Culturelle® is a supplement brand specializing in evidence-based probiotics for people of all ages. Their probiotics are formulated to support the gut microbiome, relieve occasional digestive discomfort, promote stool regularity, and safely manage weight.
Culturelle® offers probiotic solutions catering to various needs and age groups, whether for adults, kids, or babies, and they also have specialized products that offer vaginal microbiome support.
In this article, we review some of the top Culturelle® probiotic products evaluating their benefits, ingredients, possible side effects, and what others say about them.
Please be aware that the FDA is not authorized to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness. Therefore, always consult with your doctor before deciding to purchase or use dietary supplements, especially together with prescription medications (if any).
Quick overview of Culturelle® probiotics
Culturelle® offers probiotic drops for infants. For kids, they offer chewable tablets, gummies, or drink packets. Adults can choose from chewable tablets, capsules, gummies, and packets.
- Ingredients. Culturelle®'s probiotics feature ingredients that have undergone testing in human trials, proving their safety and effectiveness. This includes the renowned Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, the most clinically studied probiotic strain.
- Intended purpose. The intended purpose of Culturelle® probiotics is to support digestive health and overall well-being by providing evidence-based, safe, and effective probiotic solutions for individuals of all ages.
- Price. According to their website, Culturelle® products are priced between $16 and $29 dollars. Products are available for a one-time purchase, or you can get discounts on products when you subscribe. Many of their products are also easily available in most drug stores.
- Benefits. The benefits of Culturelle® probiotics include improved digestive function, enhanced immune support, and overall better gut health, contributing to a balanced and healthier lifestyle.
- Side effects. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience mild side effects from Culturelle® probiotics, such as bloating or gas, which usually resolve on their own after a short adjustment period.
About Culturelle®
The Culturelle® probiotics are manufactured and distributed by iHealth, a subsidiary of the Dutch company DSM-Firmenich, which adheres to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) current good manufacturing practices.
iHealth upholds a strong commitment to quality, implementing quality control measures and striving for improvement through research and innovation. Their philosophy revolves around crafting best-in-class formulations, relying on scientific support to back their brands.
Since 1998, Culturelle® products have been extensively researched in clinical studies, proving their safety and effectiveness across all age groups. A large bonus is that their probiotics do not need to be refrigerated and are easy to take with you.
Every Culturelle® product is thoughtfully designed and packaged to preserve the potency of probiotics and maintain ingredient quality. Their capsules are vegetarian, and all their products are major allergen-free.
Top Culturelle® probiotics reviewed
Now let’s look closer at the four top probiotics Culturelle® offers. Discover details about their ingredients, benefits, how they work, and how to use them.
1. Culturelle® Weight Management Probiotics
Culturelle®’s Metabolism + Weight Management capsules may influence your gut microbiome. It can support weight management by promoting the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
The composition of the gut microbiome can influence your metabolism and caloric intake, potentially impacting your overall weight. Factors like stress, diet, and specific medications can disrupt the bacterial balance in the gut microbiome, leading to occasional digestive disturbances and affecting metabolism and well-being.
Culturelle® Metabolism + Weight Management incorporates 12 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of the extensively studied LGG probiotic, along with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, and B vitamins, working harmoniously with your gut microbiome to support weight management.
The manufacturer suggests taking one capsule daily. You can purchase a bottle of 30 capsules for $23.39 on the Culturelle® website.
2. Culturelle® Digestive Health Probiotic
Culturelle®’s Digestive Daily Probiotic includes 10 billion CFUs of the number one clinically studied probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. You can purchase the probiotic as a capsule or chewable tablet.
This probiotic may support your digestive health and immune system, and reduce occasional gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This product may also help decrease travel-related digestive issues.
According to the manufacturer, this probiotic is for people 12 years and older.
The manufacturer recommends taking one capsule each day. If you experience occasional digestive problems, taking one capsule in the morning and one at night may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. If you are traveling, take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening.
You can purchase a bottle of 30 capsules for $17.99 or subscribe and pay $16.19. A bottle of 24 chewable tablets costs $21.99 or $19.79 when you subscribe.
3. Culturelle® Balance for Antibiotics
Culturelle®’s Ultimate Balance for Antibiotic Capsules contains well-established probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, aimed at promoting healthy digestion, immune health, and overall well-being during and after antibiotic use.
Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiome, potentially leading to occasional digestive issues, including diarrhea.
To address this, Culturelle®’s Ultimate Balance for Antibiotics helps restore microbiota balance by providing 20 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG during and after antibiotic treatment.
Culturelle® recommends taking one capsule per day while taking antibiotics, and for best results, continue taking one daily for ten days after finishing your antibiotic regimen.
You can purchase 20 capsules for $21.99 or subscribe and pay $19.79.
4. Culturelle® Women's Protection
Tailored to offer comprehensive feminine care, this all-in-one capsule encompasses four key benefits: digestive, vaginal, urinary, and immune health.
This distinctive formula provides 15 billion CFUs per serving, uniting the clinically proven probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for digestive and immune health, along with a clinically studied blend of four lactobacilli commonly found in healthy women's vaginal microbiomes.
This probiotic is suggested to begin working within 24 hours and supports the balance of urinary microflora.
Additionally, it is suggested to support gut health by alleviating occasional digestive disturbances and restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, where 70% of the immune system is located.
Culterelle recommends taking one capsule daily. You can purchase 30 capsules for $27.49 on the Culturelle® website, and for more savings, sign up to subscribe and save and pay $24.74.
Comparing Culturelle® probiotics
| Product | Price per container | Serving size | Serving size per container | Price per serving | Blend | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolism + Weight Management | $25.99 | 1 capsule daily | 30 capsules | $0.86 | 12 billion CFUs of LGG Bifidobacterium animalis B vitamins | Promoting metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins. Support weight management |
| Digestive Daily Probiotic | $17.99 | 1 capsule daily | 30 capsules | $0.60 | 10 billion CFUs of LGG | Digestion and immune function |
| Ultimate Balance for Antibiotics | $21.99 | 1 capsule daily | 20 capsules | $1.10 | 20 billion CFUs of LGG | Rebuild bacteria balance during or after antibiotic use |
| Women’s 4-in-1 Protection | $27.49 | 1 capsule daily | 30 capsules | $0.92 | 15 billion CFUs of LGG Blend of four lactobacilli Blend of prebiotics | Vaginal, urinary, digestive, and immune health |
Benefits of the Culturelle® probiotics
Despite commonly thinking of bacteria and microorganisms as harmful germs, many bacteria are beneficial. Some bacteria aid in food digestion, combat disease, and even make essential vitamins.
Culturelle® probiotics contain microorganisms identical to or akin to those naturally inhabiting our bodies. Culturelle® probiotics are beneficial for:
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Reducing acute gastroenteritis
- Reducing traveler’s diarrhea
- Reducing C. difficile - associated diarrhea
Does Culturelle® help with constipation?
Yes, Culturelle® probiotics can help with constipation in some individuals.
Probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can have a positive impact on digestive function. LGG, the strain of bacteria found in most Culturelle® products, has been shown to alleviate constipation and improve bowel movements in certain cases.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of probiotics can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing constipation or any digestive issues, it is best to consult with your doctor.
Can Culturelle® probiotics help with weight management?
Using probiotics for weight management may offer you some potential benefits. Taking Culturelle® Metabolism and Weight Management can help you manage your weight by restoring balance to your gut microbiome. Certain things like taking medications, the foods you eat, and stress can alter your microbiome.
The composition of your gut microbiome may impact your metabolism rate and cravings. Because of this, an unbalanced microbiome may contribute to weight gain.
However, it is important to note that Culturelle® probiotics are not designed to help with weight loss.
Top Culturelle® probiotics ingredients
The main ingredient Culturelle® uses is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. However, several products contain blends of other probiotics to help enhance the effects of the probiotic.
Culturelle® also includes other ingredients that support digestive as well as immune function.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. LGG has been shown to provide various health benefits, including supporting digestive health, promoting a balanced gut microbiome, and enhancing the immune system's function. It is also the most widely studied bacteria in relation to probiotics.
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. B. lactis also has an extensive amount of clinical studies. It has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects, such as decreasing travel-associated diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and diarrhea in infants and children.
- Chicory root extract. Chicory root extract is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Getting adequate amounts of dietary fiber in your foods is crucial for your overall digestive health and well-being.
- Kiwi extract. Kiwi extract comes from the flesh of the green kiwi fruit. It is also a great source of dietary fiber and is beneficial for the digestive and immune systems.
Side effects of Culturelle® probiotics
Culturelle® probiotics are generally well-tolerated, and most people do not experience any adverse effects.
However, in some cases, individuals may encounter mild side effects during the initial stages of use, including bloating, gas, or slight changes in bowel movements. These effects are usually temporary and tend to subside as the body adjusts to the introduction of new probiotics.
Rarely, individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions may be at risk of infections from probiotics.
As with any supplement, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before starting Culturelle® probiotics, particularly if you have specific health concerns, to ensure safety and appropriateness for your needs.
Quality, transparency & safety of Culturelle® probiotics
It is always important to ensure your health products come from a trustworthy source that takes pride in the quality of their products.
- Sourcing. Culturelle® probiotics source their raw materials and probiotic strains from various locations worldwide through DSM's extensive supply chain.
- Manufacturing. Culturelle® products are manufactured by i-Health, Inc., a subsidiary of DSM, adhering to FDA current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) to ensure quality and safety.
- Third-party testing. Culturelle® uses bacteria in their ingredients that undergoes third-party testing to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Purity. Culturelle® probiotics are formulated with evidence-based ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and GMOs, ensuring purity and efficacy.
- Quality assurance. With a strong commitment to quality, Culturelle® follows strict quality control measures and continuous improvement through research and innovation, providing trusted probiotic solutions to consumers.
How to take Culturelle® probiotics
To take Culturelle® probiotics, follow the recommended dosage specified on the product's packaging or as a healthcare professional advises.
Generally, the dosage for adults is one capsule daily, taken with or without food.
For children, it is essential to follow the recommended age-appropriate dosage.
The best time to take them depends on your preferences. Some people prefer taking probiotics with meals, while others prefer taking them on an empty stomach.
For optimal results, it is recommended to be consistent with the timing and incorporate Culturelle® probiotics into your daily routine.
Can you take Culturelle® while pregnant?
According to the manufacturer, Culturelle® products are generally considered safe and well-tolerated for many individuals, including people who are pregnant.
Probiotics, including those found in Culturelle®, have the potential to offer certain health benefits during pregnancy, such as supporting digestive health and immune function.
However, every pregnancy is unique, and health professionals generally recommend seeking medical guidance before starting any new supplements during pregnancy. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your health status and medical history.
Culturelle® probiotic reviews: what are the customers saying?
Based on Amazon and the Culturelle® website reviews, customers generally have positive feedback about Culturelle® probiotics.
Many users have expressed satisfaction with the product's efficacy in improving digestive health, alleviating occasional digestive issues like bloating and gas, and supporting immune function.
Customers have praised the ease of use and the fact that Culturelle® probiotics are gentle on the stomach. Some reviewers have reported experiencing positive results within a few days of use.
However, as with any supplement, there are a few mixed reviews, with a few customers not experiencing the desired benefits or reporting mild side effects.
Overall, Culturelle® probiotics have garnered a largely favorable response from users.
Our conclusion about Culturelle® probiotics
In our opinion, Culturelle® probiotics stand out for their high-quality ingredients, making them a reliable choice for improving digestive health and overall well-being.
We appreciate the convenience of not requiring refrigeration, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go use.
Additionally, the availability of probiotics for individuals of all ages, from adults to kids and babies, showcases their commitment to catering to diverse needs.
We would choose Culturelle® for its accessibility, as they are readily available for purchase online and in most drug stores, making it easy to incorporate into our daily routine.
FAQ
Are Culturelle® probiotics good?
Yes, Culturelle® probiotics are generally well-regarded for their high-quality ingredients and effectiveness in supporting digestive health and immune function. Many users have reported positive experiences with Culturelle probiotics.
What are the best Culturelle® probiotics for women?
Culturelle® Women's Healthy Balance Probiotic is specifically designed to promote feminine health and may be a suitable option for women seeking targeted support.
Will Culturelle® help with constipation?
It depends. While many probiotic supplements, including Culturelle®, have been known to support digestive health, their direct impact on constipation varies among individuals. Some users have reported experiencing relief from constipation with certain probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG found in some Culturelle® products. However, individual responses may differ.
Are Culturelle® probiotics better than Align probiotics?
It depends. Both Culturelle® and Align probiotics offer reputable products with clinically studied strains. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and needs. Some users may find Culturelle® more suitable due to its diverse range of probiotics for all ages, while others might prefer Align based on specific probiotic strains or formulations.
2 resources
- Journal of Gastroenterology. Thirty Years of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: A Review.
- Microorganisms. The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12®.
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