Reviews and Information for Lactobacillus
Probiotics
Trying to find the best probiotic supplements? Our tests found that not all products enough cells (CFUs) to match what's been shown to work. See our results, comparisons, and Top Picks for popular brands and get the evidence for specific probiotic strains for uses such as IBS, diarrhea, gas, allergies and colds, infections, weight loss and more. Plus, get information about proper storage, safety, side effects, and drug interactions with probiotics.
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CL Answer
Have you heard of the probiotic, Keybiotics? Does it do what it claims, and is it worth the money they charge?
Whole Body Research Keybiotics probiotic information, including its ingredients and possible cheaper alternatives.

Product Review
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)
Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.

Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins -- Caution with Gummies

Product Review
Collagen Supplements Review
See our Top Picks for Wrinkles and Joints

CL Answer
I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?
Learn about Prozac (fluoxetine) drug interactions along with other supplements and SSRIs.

CL Answer
Do I need to take a probiotic supplement if I eat yogurt every day?
Find out if eating Greek yogurt is sufficient to obtain probiotics, or if supplements can still help.

CL Answer
What are the benefits of Daily Synbiotic by Seed Health? Does it do what it claims, and is it better than other probiotics and prebiotics?
Review of Daily Synbiotic by Seed, including information about the prebiotic and probiotic strains in the supplement, and whether there is evidence of benefit for the synbiotic.

Product Review
Zinc Supplements, Lozenges, and Melts Review
Find the Best Zinc Supplements, Including Lozenges for Colds.

CL Answer
Is the probiotic "Milk Test," as described on many websites, really an effective way to test the quality of the bacteria in probiotic supplements at home?
Is the probiotic "Milk Test" an effective at-home test of the quality of the bacteria in probiotic supplements?

Product Review
Iron Supplements Review (Iron Pills, Liquids and Chews)
See Which Iron Supplements Are CL's Top Picks for Different Needs

Product Review
Protein Powders, Shakes, and Meal Replacements Review
Find Out Which Protein Products Passed or Failed Our Tests

Product Review
B Vitamin Supplements Review (B Complexes, B6, B12, Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin & More)
See Our Top Picks and Which 5 Failed Testing

CL Answer
Which supplements have been shown to be helpful for autism?
Find out which supplements may help reduce symptoms of autism, including multivitamins, probiotics, and melatonin.

Product Review
Vitamin D Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Boron)
Find the Best Vitamin D Supplement and Avoid Problems

Product Review
Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review
See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products

CL Answer
8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid
Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are typically treated with antibiotics, but certain supplements may also help. Find out which 8 supplements might be beneficial - and which should be avoided.

CL Answer
Do any supplements naturally suppress appetite and help with weight loss?
Learn which natural ingredients can suppress appetite and find if these natural appetite suppressants help with weight loss.

CL Answer
What is the best way to take curcumin? Is it better to take it all at once or in divided doses?
Find out the best way to take curcumin and turmeric supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability, plus the best way to cook with turmeric spice. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer
Are enteric coated supplements better than non-enteric coated ones?
Learn about the pros and cons of enterically coated supplements, including ingredient absorption,safety and price.

Product Review
Electrolytes & Sports Drinks Review
See Which Sports Drinks, Powders, and Pills Deliver the Right Electrolytes

Product Review
Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review
Oils Tested for Authenticity and Purity

Product Review
Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review
Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead

CL Answer
What are the health effects of turkey tail mushroom and is it safe?
Learn about the possible health effects of turkey tail mushroom, including its use as adjuvant treatment for cancer and for boosting immune function, plus get information about possible side effects and find out why ConsumerLab has not yet tested turkey tail products.

CL Answer
Do probiotics need to be refrigerated?
Refrigerating certain probiotic pills and other probiotic supplements is important. Get tips on how to store probiotics properly.

CL Answer
Do any supplements reduce the side effects of chemotherapy? Should any be avoided?
Find out if there are any supplements that can help with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve damage and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer
Which "whole food" multivitamins don't include synthetic vitamins? How about Complete Foods, Sunwarrior, Garden of Life, Nature's Brands, and Doctors' Research?
Find out which "whole food" multivitamins are only from foods and which include synthetic vitamins, including Complete Foods Nutrition-OctoMega MultiVitamin; Sunwarrior; Garden of Life-MyKind Organics; Nature's Brands-PhytoVitamins; Doctors' Research MultiVitamin.

News Release
February 26, 2025
ConsumerLab Survey Shows 21 Most Popular Vitamins and Supplements
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2025 — A recent survey of more than 8,400 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that among the 212 most popular supplements, those that experienced the greatest absolute growth in popularity during 2024 were biotin (+9.
Recalls & Warnings
July 10, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Omega XL
On June 31, 2021 the FDA issued a warning letter to Great Healthworks, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about Omega XL and ProbioticXL supplements to be drug claims.
CL Answer
Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?
Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.

News Release
February 26, 2024
Latest ConsumerLab Survey Shows Growth in Popularity of Magnesium and Several Smaller Supplements
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2024 — A recent survey of more than 10,000 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that supplements that experienced the greatest absolute growth in popularity during 2023 were pregnenolone (+7.5 percentage points), magnesium (+4.8 pts), berberine (+4.
News Release
February 24, 2023
Probiotics Rise in Popularity as Vitamin C, Melatonin, and Others Dip in Latest ConsumerLab Survey of Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2023 —A recent survey of 8,600 people who regularly use dietary supplements shows that probiotics (+3.04 percentage points), quercetin (+2.3 pts), and vitamin K (+1.
CL Answer
10 Supplements That May Boost Testosterone (And 13 That May Not)
Many supplements promise to increase testestorone, boost libido, and increase muscle size, but, as ConsumerLab explains, the actual effectiveness of supplements is limited, and some supplements may actually reduce testosterone levels.

News Release
February 24, 2022
Consumers Returned to Pre-Pandemic Supplement Usage in 2021, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2022 —A survey of 8,049 people who use dietary supplements shows many supplements that declined in use in 2020 began bouncing back in 2021, such as magnesium (+2.4 percentage points), and CoQ10 (+2.7 pts).
News Release
February 26, 2021
COVID Changed Supplement Popularity in 2020, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2021 — A survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Recalls & Warnings
February 14, 2013
Protein Drink Recalled Due To Bacterial Contamination
On December 21, 2012, NBTY issued a voluntary recall of PURE PROTEIN PROTEIN SHOT 25g PROTEIN, GRAPE Flavor PROTEIN DRINK 2.9 fl. Oz. (Manufactured by Worldwide Sport Nutritional Supplements, Inc.) due to potential bacterial contamination.
Recalls & Warnings
October 17, 2012
Maker of Probiotic Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On September 28, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer James G. Cole Inc.
News Release
November 25, 2013
Many Probiotic Supplements Fall Short on Listed Amounts of Helpful Organisms
White Plains, New York, November 25, 2013 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular among people hoping to improve bowel function, immunity, and even mood.
News Release
February 09, 2012
Probiotics grow in popularity but don't always deliver on promises says ConsumerLab.com -- New report provides guidance to consumers
White Plains, New York, February 9, 2012 — Probiotic supplements and foods containing "friendly" bacteria or yeast have become popular options for people hoping to improve bowel function or boost immunity. But many customers are confused by the vast array of choices.
News Release
November 16, 2009
ConsumerLab.com finds many probiotics don't deliver listed ingredients
White Plains, New York November 16, 2009 — Many probiotic supplements do not contain the number of viable organisms listed on their labels according to a new report from ConsumerLab.com.
News Release
August 04, 2009
Most vitamin E supplements pass testing, but what seems natural may be synthetic according to ConsumerLab.com -- New review of vitamin E supplements, oils, and creams released today
White Plains, New York — November 16, 2009 — Many probiotic supplements do not contain the number of viable organisms listed on their labels according to a new report from ConsumerLab.com.
Recalls & Warnings
December 30, 2014
Maker of Probiotic Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations
On December 18, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Wellmill LLC, dba Vitamix, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Butcher's Broom powder and Lactobacillus acidophilus powder (used as ingredients in a finished product which was not named) to be ...
News Release
January 21, 2003
Acidophilus" and other probiotic supplements gain in popularity but live bacteria missing in many — ConsumerLab.com releases review online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — January 21, 2003 — ConsumerLab.