Safety– Isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals.
– History of safe use.
– Precise diagnostic identification (phenotype and genotype traits).
– Absence of data regarding an association with infective disease.
– Absence of the ability to cleave bile acid salts.
– No adverse effects.
– Absence of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance localized in non-stable elements.
Functionality– Competitiveness with respect to the microbiota inhabiting the intestinal ecosystem.
– Ability to survive and maintain metabolic activity, and to grow in the target site.
– Resistance to bile salts and enzymes.
– Resistance to low pH in the stomach.
– Competitiveness with respect to microbial species inhabiting the intestinal ecosystem (including closely related species).
– Antagonistic activity towards pathogens (e.g., H. pylori, Salmonella sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium difficile).
– Resistance to bacteriocins and acids produced by the endogenic intestinal microbiota.
– Adherence and ability to colonize specific sites within the host organism, and an appropriate survival rate in the gastrointestinal system.
Technological usability– Easy production of high biomass amounts and high productivity of cultures.
– Viability and stability of desired properties of probiotic bacteria during the fixing process (freezing, freeze-drying), preparation, and distribution of probiotic products.
– High storage survival rate in finished products (in aerobic and micro-aerophilic conditions).
– Guarantee of desired sensory properties of finished products (in the case of the food industry).
– Genetic stability.
– Resistance to bacteriophages.
Selection criteria of probiotic strains

The selection of probiotics can also depend on the specific health condition or target pathogen✅.

For example, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is a well-studied probiotic that has been identified as a potential candidate for the development of new bioengineered probiotic strains aimed at controlling specific pathogens.

Men can benefit from taking probiotics that are tailored to address specific health conditions:

Probiotic StrainSpecific Health Conditions
Lactobacillus acidophilusDiarrhea, constipation, allergies
Bifidobacterium bifidumDiarrhea, constipation
Lactobacillus rhamnosusDiarrhea, allergies
Saccharomyces boulardiiDiarrhea
Enterococcus faecium PTA 5844Gastrointestinal infections
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917Gastrointestinal infections
Probiotic Strain vs Specific Health Conditions

Here are some guidelines based on expert consensus to help you choose the best probiotics for men:

  • Look for specific strains: Different probiotic strains have different effects on health. It is important to choose a probiotic that contains strains that have been studied and shown to have benefits for men’s health. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to enhance immune response, while Lactobacillus reuteri may have benefits for prostate health.
  • Consider the CFU count: CFU stands for colony-forming units, which indicates the number of viable bacteria in a probiotic supplement. Higher CFU counts may be more effective, but it is important to note that the optimal dosage can vary depending on the strain and the specific health condition being targeted.
  • Check for viability and stability: Probiotics are live bacteria, so it is important to choose a product that ensures the viability and stability of the strains. Look for products that have been tested for shelf stability and have appropriate packaging to protect the bacteria from moisture and heat.
  • Assess the quality and safety: Choose probiotics from reputable manufacturers that follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) and have undergone third-party testing for quality and safety. Look for products that are free from contaminants and have clear labeling of the strains and CFU counts.
  • Consider your specific health needs: Different probiotics may have specific benefits for certain health conditions. Consider your individual health needs and choose a probiotic that aligns with those needs. For example, if you are looking to support digestive health, a probiotic with strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus may be beneficial.

Benefits of Probiotics For Men

Probiotics have been extensively researched for their potential health benefits, and men stand to gain a lot from incorporating them into their daily routines.

From weight management to immunity, prostate health to mood regulation, the advantages are numerous.

Additionally, probiotics can improve reproductive and sexual health, colon health, urinary tract health, liver health, skin health, and even sleep quality.

So why not consider adding them to your diet today?

  • Weight loss: Probiotics may aid weight loss by affecting gut bacteria balance, which can impact fat storage, blood sugar regulation, and hormone response to hunger and fullness. Studies suggest that probiotics could reduce body weight, BMI, and fat percentage in overweight or obese people, although effectiveness may depend on the type, dosage, and duration of treatmentâś….
  • Immunity health: Probiotics enhance the immune system by increasing natural antibodies and stimulating immune cells. They may also prevent or treat infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers and cancerâś….
  • Prostate health: Probiotics can promote prostate health by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause prostatitis. Additionally, they may lower the risk of prostate cancer by inhibiting the production of carcinogenic compounds and inducing programmed cell death in cancer cellsâś….
  • Reproductive or sex health: Probiotics may improve sperm quality and motility, potentially benefiting fertility and sexual performance. They may also help prevent or treat sexually transmitted infections by inhibiting the adhesion and invasion of pathogens to the genital mucosaâś….
  • Colon health: Probiotics can improve gut health, preventing or alleviating conditions such as IBS, IBD, constipation, diarrhea, and colorectal cancer. They also enhance the intestinal barrier, reducing the risk of inflammation by preventing the entry of toxins and pathogens into the bloodstreamâś….
  • Mood health: Probiotics may improve mood by influencing the gut-brain axis and modulating the production and function of neurotransmitters. They may also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by lowering cortisol levels and enhancing coping skillsâś….
  • Urinary tract health: Probiotics may help prevent or treat UTIs by competing with harmful bacteria, producing antimicrobial substances, and modulating immune responses. This is especially relevant for women who are more prone to UTIs, but men can also be affectedâś….
  • Liver health: Probiotics may benefit liver health by reducing inflammation and fibrosis, which are associated with chronic liver diseases like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. They may also lower the levels of liver enzymes such as ALT and AST, which are markers of liver damageâś….
  • Skin health: Probiotics can improve skin health by enhancing skin barrier function, hydration, elasticity, and appearance. They can also prevent or treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial balance. Studies have supported these claimsâś….
  • Sleep health: Probiotics may improve sleep health by regulating circadian rhythms and impacting melatonin production. They can also reduce stress and anxiety levels, leading to better sleep qualityâś….
Probiotic StrainsBenefits
Lactobacillus gasseriReduce body weight and waist circumference in overweight individualsâś….
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGEnhance immune response and reduce the risk of respiratory tract infectionsâś….
Bifidobacterium longumMay help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression âś….
Lactobacillus acidophilusHelp improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria âś….
Saccharomyces boulardiiMay help improve symptoms of acne and other skin conditions âś…).
Lactobacillus reuteriReduce inflammation and promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the urogenital tract âś….
Specific probiotic strains and their associated benefits

Our Pick of Best Probiotics for Men – Garden Of Life

Garden of Life Probiotics Dr. Formulated Once Daily Ultra

Garden of Life Organic Probiotic Powder 5-Day Max Care

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Immune+

 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Restore

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic Weight Management

 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate+ 

 Garden of Life Raw Probiotics for Men Over 50

Garden of Life RAW Probiotics Colon Care

 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+

 Garden of Life – Acidophilus Probiotic Urinary Tract

 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series Liver Health+

 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Platinum Series Skin+

 Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Restore Sleep

Frequently Asked Question

Here are some FAQs sections about men’s probiotics:

What does a probiotic do for men?

Probiotics have potential benefits for men’s health, including reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and improving muscle recovery after exercise. Specific probiotic strains have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and duration of URTIs in athletes. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosages and specific effects of probiotics for men, and it is important to note that there may be differences in the effects of probiotics between men and women. The gut microbiota composition of athletes, including men, may differ from that of sedentary individuals, which suggests that athletes may have unique gut microbiota profiles that could potentially benefit from probiotic supplementation.

What’s a good probiotic for a man?

When selecting the right probiotic for men’s health, we need to consider factors such as specific strains, scientific studies, healthcare professional guidance, and labeling information:

  1. Strain Selection: It’s crucial to choose probiotic strains that have been specifically studied and shown to benefit men’s health. Studies like Lamprecht et al. (2012) and Jäger et al. (2019) demonstrate the positive effects of probiotics on markers of intestinal health, inflammation, and recovery in trained men and athletes, respectively.
  2. Healthcare Professional Guidance: Consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable when selecting a probiotic. Fijan et al. (2019) found that most health professionals have at least a medium level of knowledge about probiotics, making them valuable sources of guidance in choosing the right probiotic.
  3. Strain Identification and Potency: The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends that probiotic products should clearly label the genus, species, and strain of each live microorganism, along with the total estimated quantity of each probiotic strain at the end of the product’s shelf life. This information is essential for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the probiotic product.

How often should men take probiotics?

The frequency of probiotic intake for men is not explicitly mentioned. There are some insights into the potential benefits of probiotics for men’s health:

Lee et al. (2017) conducted a study on rats and found that Lactobacillus farciminis probiotics reduced colonic microinflammation, suggesting potential benefits for reducing inflammation in the colon relevant to men’s health.

Myles et al. (2020) conducted a study on rats and observed sex-dependent effects of probiotics on physiological and behavioral outcomes in response to a Western diet. In males, the probiotic appeared to mitigate the effects of the diet on weight gain and calorie intake, highlighting potential gender-specific responses to probiotics.

Individual responses to probiotics can vary, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on probiotic use for men’s health.

Can men take probiotics daily?

Probiotics are live microorganisms found in fermented foods and dietary supplements that offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.

Limited research exists specifically addressing whether men can take probiotics daily, but they are generally safe for men with few side effects.

Probiotics have demonstrated positive effects on gut health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Probiotics have been studied in the context of cardiovascular health, where they can reduce blood lipids and improve endothelial vascular function in patients with coronary artery disease.

Probiotics may also have potential benefits for bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women, although the effects on bone mineral density are not yet conclusive.

The effects of probiotics can vary based on specific strains, dosages, and individual factors like age, sex, and overall health.

It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, including probiotics, due to individual variability and potential interactions.

References

Fitnature uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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  • Akbarzadeh, Fariborz, et al. “Dairy Probiotic Foods and Coronary Heart Disease: A Review on Mechanism of Action.” IntechOpen, 3 Oct. 2012, https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/39617. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.
  • Authority, European Food Safety. “Opinion of the Scientific Committee on a Request from EFSA Related to A Harmonised Approach for Risk Assessment of Substances Which Are Both Genotoxic and Carcinogenic.” European Food Safety Authority, 27 Oct. 2005, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/282. Accessed 28 Aug. 2023.
  • Hashem, Nesrein M., and Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes. “The Use of Probiotics for Management and Improvement of Reproductive Eubiosis and Function.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 4, Feb. 2022, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040902.
  • Kechagia, Maria, et al. “Health Benefits of Probiotics: A Review.” International Scholarly Research Notices, vol. 2013, Jan. 2013, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5402/2013/481651.
  • Kim, Young Sun, and Nayoung Kim. “Sex-Gender Differences in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, vol. 24, no. 4, Oct. 2018, pp. 544–58, https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm18082.
  • Lamprecht, Manfred, et al. “Probiotic Supplementation Affects Markers of Intestinal Barrier, Oxidation, and Inflammation in Trained Men; a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 9, no. 1, Feb. 2012, https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-45.
  • Landström, Eva, et al. “Use of Functional Foods among Swedish Consumers Is Related to Health-Consciousness and Perceived Effect.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 98, no. 5, pp. 1058–69, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114507761780. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.
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  • Mathipa-Mdakane, Moloko G., and Mapitsi S. Thantsha. “Lacticaseibacillus Rhamnosus: A Suitable Candidate for the Construction of Novel Bioengineered Probiotic Strains for Targeted Pathogen Control.” Foods, vol. 11, no. 6, Mar. 2022, https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11060785.
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