An “Inside” Look at Probiotics: How Do You Know if Probiotics are Working?

When you think about supplements, your mind likely first goes to vitamins, like enjoying a gummy Vitamin C, and then next to minerals, like a daily Magnesium capsule. A probiotic may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, probiotic supplements is something to consider to support your digestive health.^†

Probiotic supplements provide good bacteria to help balance your gut flora and provide digestive support.^[1] In this article we’ll introduce probiotic bacteria, its function in the gut, and help you answer the question “how do you know if probiotics are working?”^†

What Are Probiotics?

So, what are probiotics exactly? Probiotics are live bacteria and microorganisms that contribute to your gut microbiome. Your stomach and intestines are home to countless bacterial strains, many of which are beneficial. Probiotics support a healthy gut microflora, in part by allowing beneficial microbes to colonize the gut, which, in turn, supports many functions in the body.^†

Specific probiotic strains have been studied for various benefits, including digestive health and immune system support. While probiotic supplements typically contain clinically studied probiotic strains, other ways exist to consume these healthy bacteria.^†

Yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods all contain probiotics, making them a great source of nutrients for digestion and overall health. It's also important to consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains containing prebiotic fiber, which produces short-chain fatty acids that fuel the good bacteria in your gut. Nature Made^® also offers Prebiotic Fiber Supplements for digestive support.^†

Why You Need Probiotics

Did you know that your gut houses approximately 100 trillion microorganisms? That's almost 10 times more than the number of cells within the body.^[2] These gut microorganisms are part of the gut microbiome. While gut microbes have different functions, these organisms all play some role in digestion. But even more than supporting our digestive health, a well-balanced, healthy gut can help support other body functions, like the immune system and overall health.^†

One way to support your gut balance is by taking probiotics. A daily probiotic supplement can help add good bacteria to your digestive tract. This live bacteria supplement helps support good bacteria growth, and these good bacteria support digestion.^†

Can you take probiotics with vitamins? Yes! In this article we'll help you learn how they interact with each other in your supplementation routine.

Different Kinds of Bacteria for Gut Support

By now you’ve probably realized there are many different kinds of probiotic supplements on the market. Nature Made Probiotics are a great option because they focus on clinically studied probiotic strains that offer a range of targeted benefits.

Nature Made Extra Strength Digestive Probiotics includes just two strains targeted to benefit the small and large intestines. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG works in the small intestine to help relieve occasional gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 may help relieve occasional constipation and irregularity by working in the large intestine.^†

Our Probiotics Extra Strength Gummies provide a source of Bacillus Coagulans IS-2, a shelf-stable strain resistant to heat that works with good bacteria naturally found in your gut to support healthy digestion.^†

These bacteria may also be found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt and cheese, but due to dietary restrictions, lack of access or inconsistent meals, these probiotic foods may not always end up in your daily diet. Supplements can be a convenient option to ensure you’re getting a source of daily probiotic bacteria.

How Do Probiotics Work?

As we all know, bacteria are all around us. Microbes live on and in us and play an important role in our daily functions. Around 90-95% of these microbes are found in the gut, colonizing our gut microflora and making up what's known as the gut microbiome. This microbiome is essential to digestion and overall health, so paying attention to it is crucial.^†

The microbiome is made up of countless strains of bacteria, yet only some of them are beneficial. Taking a consistent probiotic provides a regular source of beneficial bacteria, helping to support a healthy gut microflora, which, in turn, supports many of our bodily functions. So why do you need to take probiotics every day? Our gut lining is undergoing constant renewal, which means that probiotics don't stick around for very long. Replenishing the probiotics in your gut daily helps to support a balanced gut.^†

What exactly do these probiotics do for you, then? Probiotic strains have been studied for different benefits, so it depends on which strain your supplement includes. For example, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019™ helps relieve occasional constipation and irregularity, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helps relieve occasional gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Both these strains are present in Nature Made Digestive Probiotics Extra Strength.^†

Nature Made Probiotics 1 Billion CFU From Live Cultures Capsules include the strain Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12, which has been shown to support digestive health and also provide immune system support.^†

How Do You Know If Probiotics Are Working?

If you've added a probiotic supplement to your daily wellness routine, how do you know if probiotics are working? You may first notice a change in your gastrointestinal symptoms, like less frequent bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort, along with more regular bowel movements. Different probiotics may have other indications that they are working, so be sure to read up on the intended effect of your specific probiotic to assess its effects accurately.

It's a good idea to track any changes in your digestion or digestive symptoms and frequency of bowel movements when you start taking a probiotic. By keeping track in a notebook or on your phone, you can more accurately tell what effect, if any, probiotics have on your digestion.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Probiotics

Looking to get the most out of your daily probiotic? The first and most important thing to consider is consistency. If you want to support gut health and support beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract, it's important that you take your probiotic supplement daily. Regularly consuming probiotics helps ensure that your gut's probiotic bacteria and microbes get daily support.^†

Choosing the right probiotic is also an important step. The best way to determine what probiotic works best for you is by consulting a healthcare provider. Always consult a trusted medical professional before starting or changing a supplement routine; they are best equipped with knowledge of your unique health goals and any digestive concerns to help determine if a probiotic supplement could help you.

Once you've chosen the right probiotics for you, make sure to take your supplement with food to prevent stomach acid from affecting the live bacteria's potency. To maintain the quality of the probiotic product, store your supplements in a cool, dry place free of direct sunlight. Always follow the suggested use and storage instructions on the label of all supplements.

Supporting Your Digestive Tract with Probiotic Supplementation

A daily probiotic can be a great step towards digestive health by supporting a balanced gut microbiome and relieving occasional digestive issues like bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort. Our supplements are made with high-quality, science-backed ingredients to help you find the daily wellness routine that works best for you. Nature Made is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin & Supplement Brand.* Explore our Probiotic Supplements today.^†

* 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.

References

1. Magee, E. (2009, January 21). Probiotics Supplements Benefits, Types, and Safety. Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/answers-to-your-questions-about-probiotics?page=1#1. Accessed on April 4, 2025.
2. FAQ: Human Microbiome. Washington (DC): American Society for Microbiology; 2013. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562894/ doi: 10.1128/AAMCol.1-2013