Best Probiotics For Men In 2023, According To Experts

To determine the best probiotics for men of 2023, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of accredited nutrition experts, including two registered dietitian nutritionists, who provided their top picks for probiotic supplements for men and the reasoning behind why they recommend them. Star ratings were assigned by the editorial team alone, based on factors such as price per serving, third-party testing or certification and more.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may offer health benefits when consumed. They are available in many supplements and found naturally in yogurt and a variety of other fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso.

The potential health benefits of probiotics vary depending on the specific strain. Overall, these beneficial bacteria may help aid in digestion, improve immune function and maintain the health of the gut microbiome (a community of trillions of microorganisms housed in the gut).

Probiotics have also been studied for their ability to treat or prevent several conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, eczema and diarrhea. Certain strains might also help lower cholesterol levels and promote weight loss, but more research is needed.

Probiotics and prebiotics are different, but complementary, according to Heather Finley, D.C.N., a Dallas-based dietitian and gut health specialist. Unlike probiotics (live microorganisms), prebiotics are actually complex carbohydrates that can be used as metabolic fuel by the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

“While probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria directly, prebiotics nourish the existing good bacteria in the gut, stimulating their growth and activity,” explains Dr. Finley.

Probiotics can offer a number of health benefits, including several specifically for men. Here are a few of the top ways that probiotics may benefit men’s health:

• Improves digestion. “Probiotics promote a healthy gut by introducing good bacteria, which can improve digestion and reduce gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and diarrhea,” says Dr. Finley. Research also suggests that probiotics may aid in the treatment of other conditions, including IBS and ulcerative colitis^[1]Wilkins T, et al. Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Summary of the Evidence. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Aug 1;96(3):170-178. .
• Enhances immunity. Probiotics may help boost immune function, which can ward off common infections, adds Dr. Finley. In fact, a 2022 review found that probiotics could even help prevent acute respiratory infections^[2]Zhao Y, et al. Probiotics for Preventing Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Aug 24;8(8):CD006895. .
• Balances hormone levels. “Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may positively impact testosterone levels, supporting men’s overall hormonal balance,” says Dr. Finley. Though some early research has turned up positive results, more large, high-quality studies in humans are still needed^[3]Jäger R, Mohr AE, Carpenter KC, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019;16(1):62. Published 2019 Dec 21. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0329-0. .
• Promotes prostate health. Some promising studies show probiotics may support prostate health and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to Dr. Finley. However, more research is needed, as another review concluded that there is limited evidence available to support the use of probiotics for recurrent UTIs^[4]New FJ, et al. Role of Probiotics for Recurrent UTIs in the Twenty-First Century: a Systematic Review of Literature. Curr Urol Rep. 2022 Feb;23(2):19-28. .

For the most part, probiotics are considered to be safe, however, dietary supplements like these are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that medications are. Minor side effects, including gas, have been reported in some cases.

However, individuals experiencing severe illness or those with compromised immune function are advised to use only as directed by a health care professional.

Because not all probiotics for men are created equal, picking a high-quality supplement is important. Dr. Finley recommends looking for specific strains that have been clinically studied. “For general support, look for products with a diverse range of bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which are commonly found in probiotics.”

Additionally, it’s important to look for a product that is third-party tested for safety and quality and be sure to check the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) in each serving. Most probiotics contain one-to-10 billion CFUs per dose, though some may contain up to 50 billion CFUs per serving. For supplements that contain live and active cultures (meaning live organisms), Dr. Finley advises opting for a product with a higher CFU count if possible.

Probiotics may offer several health benefits for men, including aiding in hormone balance and improving immunity. They can also help support the gut microbiome and aid in the treatment of certain health conditions. However, it’s important to purchase probiotic supplements with high-quality ingredients from reputable retailers. Ideally, look for products that have been third-party tested and contain strains that have been clinically studied for safety and effectiveness.