You've heard of probiotics before, and perhaps you've even taken them a few times after a course of antibiotics. In addition to strains designed to balance the gut after a disruption to normal function, certain probiotic formulas are designed to promote ideal digestive health for men, women, and children during life's normal ups and downs, too.

What are probiotics? What do probiotics do?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for overall gut function and help support healthy digestion. While probiotics naturally exist in some food products like yogurt, many people find supplements to be a more convenient way to consume them – especially anyone with a dairy sensitivity. Probiotics are classified by the concentration of good bacteria they have, ranging anywhere from 1 to 200 billion per serving. The concentration indicates each formula's overall strength. Some probiotic blends are designed specifically for men, women, or kids, while the vast majority of probiotics are gentle yet effective for healthy adults of any gender.

What are the different types of probiotics?

Shopping for probiotics can be confusing with so many different combinations to sort through. Here are two of the most common types of probiotics you'll find in popular formulas:

• Lactobacillus is a bacterial genus with some of the most common probiotic strains, such as the acidophilus probiotic. Found in the body's small intestine, in yogurt, and in some fermented foods, it's gentle on the stomach and an excellent ingredient in a generalized probiotic supplement. The benefits of probiotics of this genus include helping to break down milk sugars, or lactose, and helping the body to absorb important minerals via the production of lactic acid.
• Bifidobacterium is the other primary genus most commonly found in probiotic supplements. Like Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria are also found naturally in some dairy products and the body's large intestine. This species of probiotic also produces lactic acid, along with vitamin K and B-complex vitamins. The concentration of naturally occurring Bifidobacteria in the gut normally declines with age.

What are some of the ways you can take probiotics?

Capsules are the most common way to get probiotic supplements into your diet. Typically taken with food, they're an ideal way to start your day on the right foot. Chewable tablets and gummies in flavors like cherry and watermelon make it simple to serve probiotics to even the pickiest kids. You can also use powders to make probiotic drinks containing active probiotic strains. As with any gut health supplements, read the product label and follow the specific dosage recommendations provided before use.

Learn more in our Ultimate Guide to Taking Probiotics on the What’s Good blog.  

What is the difference in probiotics for men, women, and kids?

Special probiotic formulas offer multi-strain blends to support specific needs.

• Probiotics for men include a range of shelf-stable probiotic strains from both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus, some of which specifically target prostate or colon health.
• Probiotics for women come in special formulas for vaginal and prenatal health. L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus are commonly found in probiotic formulas that are specially designed for women.
• Children's probiotics are designed for digestive health in doses that are right for young bodies. Many are fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like vitamins D, C, and E.

Shop our selection of probiotics for the whole family online or in one of our nearby stores today.

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