If you spend any time on social media or watching TV, you’ve likely encountered the word “prebiotics” several times. Yet prebiotics seem to receive far less attention compared to probiotics. While probiotics are excellent for your health, prebiotics are equally essential for digestive wellness and much more.
In essence, prebiotics are compounds found in food that we add to “real food” to nourish and sustain beneficial gut bacteria, leading to enhanced gastrointestinal health and potentially additional health benefits. Several prebiotic supplements exist, such as PrebioThrive and Bulletproof Innerfuel Prebiotic, but which are the best prebiotic supplements? We’re glad you asked!
This article will cover the fundamentals of prebiotic supplements. Specifically, we will address the following:
- What are prebiotic supplements?
- Benefits of using prebiotic supplements
- How to take prebiotic supplements
- Do prebiotic supplements really work?
- Are prebiotic supplements right for you?
- What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
- The best prebiotic supplements
Best Prebiotic Supplements
Here are our top picks. Keep reading to learn how we selected them.
- Best Overall: Seed
- Best Gut Health Supplement: Bio Complete 3
- Best Prebiotic-Only Formula: Bulletproof Innerfuel
What Are Prebiotic Supplements?
Prebiotics are “foods” that nourish our beneficial gut bacteria. The more healthy gut bacteria we have, the better. This bacteria maintains optimal digestive function while positively altering the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome.
When we nourish our gut bacteria with prebiotic foods or supplements, this promotes optimal gut health. Healthier digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and improved metabolic activity boost our overall well-being. While we can take prebiotic supplements, there are also numerous ways to obtain prebiotics through food.
Prebiotics can be naturally found in common foods like:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oats
- Barley
- Asparagus
- Dandelion Greens
- Leeks
- Artichokes
- Chicory Root
However, diet alone isn’t always sufficient to absorb the prebiotics these foods offer – perhaps due to health conditions, post-surgery recovery, or simply dietary restrictions. In these cases, prebiotic supplements help meet our prebiotic needs.
Prebiotic Supplement Benefits
The primary benefit of prebiotics is their impact on gut and gastrointestinal health. When our gut bacteria are well-nourished, they contribute to improved overall gastrointestinal health. This leads to better digestion, enhanced metabolic activity, and superior absorption of nutrients like vitamins and minerals from food.
Taking probiotics can help with various gastrointestinal issues, such as reducing the severity of IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. However, avoid taking excessively high doses of prebiotics, as this can cause negative side effects like increased bloating and abdominal pain due to excessive fermentation.
Fortunately, the benefits of prebiotics extend beyond gut health. Eventually, other bodily systems also benefit from improved gut health. For instance, enhanced nutrient absorption means better uptake of calcium, vitamins A, B-vitamins and C, and minerals like iron and magnesium. This results in increased energy levels both short-term and long-term.
Additionally, since better gut health enhances metabolism, you can enjoy the benefits of improved metabolic function, including weight management.
The Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics
While prebiotics are crucial for boosting gut health, probiotics are equally important. If you’ve heard of prebiotics, you’ve probably heard of probiotics as well, since they’re more widely known.
So, what distinguishes prebiotics from probiotics?
We’ve covered prebiotics in detail, but simply put – prebiotics serve as food for your gut bacteria. Typically, they consist of fiber and other carbohydrate compounds that our stomach cannot digest; therefore, they travel directly to our gut where bacteria consume them.
Conversely, probiotics are living organisms that join the beneficial bacteria population in your gut.
Probiotics can also be found in foods and supplements. If you enjoy yogurt, you might already be consuming probiotics. Numerous probiotic supplements are available, including Just Thrive Probiotics, Renew Life Probiotics, and Peptiva Probiotics, to name a few.
Both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for promoting gut health. One provides food for beneficial bacteria (prebiotics) while the other adds beneficial bacteria to further enhance gut health (probiotics). A balanced approach to taking both will improve your gut health long-term.
How To Take Prebiotic Supplements
Like most supplements, prebiotics come in capsule or pill form. Simply take them as you would any capsule or pill medication. Occasionally, prebiotics also come in powder form, which you can mix into coffee, smoothies, or water.
Regarding dosage and intake, different supplements may require varying amounts. Always check the recommended intake for your chosen supplement.
Do Prebiotic Supplements Really Work?
Yes, prebiotic supplements are effective and often beneficial for everyone!
To identify which prebiotic supplements truly work versus those that don’t, always check the label to see what nutrients you’ll receive.
Also, if you know someone who uses prebiotic supplements, ask for their recommendation. Otherwise, search for reliable blog sources or media channels that provide honest recommendations rather than mere advertisements.
Before investing in a prebiotic supplement – as with most supplements – conduct thorough research. This requires some time and effort, but it ensures you select the right product.
Are Prebiotic Supplements Right for You?
Under normal circumstances, prebiotic supplements work well for most people, so they’ll likely work well for you too.
However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before adding prebiotic supplements to your diet and health routine.
Best Prebiotic Supplements
Seed
Our top choice for the best prebiotic supplement has to be Seed. Seed is a daily synbiotic, meaning it combines probiotics and prebiotics. This supplement includes numerous strains of beneficial bacteria that have been clinically studied. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, preservative-free, and vegan. Seed provides numerous health benefits including support for digestive health, skin health, heart health, gut immune function, and more.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON SEEDGundry MD Bio Complete 3
Another top choice is Bio Complete 3 from Gundry MD. Gundry MD produces a wide variety of supplements, including Total Restore, Gundry MD Primal Plants, and Gundry MD Vital Reds. Bio Complete 3 is a three-in-one supplement that delivers a prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic formula. While designed to support optimal gut health, Bio Complete 3 also helps fight muscle aches, combats food cravings, reduces gas and bloating, and boosts energy.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON GUNDRY MD BIO COMPLETE 3ActivatedYou Morning Complete
ActivatedYou Morning Complete is an excellent choice for a prebiotic supplement. It contains scientifically tested ingredients and blends, such as a green superfood blend, a metabolic blend, and an antioxidant blend, among others. Morning Complete’s formula is vegan-friendly and provides benefits such as regulating digestion, being rich in antioxidants, and being easy and simple to use.
SAVE UP TO $225 ON ACTIVATEDYOU MORNING COMPLETEBulletproof Innerfuel Prebiotic
If you prefer not to take supplements in capsule form, this powder supplement from Bulletproof is an excellent alternative. This blend of prebiotics helps increase beneficial gut bacteria, supports digestive health, and even assists immune function. It’s perfect for adding to your morning smoothie. Bulletproof creates various other health and wellness products as well, including Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil, which we also highly rated.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON BULLETPROOF INNERFUEL PREBIOTICOra Organic – Trust Your Gut – Vegan Prebiotic & Probiotic
This prebiotic/probiotic supplement is ideal for anyone wanting to add both probiotics and prebiotics to their diet. Six different probiotic strains comprise this blend that supports digestive health and immunity. With over 20 billion probiotic strands per serving, it’s an excellent way to improve gut health. Plus, it’s vegan!
GET THE BEST PRICE ON ORA ORGANIC TRUST YOUR GUTRae Pre + Probiotic Dietary Supplement Capsules
Similar to the Ora supplement, this combines both prebiotic and probiotic benefits. This supplement enhances digestive tract health while positively impacting your immune system. These capsules are easy to take and affordably priced compared to most options.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON RAE PRE + PROBIOTICYuve – Vegan Prebiotic Gummies Supplement
If you dislike taking pills or adding powders to your drinks, these prebiotic gummies are perfect! Made with 5 billion live cultures, these gummies are affordable, vegan, and high quality.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON YUVE VEGAN PREBIOTIC GUMMIESPrebiotic Supplement Alternatives
The best alternatives to prebiotic supplements are simply foods rich in prebiotics. These include leeks, onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus, apples, and more! If you prefer not to take a prebiotic supplement, simply incorporate some of these foods into your daily diet.
Final Thoughts: Best Prebiotic Supplements
If you’re considering adding a prebiotic supplement to your diet, now is an excellent time to try one. Prebiotic supplements are easy and safe to use, plus they offer various health benefits. You’ve read our guide and know the best prebiotic supplements available, so choose the one that’s right for you. If you experience any negative symptoms after starting a prebiotic supplement, contact a medical professional for guidance.
