Supplement Solutions

There are many supplement options available, but not all are ideal for someone’s situation.

Strain Variety

A variety of probiotic strains is important when choosing a supplement because different strains have distinct functions and benefits. Here’s why diversity matters:

• Targeting Different Health Aspects – Specific strains support different functions, such as digestion, immune health, mental well-being, and inflammation control. A mix ensures broader support.

• Gut Microbiome Diversity – A diverse gut microbiome is linked to better overall health. A multi-strain probiotic helps introduce beneficial bacteria that can interact and balance each other.

• Resilience & Effectiveness – Some strains survive stomach acid better, while others work more effectively in different parts of the gut. A combination improves survival and colonization.

• Comprehensive Support – Some strains aid in breaking down food, others produce essential vitamins, and some help combat harmful bacteria. A variety ensures multiple benefits.

• Adaptability to Your System – Since everyone’s gut microbiome is unique, a diverse probiotic increases the likelihood that at least some strains will integrate well with your existing gut bacteria.

When choosing a probiotic, look for a supplement with multiple clinically studied strains, ensuring they address your specific health needs.

Dosage Level

Probiotic supplement dosages vary widely because different strains and formulations have unique effects, and individual needs can differ based on health goals, gut microbiome composition, and specific conditions. Here’s why you see so many dosage levels and how to determine the ideal one:

Why Probiotic Dosages Vary

• Different Strains, Different Potencies – Some probiotic strains are more potent in lower doses, while others require higher concentrations to be effective.

• Specific Health Conditions – Higher doses (often 50+ billion CFUs) are sometimes recommended for digestive issues like IBS, while general gut health maintenance may need less.

• Survival Through Digestion – A higher dose helps ensure that enough bacteria survive stomach acid and reach the intestines. Some formulations include protective coatings or prebiotics to enhance survival.

• Individual Variability – Everyone’s microbiome is unique, so the same dose may not work for everyone. Some people may need more bacteria to restore balance, while others require less.

What’s the Ideal Probiotic Dosage?

• General Gut Health & Maintenance: 5-10 billion CFUs per day

• Digestive Support (e.g., bloating, mild discomfort): 10-25 billion CFUs per day

• More Severe Gut Issues (e.g., IBS, antibiotic recovery): 25-50+ billion CFUs per day

• Short-Term High-Dose Therapy (e.g., post-antibiotics, travel support): 50-100 billion CFUs per day

It’s best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase while monitoring how your body responds. If you're taking probiotics for a specific health concern, consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the most effective strain and dosage for you.

CFU vs AFU

The difference between CFU (Colony-Forming Units) and AFU (Active Fluorescent Units) lies in how probiotic bacteria are measured and counted in supplements.

• CFU (Colony-Forming Units)

  • The traditional method for measuring probiotics.

  • It counts only live bacteria that can grow and form colonies in a lab setting.

  • Some bacteria that are still viable but not actively growing at the time of testing might not be counted.

  • CFU is widely recognized and used in most probiotic labels.

• AFU (Active Fluorescent Units)

  • A newer, more advanced measurement method using flow cytometry.

  • It counts all viable bacteria, including those that may not be actively dividing but are still functional.

  • This method detects both active and dormant probiotic cells, potentially giving a more accurate representation of what will survive in the gut.

• Which One is Better?

  • CFU is more established and commonly used, but it may underestimate the total number of viable probiotics.

  • AFU provides a more precise count of active bacteria, even if they are not currently dividing.

Since different brands use different measurement methods, it’s best to look at strain diversity and scientific backing rather than just the number.

My Product Recommendations

I’ve personally found it challenging to introduce a diverse range of beneficial bacteria into my gut through diet alone, so I turned to supplements—and they’ve made a huge difference in my gut health. It’s important to commit to a supplement for at least 30-60 days to see noticeable results.

With so many options available, I’ve narrowed down my favorites. My top priority was finding a product with a wide variety of unique strains, which led me to Jamieson Probiotic Daily Maintenance. I noticed that higher-dosage capsules often contained fewer strains, so I stuck with the 10B CFU version. After 60 days of consistent use, I found it worked perfectly for my needs.

Later, I came across the Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic but hesitated due to the cost. I finally decided to purchase it during a Black Friday sale, and I’ve been using it ever since.

Jamieson Probiotic Daily Maintenance

• Pro

  • 14 unique bacteria strains for probiotic, while the average I’ve found was 5-10 unique bacteria strains.

  • Inexpensive ($25 USD for 60 capsules for 60 days).

• Con

  • Does not include prebiotic.

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

• Pro

  • 24 unique bacteria strains for probiotic.

  • Includes a prebiotic layer.

• Con

  • Expensive ($60 USD for 60 capsules for 30 days). Product recommends 2 capsules per day, but I have found that 1 capsule per day is enough for my needs and it helps offset the cost to make it more economical.

  • Capsule size is slightly larger than other probiotic capsules, because of the extra outer layer for the prebiotic.