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Demystifying pre-, post- and live bacteria supplements: our top picks

jodi-johnson

Written byJodi M Johnson

Heeral Tomlinson

Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson

Selection of post biotics on a blue background
Friendly bacteria, fibres and postbiotics are the key to microbiome support. Here’s what they do and our favourite supplements to support them

Our top picks

Daily ritual

Ancient+Brave True Biome 15 Sachets
5

Ancient+Brave

Ancient+Brave True Biome 15 Sachets

£24.00

Enhanced absorption

Zooki Biotics+ Everyday Dual 30 Capsules
4.56

Zooki

Zooki Biotics+ Everyday Dual 30 Capsules

Save up to 1/2 Price

£29.99

RRP £39.99

Convenient and gluten-free

Bio-Kult Infantis Kids Probiotic Gut Supplement With Vitamin C 16 Sachets
4.5

Bio-Kult

Bio-Kult Infantis Kids Probiotic Gut Supplement With Vitamin C 16 Sachets

Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price

£12.99

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When it comes to microbiome support, the world of pre-, post- and live friendly bacteria can feel like a maze. Friendly bacteria are the tiny microorganisms living in our digestive system1,2 – but these don’t work alone – friendly fibres feed these microbes,3 while postbiotics are the compounds they produce.4 Understanding these ‘biotics’ is the first step in supporting your gut microbiome, which is why we’ve broken down the science in simple terms and shared our top picks of supplements to support not only your gut health, but also immunity and overall wellness.

Our favourite biotic supplements

Probio7 Advanced Formula 30 Capsules

Added natural fibres

Probio7

£17.99

£12.05

£0.40/1 Capsule

Gut love routine

These capsules contain 10 billion live bacteria from eight carefully selected and diverse strains, plus the well researched friendly yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.5 Each capsule also contains natural fibres from soy and chicory inulin to complement the action of the live strains. The strains include Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum.
 
Ancient+Brave True Biome 15 Sachets

Daily ritual

Ancient+Brave

£24.00

£1.60/1 Sachet

True Biome

True Biome delivers microbiome love by bringing together friendly fibres and postbiotics in one expertly balanced blend. At its heart is PHGG fibre – a gentle soluble blend that feeds microbes and supports gut microbiome diversity.6 Plus L-glutamine, which is an amino acid and key building block of the gut lining7 and added postbiotics (natural compounds produced by microbes).8 The result is a formula designed to feed and support your gut microbiome every single day.
 

Advanced biotic support

This advanced biotic complex is designed to support your gut microbiome from within. Each capsule delivers 50 billion CFU from 10 live bacterial strains and is enriched with inulin, vitamin C and L-glutamine. Vitamin C contributes to normal immune function and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.9 Vegan-friendly and thoughtfully formulated, each capsule is a simple daily step towards a balanced microbiome.
 
Optibac For Those On Antibiotics 10 Capsules

Scientifically proven strains

Optibac

£9.99

£1.00/1 Capsule

For during and after antibiotics

Taking antibiotics may be essential at times and if you've been prescribed antibiotics, it's important to finish the course and follow your doctor's advice. But they don’t only target harmful bacteria – they can affect other ones too.10 That’s why these capsules are specially formulated to complement your natural gut microbiome diversity during and after a course of antibiotic treatment. This supplement contains three well-studied strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11, Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94. Collectively researched in over 25 trials specific to antibiotic use, these strains have been shown to survive the journey to the gut – even when taken at the same time as antibiotics. Just take one easy-to-swallow capsule daily throughout your antibiotic course (and for a few days afterwards).
 
New Leaf Products Probiotic Multi-Strain Tablets 360 Tablets

Gluten-free

New Leaf Products

£21.95

£0.06/1 tablet

Vegan-friendly capsules

This supplement is specially formulated to support your gut microbiome and diversity. Each tablet contains essential Lactobacillus strains and has been thoughtfully made to suit modern lifestyles. They’re vegan and gluten-free – ideal for those with dietary preferences or restrictions who don’t want to compromise on quality. Simple and easy to take, it’s a daily step towards gut love.
 
Zooki Biotics+ Everyday Dual 30 Capsules

Enhanced absorption

Zooki

RRP £39.99

£29.99

£1.00/1 Capsule

Everyday wellness support made simple

Zooki Biotics+ Everyday is a once-daily supplement formulated to form part of your regular routine. Each capsule provides 20 billion live cultures from four carefully selected strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus L59, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB67, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR663 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL03 – together, they help support your gut microbiome.

The formula goes one step further, combining friendly bacteria with vitamins D3K2, C, E and B12 to support immune health, energy release and the process of cell division. Plus, added zinc to contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and normal cognitive function.11 It also contains grape seed extract. Vegan-friendly and packaged with 30 daily servings, these one-a-day capsules are an easy way to stay consistent with your wellness support.
 
Optibac Womens Wellbeing 30 Capsules

With vitamins for wellness

Optibac

£28.99

£0.97/1 Capsule

Complete daily support for busy women

This expertly formulated supplement is designed to support women through it all, from busy mornings to long evenings and every life stage in between. Bringing together scientific strains with vitamins D, C, plus biotin, these capsules are crafted to support energy, immunity, skin and the microbiome. Not only that, but it also contains vitamin B6, which contributes to reduced tiredness and fatigue12 helping your wellness when life feels full.

The formula includes scientifically researched strains, including those found in Cerebiome® (often described as the world’s most researched psychobiotic) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG – one of the most extensively studied live bacteria strains. Together, the blend brings gut and wellbeing support into one, stress-free daily capsule. Designed for everyday use, it’s a practical option for women across different life stages through to perimenopause and menopause.
 
Bio-Kult Infantis Kids Probiotic Gut Supplement With Vitamin C 16 Sachets

Convenient and gluten-free

Bio-Kult

£12.99

£0.81/1 Sachet

For the little ones

Supporting your baby’s gut microbiome from the very beginning can feel like a big responsibility – Bio-Kult Infantis is designed to make things simple for you. This powdered friendly bacteria supplement for infants and young children delivers seven strains of live bacteria, combined with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to complement microbiome diversity plus added vitamin C.

Each pack contains 16 single-use 1g sachets. There’s no need for refrigeration (keep me in a cool, dry place - without direct sunlight) and it’s suitable for vegetarians or people who are gluten-free, with no artificial colours or flavours. Thoughtfully formulated for the little ones, Bio-Kult Infantis offers a convenient way to help support your child’s developing gut microbiome from day one.
 
Smart Strains Probiotic For Women’s Health 30 Capsules

Clinically proven live bacteria

Smart Strains

RRP £21.99

£14.73

£0.49/1 Capsule

Targeted biotic support

SMART STRAINS® for Women’s Health is a targeted oral supplement designed to support the vaginal microbiome. Each capsule contains 5 billion live bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, alongside 50mg of lactoferrin. This formulation replicates the clinically proven doses shown to colonise the vagina.

Formulated by Dr Megan Rossi, an award-winning biotic expert, SMART STRAINS is suitable for girls and women over 12 years, including during menopause. It’s designed to be taken alongside your daily routine.
 
Pro-Ven For Pregnancy Plus 30 Capsules

Nutritional support for pregnancy

PRO-VEN BIOTICS

£25.95

£12.97

£0.43/1 Capsule

Prenatal support with DHA

Pregnancy is a time when both you and your baby need extra love. This convenient two-part supplement combines essential vitamins and minerals, omega‑3 fatty acids and friendly bacteria to support you throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Each of the 30 capsules provides 10 billion ProVen Lab4B biotics, alongside 20 carefully selected vitamins and minerals tailored for pregnancy. The 30 softgels supply 200mg of DHA – an omega‑3 fatty acid that contributes to the normal brain development of your baby.13 Together, they help both mum and child with the nutrient intake they need during this important stage.
 

Biotic FAQs

What foods are natural sources of biotics?

Friendly fibres are mostly types of dietary fibre that feed your microbiome bacteria. You can find them in plant foods like garlic, onions, bananas, wheat, rye, barley, soya beans and tomatoes.14 Friendly bacteria are live bacteria found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, miso, sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi and tempeh.14 Including a mix of these foods in your diet supports a diverse gut microbiome. Want to learn more about this and try some delicious recipes? Take a look at Dr Rupy's good gut guide.
 

What are the side effects of biotics?

For most people, biotics are considered safe and don’t usually cause unpleasant side effects.15 However, if you have an existing health condition or a weakened immune system, it’s important to speak with a GP before taking biotic supplements to check they’re suitable for you.15
 

The final say

Taking care of your gut microbiome doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the role of friendly fibres, friendly bacteria and postbiotics, you can make better and more informed choices. A balanced diet alongside a supportive supplement can be an easy addition to your daily routine. Dive into the science and discover some other ways you can improve your gut health or check out the best foods for gut health.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.

Sources

1. Zhang YJ, Li S, Gan RY, Zhou T, Xu DP, Li HB. Impacts of Gut Bacteria on Human Health and Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2015 Apr 2;16(12):7493–519. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425030/
2. Jayakrishna Madabushi, Khurana P, Gupta N, Gupta M. Gut Biome and Mental Health: Do Probiotics Work? Cureus [Internet]. 2023 Jun 12;15(6). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10337499/
3. Prebiotics & Probiotics [Internet]. Guts UK. Available from: https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/health-and-lifestyle/prebiotics-probiotics/
4. Ji J, Jin W, Liu S, Zhang J, Li X. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease. MedComm. 2023 Nov 4;4(6).
5. Pais P, Almeida V, Yılmaz M, Teixeira MC. Saccharomyces boulardii: What Makes It Tick as Successful Probiotic? Journal of Fungi. 2020 Jun 4;6(2):78.
6. Sun R, Wang J, Feng J, Cao B. Zinc in Cognitive Impairment and Aging. Biomolecules [Internet]. 2022 Jul 1;12(7):1000. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/12/7/1000/htm#B22-biomolecules-12-01000
7. Kim MH, Kim H. The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2017 May 12;18(5):1051. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454963/
8. Żółkiewicz J, Marzec A, Ruszczyński M, Feleszko W. Postbiotics—A Step Beyond Pre- and Probiotics. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jul 23;12(8). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468815/?fbclid=IwAR1NGs0y0AIK5NBNytnB33wUMXruA0H4XhgMQBXr83Mm9_8pIKkug6cfyXs
9. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients [Internet]. 2017;9(11):1211. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1211
10. Patangia DV, Anthony Ryan C, Dempsey E, Paul Ross R, Stanton C. Impact of Antibiotics on the Human Microbiome and Consequences for Host Health. MicrobiologyOpen [Internet]. 2022 Jan 13;11(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8756738/
11. Sun R, Wang J, Feng J, Cao B. Zinc in Cognitive Impairment and Aging. Biomolecules [Internet]. 2022 Jul 1;12(7):1000. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/12/7/1000/htm#B22-biomolecules-12-01000
12. Durrani D, Idrees R, Idrees H, Ellahi A. Vitamin B6: A new approach to lowering anxiety, and depression? Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2022 Oct;82:104663.
13. DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Aug 4;12(8):2333. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468918/
14. What foods help gut bacteria? [Internet]. www.bhf.org.uk. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/what-foods-help-gut-bacteria
15. https://www.facebook.com/nhswebsite. Probiotics [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/probiotics/
 

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