Jordan Hill, MCD, RD, CSSD is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She works with athletes of all ages, those struggling with disordered eating, and the general population looking to improve overall health and wellness.
One of the most common problems for my nutrition clients is an upset gut. Sometimes, it may appear as stomach pain; other times, clients come in complaining about low energy or fatigue. Gut microbiota is essential to overall health, impacting everything from mental health and the immune system to overall wellness, and even possibly your metabolism.
In this article, I’ll provide you with a list of my favorite gut health supplements and their potential health benefits, plus tips for choosing the best dietary supplements. Remember, everyone’s health is different, so what works for me may not work for you. Always listen to your body’s cues and, when in doubt, always consult a healthcare provider.
Top Gut Health Supplements at a Glance
- Best overall support: Live it Up Super Greens
- Best budget pick: Bloom Greens & Superfoods
- Best for fiber: Vibrant Health Green Vibrance
- Best for alternative medicine: NOOCI Noo Gut capsules
- Best for digestive enzymes: Ancient Nutrition Organic SuperGreens
- Best for probiotic variety: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Why Focus on Gut Health?
Let's start with the basics. The gut involves all of the bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses that naturally exist in our bodies. The gut microbiome lines the entirety of your digestive tract, from your mouth and esophagus through the stomach, intestines, and every other organ that plays a role in digestion.
Though eating a Greek yogurt cup or drinking a probiotic-rich kombucha alongside your lunch may support your digestive health, probiotic and digestive enzyme supplements are one of the best ways to encourage the growth of good bacteria and the breakdown of food needed for a happy gut every single day. When you support your digestive system through the fuel and nutrients it needs, you may experience less discomfort, regulated bowel movements, and stronger overall health.
The 6 Best Supplements for Gut Health
Without further ado, let’s explore some of the best supplements I ranked for gut health support.
1. Live it Up Super Greens: Best Overall Support
Made with organic vegetables and superfoods, Live it Up has carved itself in the nutrition space for being one of dietitians’ most highly-recommended products. Founded in 2021 by Haim Nigri, the company was led by a simple goal—making essential nutrition as accessible as possible.
Today, Live it Up Super Greens is an all-natural greens powder filled with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients to support gut health and promote the growth of beneficial microbes throughout your digestive tract. Containing 5 billion CFUs of probiotics from 4 probiotic strains, along with a blend of 3 digestive enzymes, Super Greens offers a balanced nutrient profile that may help with your gut and digestion, along with ingredients that target immunity and energy levels.
Additionally, Live it Up is free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, flavors, caffeine, dairy, sugar, nuts, soy, and gluten. I always recommend Live it Up to clients looking to support their gut health because of the balanced nutritional content, allergen-friendly ingredients, and delicious flavor options.
What I Liked
- All-natural formula
- Contains 5 billion CFU of dairy-free probiotics the growth of beneficial microbes
- Includes 3 digestive enzymes for a healthy gut microbiome, plus 3g of dietary fiber
- 20+ organic veggies to support healthy digestion
- 2 delicious flavor options that are naturally sweetened with monk fruit
- Third-party tested, GMP-certified, and made in the U.S.
- Free of common allergens like daily, soy, nuts, or gluten
- 30-day money-back guarantee
What I Didn't Like
- Lacks super mushrooms, which may support gut health
- Only available on Live it Up’s website
Price: One-time orders cost $59.99 for a 30-serving pouch ($1.99 per serving). Save 33% with a monthly subscription, costing $39.99 for a 30-serving pouch ($1.33 per serving). Shipping is free for all orders.
Bottom Line: Live it Up Super Greens is packed with the probiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber needed to feed a healthy gut plus digestion-supporting superfoods like peppermint, ginger, and leafy greens. Plus, the commitment to high-quality, plant-based ingredients and transparency regarding vitamin and mineral quantities makes this the best pick for those looking to support their overall wellness.
2. Bloom Greens & Superfoods: Best Budget Pick
Don’t let the social media-fame of Bloom deter you—this greens powder specifically targets bloating, digestion, and a healthy gut with 3 proprietary blends that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome: pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber. Bloom Greens also contains nutrient-dense ingredients to support overall health, such as spirulina, chlorella, Rhodiola root powder, ashwagandha, green tea leaf extract, and stevia leaf.
Started in 2019 by married couple Mari Llewellyn and Greg LaVecchia, Bloom Nutrition focuses on high-quality and effective ingredients. Today, the company also offers a range of dietary supplements including collagen, pre-workout, protein, and vitamin supplements in addition to the bestselling greens powder.
What I Liked
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber for gut health
- Wide variety of flavors
- Budget-friendly
- Available online and at major retailers like Target and Walmart
- GMP-certified and third-party-tested
- Gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, as well as non-GMO
- Somewhat organic formula
What I Didn't Like
- Proprietary blend, so it is unclear whether it uses effective amounts of each ingredient
- Probiotic quantity not listed by CFU, so unclear whether it contains effective quantities
- Contains caffeine and maltodextrin
- Sweetened with stevia, which may cause digestive issues for some people
Price: A one-time purchase for a 30-serving container costs $34.99 ($1.19 per serving). Save 10% with a subscription, at $31.49 for a 30-serving container ($1.04 per serving).
Bottom Line: Bloom Greens & Superfoods is a solid, budget-friendly option that prioritizes high-quality, organic ingredients. However, the lack of transparency into the exact probiotic CFU or digestive enzyme quantities makes it pale in comparison to the transparency of other gut health supplements.
3. Vibrant Health Green Vibrance: Best for Fiber
Founded in 1992 by nutrition scientist Mark Timon, the company began with the goal of supporting the body’s natural detoxification process while offering digestive support. Today, Vibrant Health produces a range of supplements and vitamins targeting digestion, bone health, immunity, urinary health, strength, heart health, and weight management. Their supergreens blend, Green Vibrance, remains their best-selling product.
Green Vibrance contains 25 billion CFU of 12 different probiotic strains. Additionally, there are 6 digestive enzymes to support digestion and 3g of dietary fiber derived from acacia gum, flaxseed powder, apple, and fructo-oligosaccharide extract, a fiber naturally occurring in plants. Despite having all of the nutrients to support gut health, the biggest drawback is the flavor; some customers describe the Original as “grassy” and “grainy,” with the Blueberry Lemon and Chocolate Coconut getting equally lukewarm reviews.
What I Liked
- 25 billion CFU of probiotics, making it one of the highest probiotic supplements on the market
- 6 digestive enzymes plus dietary fiber to promote smoother digestion
- Transparent about ingredient, vitamin, and mineral quantities
- Also available in capsule form
- Contains 50+ ingredients including 14 types of antioxidants and 6 cereal grass varieties
- Dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free, as well as non-GMO and vegan
What I Didn't Like
- Grainy texture and mixed reviews on flavor
- Extremely high probiotic dose may not be right for everyone
- Includes synthetic vitamins
Price: A one-time purchase of a 30-day container costs $56.88 ($1.89 per serving). Take 25% off each order with a subscription and get free shipping ($48.75 for a 30-day container, or $1.63 per serving).
Bottom Line: Green Vibrance is one of the best dietary supplements on the market simply due to the 25 billion CFU of probiotics, not to mention the prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber. However, the unpleasant taste, smell, and texture may make it difficult for many people to turn this supplement into a habit. It’s important to note that extreme CFU quantities aren’t for everyone and could result in digestive upset.
4. NOOCI Noo Gut: Best for Alternative Medicine
NOOCI was built on the mission of making traditional Chinese medicine more accessible. By relying on traditional herbs sourced from high-quality suppliers and guidance from medical experts, NOOCI offers holistic, long-term approach to wellness.
NOOCI’s Noo Gut is dubbed the “ultimate gut health booster.” These capsule supplements contain 2 billion CFU of probiotics and 500mg of tributyrin, a fat compound that promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria while potentially reducing inflammation. Compared to other supplements on this list, Noo Gut has one of the smaller probiotic quantities and lacks digestive enzymes, dietary fiber, and prebiotics.
Also included is 400mg of the NOOCI’s proprietary herb blend to promote digestive wellness, such as cassia seed extract, bitter orange, coix seed, coastal glehnia root, hemp fruit, platycodon root, lotus leaf, ginseng root, solomonseal rhizome, and jujube. Even as a registered dietitian, I had to look up many of these ingredients myself and was unsurprised to find that most lack scientific evidence linking them to gut health. Although they may offer nutrients, I am a bit skeptical as to whether these capsules contain enough of each ingredient to offer effective gut support.
What I Liked
- Convenient 2-capsule serving size, perfect for those who dislike drinking greens powders
- Contains tributyrin to promote gut health plus herbs known in Eastern medicine
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, no artificial colors
- Third-party tested and USP-certified
What I Didn't Like
- Only 2 billion CFU of probiotics
- No digestive enzymes, prebiotics, or dietary fiber
- Only targets gut health
Price: For a one-time purchase, expect to pay $55 for a 60-capsule jar plus shipping ($1.83 per 2-capsule serving). Subscribers pay $44 per month for a 60-capsule jar ($1.46 per 2-capsule serving), get free shipping, and get a NOOCI branded bottle.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of herbal medicine or simply prefer a capsule supplement, NOOCI Noo Gut supplements are affordable and provide potential gut support thanks to probiotics and Chinese herbal medicine. However, this niche supplement is on the low side for probiotic quantity and lacks some essential ingredients for a healthy gut.
5. Ancient Nutrition Organic SuperGreens: Best for Digestive Enzymes
Jordan Rubin and Dr. Axe founded Ancient Nutrition with the goal of blending modern science with Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Since their start in 2016, the business has since expanded into a robust nutrition company with a broad range of supplements, vitamins, protein powders, essential oils, and herbal remedies.
Organic SuperGreens is a greens powder supplement made up of 25+ superfoods. With a specific “Digestive Health Blend,” this formula hits the major marks—probiotics, 10 digestive enzymes, and plant-based dietary fiber. Together, these ingredients lay the foundation for gut health. Though the 2B CFU of probiotics is just above the recommended minimum dosage of 1B CFU, the low quantity is balanced by the variety of digestive enzymes and fiber.
What I Liked
- Supports gut health due to probiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber
- Contains 25+ superfoods
- Third-party-tested, non-GMO, and USDA-certified organic
- Allergen friendly and 100% vegan
What I Didn't Like
- Only 2 billion CFU of probiotics, which is low compared to other gut health supplements
- Customers complain about the product’s taste and texture
- The product only contains 25 servings, which may be a drawback for some
- All 3 flavor options get some negative reviews regarding taste and texture
Price: A one-time purchase costs $44.95 for a 25-serving container ($1.80 per serving). Save 15% with a subscription at $38.21 per month for 25 servings ($1.53 per serving).
Bottom Line: Ancient Nutrition Organic SuperGreens is one of the only certified organic options on this list, plus it contains the foundational ingredients to support a healthy gut. However, the small probiotic quantity paired with mixed reviews on taste and texture may make this product less than desirable for people wanting a daily gut health supplement they’ll stick with.
6. Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic: Best for Probiotic Variety
Seed operates under the guiding principle that human and environmental health are closely intertwined. It is from this belief that the company has developed three unique pre and probiotic supplements to target all areas of health.
The brand’s most popular product are the DS-01 Daily Synbiotic capsules. These daily probiotic supplements contain 24 strains and 53.6 billion AFU of probiotics. Unlike competitors, Seed uses Active Fluorescent Units (AFUs) to measure the quantities of probiotics. According to their website, AFUs are more precise than the commonly used CFU measurement, as it provides a measurement of how many probiotic cells are alive and active.
Most notably, Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is designed to support all areas of gut health, including digestion, the gut barrier, gut immunity, cardiovascular functioning, dermatological wellness, and “micronutrient synthesis.” Additionally, the company’s unique capsule technology ensures the pre and probiotics stay alive until they reach your gut.
What I Liked
- Outer capsule made of prebiotics to deliver extra benefits
- Third-party tested to ensure quality
- 24 probiotic strains to target a healthy gut microbiome
- Free of dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, corn, shellfish, and other common allergens
- Vegan and FODMAP-friendly
- No binders or preservatives
What I Didn't Like
- Though AFU measurements are more precise, it makes it difficult to compare to other gut health and probiotic supplements
- Seed only offers subscriptions, no one-time purchases
- No vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, or other nutrients
Price: $49.99 monthly for a 30-day supply ($1.67 per serving), plus free shipping on all orders. First orders come with a starter kit which includes a glass capsule storage jar and a glass travel container.
Bottom Line: If the health of your gut microbiome is your primary concern, Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is a solid pick that delivers high-quality probiotics and prebiotics. However, for the price, you’re paying top-dollar for a product that lacks other nutrients and superfood ingredients you could be getting to support overall wellness.
How I Evaluated Each Supplement
My background in nutrition has provided a strong foundation for reviewing the science behind the things we consume. When selecting supplements to review for this article, I looked at four key factors: quality, formula, price, and reviews. Learn more about each area below.
- Quality: Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to find one that prioritizes high-quality ingredients and ensures their products are third-party tested. I recommend looking for a supplement that uses organic ingredients, is non-GMO, and is third-party tested.
- Formula: The best gut health supplements should prioritize essential ingredients for your microbiome—at least 1 billion CFU of probiotics (ideally 3-10 billion) plus prebiotics, multiple digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber. Gut-friendly herbs, greens, and superfoods are a plus. I also recommend opting for a formula that is transparent about the quantities of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to ensure you’re getting an effective dose.
- Price: Gut health supplements are only effective if you use them regularly, so be sure to find one that won’t break the bank over time. Remember, you don’t need the most expensive supplement for results. Additionally, signing up for a subscription usually saves you money on every order.
- Reviews: Customer reviews are a fantastic way to learn more about what the supplement will actually be like. If you’re considering a powdered supplement, read reviews to find one with a taste and texture that sounds appealing. If you prefer capsules, read reviews to learn if the capsules are difficult to swallow or require large serving sizes.
The four areas are guide rails to help you find the right gut health supplement for you. Allow them to help inform your supplement shopping!
Gut Health Diet Tips
Improving the health of your gut microbiome doesn’t start and stop in the supplement aisle. Though supplements may provide your body with some added help, you can also support your gut microbiome through simple, science-backed methods. Here are some gut health diet tips I regularly recommend to clients:
- Eat a fiber-rich diet: Most Americans don’t get enough fiber, but this nutrient is essential for keeping the gut running smoothly and promoting the growth of healthy bacteria. Aim for 25 grams (for women) and 38 grams (for men) of fiber per day. Though this may seem like a lot, try adding a fruit or vegetable to one meal per day, then grow from there! Some high-fiber foods include raspberries, pears, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, brown rice, oats, popcorn, and legumes.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to support your overall health, including the health of your gut! Proper hydration helps your body’s digestive tract produce healthy mucus, absorb nutrients and transport them throughout the body, and help reduce digestive upset. Aim for approximately half your body weight in ounces per day.
- Add fermented foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, tempeh, and miso can be natural sources of probiotics and are filled with the beneficial bacteria your gut needs. Though the processing of some fermented foods may kill off the beneficial microbes needed for gut health (such as in highly processed yogurts, for example), opting for minimally processed, sugar-free products is an excellent way to add gut-healthy ingredients to your diet. Ensure you regularly incorporate these ingredients for the greatest possible benefits.
- Ginger for soothing digestive upset: Though ginger does not contain probiotics or digestive enzymes, it boasts anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Because of this, research shows that ginger may help with bloating, nausea, and smoother digestion. Add ginger to your diet by making yourself a cup of ginger tea or using it to flavor soups, stir frys, and other dishes.
- Avoid processed and high-sugar foods: Highly processed, ultra-processed, and high-sugar foods have a negative effect on your gut health. Research has found that these foods increase inflammation and fail to deliver the nutrients to your body, resulting in an unhealthy microbiome. I suggest reducing the frequency of these foods in your diet and instead prioritizing fresh, high-quality foods.
Dietary Supplements for a Healthy Gut: Final Thoughts
As a registered dietitian, the biggest piece of advice I share with clients is to prioritize a diet rich in whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, to optimize your health. Gut health supplements are an excellent addition to a healthy diet by providing your body with added nutrients.
If you’re wanting to add a gut health supplement to your diet, be sure to do the work and find one that uses high-quality ingredients, is third-party tested, contains all of the key ingredients we talked about, and fits your budget.
All 6 of the supplements I reviewed meet these criteria, though each also has its strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, my recommendation is Live it Up Super Greens since it supports gut health synergistically (probiotics from 4 strains plus prebiotic fiber and 3 digestive enzymes). But what I love most is that Super Greens also provides other key nutrients and superfoods to support your overall wellness.
Remember, everyone’s health is unique. Be sure to consider your own health needs, goals, and budget to find the right gut health supplement for you.
FAQs About Gut Health Supplements
Still have lingering questions about the best supplements for gut health? Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What vitamin heals your gut?
I want to emphasize that you may not be able to heal the gut through supplements alone, but there are vitamins and minerals that can support it. If you want to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, opt for digestive supplements containing probiotics, prebiotics, dietary fiber, and digestive enzymes. Some of the best vitamins and minerals for the gut are vitamins D and C, zinc, and magnesium. Perhaps more importantly, ensure you stay hydrated and eat a diet rich in minimally-processed ingredients.
What is the fastest way to improve gut health?
There is no quick-fix for gut health. Improving your gut health comes with consistently eating a diet rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and fermented ingredients like yogurt or sauerkraut. For an added source of live microorganisms and digestive enzymes, consider adding a dietary supplement for gut health into your daily routine.
What is the number one food for gut health?
The best foods for gut health are whole foods that are rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Additionally, fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt, are natural sources of probiotics and prebiotics.
Is apple cider vinegar good for your gut health?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is good for gut health since it naturally contains probiotics and prebiotics. Additionally, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help kill harmful bacteria in the gut.
What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?
There is no one specific sign of an unhealthy gut. Since the gut is intertwined with many of the body’s essential functions, possible indicators of an unhealthy gut may include digestive upset (bloating, gas, or constipation), fatigue or poor sleep, stress, anxiety, or poor immunity.
Sources
- https://www.uchealth.org/today/improving-gut-health-improves-all-aspects-of-your-health/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7563536/
- https://seed.com/cultured/cfu-vs-afu-whats-the-difference-and-which-is-better/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-simple-ways-to-improve-gut-health
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/feed-your-gut
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266714252400099X
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6835660/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health
- https://letsliveitup.com/products/supergreens
- https://bloomnu.com/products/greens-superfoods?variant=40264038973540
- https://vibranthealth.com/pages/green-vibrance
- https://mynooci.com/products/noo-gut?variant=44177977540847
- https://ancientnutrition.com/products/organic-super-greens-25-servings?variant=39317308702790
- https://seed.com/daily-synbiotic
The V Nutrition Editorial Team, consisting of experts in vegan nutrition and health, focuses on providing accurate and helpful information. With backgrounds in nutrition science and a shared commitment to plant-based living, we ensure that every piece of content not only educates but also empowers our readers to make informed lifestyle choices.
The V Nutrition Editorial Team, consisting of experts in vegan nutrition and health, focuses on providing accurate and helpful information. With backgrounds in nutrition science and a shared commitment to plant-based living, we ensure that every piece of content not only educates but also empowers our readers to make informed lifestyle choices.
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