Vegan Probiotics

Not all probiotics are vegan. This is true for probiotics that occur in both foods and in supplements. For instance, dairy products, such as yogurt and cottage cheese contain probiotics, but they're not vegan. In most cases, vegan probiotics are clearly marked as such. If you have some flexibility in your dietary preferences, you can also consider vegetarian probiotics, such as Align Probiotic Digestive De-stress. 

Vegan probiotics are live bacteria and other microorganisms, such as yeasts. They occur naturally in foods such as yogurt and pickles; you can also take them in supplement form. 

Vegan prebiotics are the substances that probiotics need to survive and thrive. They're found in foods such as nuts, fruits and vegetables. As with probiotics, you can also find prebiotic supplements. Fiber supplements often serve a similar purpose. 

Naturally occurring probiotics perform a wide variety of tasks in your body. Some types can wipe out the cells that cause certain diseases. Others aid in digestion or fight off harmful bacteria. As a whole, probiotics help maintain equilibrium in your system. 

Probiotic pills are common digestive health products formulated to support and enhance these natural processes. They can be useful if you're not getting an adequate supply through your diet. Your doctor may also recommend probiotics to help with a range of conditions, including diarrhea, lactose intolerance and periodontal disease. 

Some vegan probiotics are made for general use. If you want a more targeted supplement, look for options such as Garden of Life Men's Daily Careor Garden of Life Women's Daily Care. If you need a high-potency supplement, the best vegan probiotic for you may be one that's formulated for critical care. 

Every vegan probiotic uses a unique combination of bacteria. General-use formulas may contain a range of microorganisms to support different gut health functions. NatureWell Gut Support Probiotic + Fiber is made with bacillus coagulans MTCC; it also contains dietary fiber to help the probiotics do their job efficiently. Culturelle Daily Prebiotic + Probiotic offers a similar dual-purpose formula. Other commonly used ingredients include lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis. Probiotic content is typically measured in CFUs, or colony-forming units. 

Every vegan has different nutritional needs and wellness goals, so talk to your doctor to determine if vegan probiotics are right for you. You may find that taking vegan probiotic supplements helps you manage or prevent diabetes, improve your gut health and decrease the symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression.  

In addition to taking probiotics, you may want to try other digestive health essentials, such as prebiotics, fiber or constipation relief products. Some vegans also find it beneficial to eat fermented foods, such as kimchi, for digestive wellness. 

Vegan probiotic capsules made without animal byproducts may be appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. If you prefer vegan probiotics rather than other types of probiotics, check the ingredients carefully. Make sure you're buying a dairy-free capsule or tablet that contains no honey, gelatin, whey or lactose.  

Check for vegan-friendly ingredients in other vitamins and supplements you purchase, such as protein powder. In addition to shopping for vegan probiotics, you can find nutritional products made without common allergens, such as soy, gluten or corn. You may also want to look for supplements made without artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. 

Check the label to see if your vegan probiotics should be taken at a certain time, such as before a meal or in the morning. If your probiotic doesn't have specific dosage instructions, you may find it helpful to take digestive health supplements at the same time each day. This helps you see how the capsules affect your body, and it may also make it easier to remember to take your supplements.  

Some probiotics can interact with prescription medications, vitamins and supplements, so your doctor or pharmacist may suggest a dosage schedule that reduces this risk. Some people find it helpful to take their probiotics with water if they aren't using chewable supplements, as this can make it easier to swallow capsules.