5 Types of Probiotic Strains Found in Supplements

Probiotic bacteria strains may be many things, but they're not easy to spell! You're not alone if the scientific names on Probiotic labels seem confusing, but learning about Probiotics doesn't have to be complicated.

We'll help explain some types of Probiotics and the benefits these Probiotic strains can provide to help you make an informed choice when picking a supplement. Nature Made^® is committed to offering Probiotic supplements with high-quality ingredients backed by science. For more information, read on!

What Are Probiotic Strains?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that support our gut microbiome and provide other health benefits when given in adequate amounts, but what are "strains" of Probiotics? Probiotics are categorized into three levels: genus, species, and strain. The two most common genus categories are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They can be broken down further into species, such as Lactobacillus (genus) acidophilus (species), or Bifidobacterium (genus) lactis (species). Some supplements will provide the subtype of species on the Supplement Facts label, which is called the strain. For example, Lactobacillus (genus) acidophilus (species) LA-14® (strain) or Bifidobacterium (genus) lactis (species) HN019™ (strain).

As mentioned above, most Probiotic strains are within the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Bacillus species.[1] These beneficial bacteria support a diverse gastrointestinal environment in the gut microbiome. The classification level is important because certain strains of bacteria have strain-specific benefits backed by clinical studies.^†

5 Types of Probiotic Strains in Supplements

While there are various types of probiotics for different benefits, let's focus on five types of Probiotic strains that Nature Made^® includes in its products, the support they can provide, and where you might find them.

1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a clinically studied strain of Probiotic bacteria that can help relieve gas and bloating, as well as occasional diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. You can find Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in Nature Made^® Extra Strength Probiotic Capsules.^†

2. Bifidobacterium lactis HN019

Nature Made^® Extra Strength Probiotic Capsules also include the strain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, which helps relieve occasional constipation and irregularity.^†

3. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12

Clinically studied Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12 can be found in Nature Made^® Probiotics Capsules; this strain is clinically studied to help support a healthy immune response.^†

4. Bacillus coagulans IS-2

Bacillus coagulans IS-2 is clinically studied to help support digestive health. You can find this strain in Nature Made^® Digestive Probiotic Extra Strength Gummies, which help provide daily support for digestive health in a convenient gummy form.^†

5. Lactospore or Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856

The strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856, also known as the less-mouth-garbling "Lactospore^®," is clinically studied at 2 Billion CFUs to help support digestive health. Nature Made^® combines this strain with a source of Prebiotic Fiber in our Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber Gummies, which add good bacteria to your digestive tract and nourish good bacteria with a good source of fiber.^†

How to Choose the Right Probiotic Strains for Your Needs

Now that you know some of the common types of Probiotics, how do you choose the right Probiotic strains for your needs? The first step is matching the strain's benefits to your health goals. For example, to support your immune function, look for a Probiotic that includes Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12, like our Probiotic Capsules.^†

Nature Made^® carefully selects strains to help you target the benefits you're looking for. For digestive support, Nature Made^® Extra Strength Capsules include the strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to help relieve gas and bloating, as well as occasional diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, along with Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 to help relieve occasional constipation and irregularity. Probiotics provide good bacteria to support your gut's natural balance.^†

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? You're not alone! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Probiotics.

Why are there so many different strains of Probiotics?

If you know anything about bacteria, you know that there are an uncountable number of unique varieties of bacteria—billions upon billions in the world. Our bacterial ecosystem is incredibly complex, and part of that includes Probiotic bacterial strains.

That's why Nature Made^® focuses on Probiotics supported by science, including probiotic strains that have been clinically studied for digestive health support. This helps you find which Probiotic strains can provide gut support benefits.^†

Where can I get Probiotics in my diet?

When looking for Probiotic foods, check for products with live cultures: fermented dairy foods like yogurt and kefir, or non-dairy fermented foods like miso and tempeh.

Which type of Probiotic is best?

Different Probiotics have different benefits. The best probiotic for you should target your specific health needs, whether it’s general gut health support or a specific matter. Nature Made believes the best probiotic supplements are created using clinically studied Probiotic strains.^†

How to get the most out of taking Probiotics? Take them daily, with food, as it can help with Probiotic absorption by protecting the beneficial bacteria from stomach acid.[5]

Can I take multiple Probiotic strains at once?

Some Probiotics include multiple live strains in the same capsule, providing the benefits and support of more than one Probiotic strain. However, taking only one Probiotic product at a time is usually best to stay within the recommended dosages. Consult your primary care provider for more information.

How do I know if a Probiotic is effective?

How do you know if Probiotics are working? You may first notice a change in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as less frequent bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, or less irregular bowel movements. Probiotics are most effective if taken daily as they don’t stick around in your GI tract for long.^†

Discover the Right Probiotics for You

When you choose a Probiotic supplement, it's important to know which Probiotic strains the supplement includes and what benefits those strains provide. Making an informed choice is important when adding any supplement to your wellness routine. Always consult your primary care provider before starting or changing a supplement routine; they are best equipped with your health information and can give you personalized advice.

Nature Made^® offers a collection of high-quality Probiotic Supplements with clinically researched strains. Explore our collection and find the right probiotic supplement for your health goals today!^†

† 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. National Institutes of Health. Probiotics. Nih.gov. Published November 3, 2023. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
2. Riley MA, Lizotte-Waniewski M. Population genomics and the bacterial species concept. Methods Mol Biol. 2009;532:367-377. doi:10.1007/978-1-60327-853-9_21
3. Van Rossum T, Ferretti P, Maistrenko OM, Bork P. Diversity within species: interpreting strains in microbiomes. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2020;18(9):491-506. doi:10.1038/s41579-020-0368-1
4. NCCIH. Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety. NCCIH. Published 2016. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-usefulness-and-safety
5. Tompkins TA, Mainville I, Arcand Y. The impact of meals on a probiotic during transit through a model of the human upper gastrointestinal tract. Benef Microbes. 2011;2(4):295-303. doi:10.3920/BM2011.0022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22146689/