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Our Immune systems are essential, precious and fragile so it is good advice to take good care of them. A healthy immune system can protect us from disease and illness and help fight infections. Good immune health is easily obtainable with eating the right foods and taking a good probiotic supplement that can balance the gut microbiome which in turn can help keep your immune system healthy.

Top Probiotic Supplements for Immune System Function

• Probilogy Gut+ (editors choice)

• 1MD Complete Platinum

• Biotic8

• Probiotic 40 Billion

One way or another, people are becoming increasingly health conscious these days. This has created a big demand for dietary supplements that boost immunity and help the body fight off disease.

Supplements that provide Vitamins C are known to have value in this regard. So are ones that have Vitamin D and/or zinc in them. Probiotic supplements that boost immunity are also becoming very popular.

Gone are the days when people used to think probiotics are only good for improving gut health. There is a mountain of research that shows probiotic bacteria have value in many other areas as well including improving nutrient absorption, digestive health and skin health.

Certain species of probiotics may also help with weight loss. These helpful bacteria also do a lot of other good things within the body including helping to optimize female vaginal health.

In this article, we will be mainly focusing on the value of probiotic supplements for improving immunity.

In a little while, we will introduce you to the four best probiotics for improving the immune system. Finding them was not easy. We had to review dozens of poor-quality options before we found the four probiotic supplements that work best.

However, before we reveal the top four probiotics and explain why they are so good at improving immunity, it may be useful if we help you to understand your immune system a little better and learn how it works.

A Quick Introduction to the Immune System

Although everyone knows the immune system fights disease, not many people understand what it is. Put simply, the human immune system is a network of many parts. It contains proteins, cells, tissues, and organs located throughout the body.

All the various components that form the immune system work together to protect from pathogens, toxins, and even stress.

However, you may be surprised to learn that 70-80% of the immune system is located inside the gut. [ref1]

Once you realize this, it becomes easier to understand why probiotics play such an important role in warding off disease and supporting good health.

Why Probiotics are So Good for Boosting Immune Function

Although all the main action is happening on a microscopic level, the human gut is a very busy place. It’s absolutely teeming with life.

The gut houses a tiny ecosystem that’s made up of viruses, bacteria, and yeasts. Collectively, this thriving colony is known as the gut microbiome.

The colon (large intestine) alone has approximately 40 trillion microbes living on its lining. No two microbiomes are the same.

Some of the bacteria in the gut are “friendly.” Some of them are not.

Also known as “good bacteria,” Probiotics are the friendly kind. In a healthy gut, probiotics dominate harmful bacteria and other pathogens, helping to provide a healthy gut microbiome.

The less desirable molecules are still present but your probiotic bacteria is a form of miniature army that’s constantly fighting on your behalf and keeping them under control.

Probably best seen as the first line of defense, one of the things probiotics do is form a protective barrier that helps stop pathogens from getting through the gut cells and immune system.

Probiotic bacteria also produce acids that inhibit pathogen growth. Some strains of good bacteria further support good health by manufacturing vitamins and short-chain fatty acids.

Strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families are deemed particularly friendly and certain species, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, are known to be especially good at improving immune function.

All the best probiotic supplements for boosting immune function, provide bacteria strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families.

Research shows consuming probiotics is a good way to enhance immune function. Doing so can reinforce the intestinal barrier and activate protective T cells along with multiple additional immune mechanisms. [ref2]

Most Effective Probiotic Supplements for Immune Health

Now you have a better understanding of the way probiotics support immune function, it’s time to take a look at the four products that work best.

However, every probiotic strain offers multiple benefits so each product has value in areas other than enhancing immunity.

You are probably reading this article because you want to attain and maintain a stronger immune system. All four products can help you to do this and, if that’s all you want, ProBiology Gut+ is the option that should work best.

However, you may require additional benefits as well. If this is so, and depending on what you require, one of the other three options may be a more appropriate choice.

#1 ProBiology Gut+ (Editor’s Choice)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROBIOLOGY GUT+ PRICE

Like all the best probiotics, the first thing ProBiology Gut+ does is improve gut health. However, thanks to a well-chosen combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic bacteria strains, it’s extremely good at enhancing immune function as well.

ProBiology Gut+ utilizes a special capsule coating called MAKtrek that helps transport the live bacteria safely to the gut.

If it was not for this special coating, some of the bacteria may be destroyed by stomach acid, causing the supplement to become less effective.

Although many people fail to realize it, this is one of the biggest failings of probiotic yogurts.

We are not knocking yogurts, only pointing out the fact that ProBiology Gut+ has certain advantages.

The capsules also contain some FOS (fructooligosaccharide). FOS is one of the best prebiotic fibers available.

Prebiotics offer no nutritional value. The human digestive organs cannot process FOS but probiotic bacteria thrive on it.

Most of the best probiotic supplements provide prebiotic fiber in one form or another because its ability to nourish your colony of good bacteria can deliver significant improvements in your existing gut microbiome.

ProBiology Gut+ Benefits

The probiotic strains in ProBiology Gut+ provide the following benefits:

• Improves gut health
• Boosts immunity and immune responses
• Reduces the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Enhances nutrient absorption
• Strengthens the gut lining
• Eliminates bloating, cramping, and gas
• Promotes healthy bowel elimination
• May improves skin health and inflammatory response

ProBiology Gut+ Supplement Facts

Each serving of ProBiology Gut+ provides a powerful proprietary blend of probiotic bacteria that delivers 40 billion culture-forming units (CFU).

The bacteria profile consists of the following four strains:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-14)
• Bifidobacterium lactis (BL-04)
• Lactobacillus plantarum (LP-115)
• Lactobacillius paracasei (LPC-37)

As we already pointed out, the capsules also contain FOS and have the MAKtrek special coating.

Most of the strains from the Lactobacillus acidophilus species are associated with improvements in the immune system. However, research suggests LA-14 is one of the best strains for enhancing the respiratory immune response. 

Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 also appears to offer benefits to the liver. Research suggests it may even help alleviate liver injury.

Although this may seem a little off-topic, it’s worth mentioning because the liver is a key player in the human immune response.

Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04 also has good credentials as an immune system enhancer.

Data from a study investigating the immunomodulatory properties of seven probiotic strains show this particular Bifidobacterium lactis strain, together with Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 produced a “humoral response” after polio vaccinations.

At this point, it may be helpful if we explain how the humoral immune response prevents pathogens from spreading from cell to cell via extracellular fluids.

Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115 and Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37 are proven immunity enhancers too.

The results of one study, involving Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37 are particularly interesting. The data shows it produced improvements in immune function when given as a drink.

We have to wonder how good the results may have been if LPC-37 had been delivered to the gut via a MAKtrek-coated capsule.

ProBiology Gut + Pros and Cons

Pros

• High potency (40 Billion CFU)
• Provides FOS
• Has a special protective coating
• Shelf-stable probiotic (no need to refrigerate)
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Only available from the manufacturer’s website
• Due to the high demand, there could be a short wait for restocking if the available stock sells out

#2 1MD Complete Probiotics Platinum

CLICK TO VIEW 1MD COMPLETE PRICING

Complete Probiotics Platinum is a probiotic supplement developed by 1MD Nutrition. The company specializes in gut health so, not surprisingly, its probiotic has a lot to offer.

Complete Probiotics Platinum is designed to offer multiple benefits. You could almost say it’s trying to be a one-shot probiotic cure-all. For that reason, this option has a few more bacteria strains than any of the other top options.

We are including it on this list because some of the probiotics it provides are known to be very good for improving immunity and immune health.

Complete Probiotics Platinum Benefits

The probiotic strains in Complete Probiotics Platinum provide the following benefits:

• Healthy digestive system
• Better immune health
• Protection from vaginal yeast and infections
• Improvements in digestion and whole-body health
• Relief from indigestion and occasional gas and bloating
• Supports nutrient digestion and absorption
• Gastrointestinal lining support
• Maintaining healthy bowel movements

Complete Probiotics Platinum Supplement Facts

Complete Probiotics Platinum provide 51 Billion CFU per serving,

There are 11 probiotic strains in total:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Lactobacillus gasseri
• Lactobacillus salivarius
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Lactospore (bacillus coagulans)

The formulation also has some FOS.

As you may have noticed, although 1MD reveals the bacteria species, it does not disclose the actual probiotic strain. That’s a little disappointing because each family has a lot of strains and every one offers a slightly different range of benefits.

There can be no doubting the supplement’s ability to enhance the gut microbiome and, as we have already pointed out, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis are two of the best species of probiotics for boosting immunity.

Complete Probiotics Platinum also provides Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Study data shows probiotic strains from this species can offer protection from respiratory viruses.

Complete Probiotics Platinum Pros and Cons

Pros

• 51 Billion CFU
• 11 Probiotic strains
• Provides FOS
• Delayed release capsules
• 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• The manufacturer reveals the probiotic species but not the strains

#3 Biotics 8

CLICK TO SEE BIOTICS8 PRICE

Biotics 8 is a high-quality probiotic supplement aimed at men. You can forget the marketing angle. That’s all it is. There is nothing about the supplement that would allow it to be more beneficial for men than it is for women.

In addition to probiotic bacteria, Biotics 8 also provides digestive enzymes and Vitamin D.

We question the value of adding the enzymes because they may harm some of the probiotic strains. However, adding Vitamin D was a very good move.

Research shows Vitamin D can support improvements in gut microbiota.

In addition to doing this, Vitamin D also directly supports healthy immune function. It’s not a recent discovery. Experts have been aware of the connection for a very long time. Almost every cell of the immune system has Vitamin D receptors.

However, Vitamin D is not the only immunity booster in Biotics 8. The vitamin has the benefit of some probiotic help. If it didn’t it would have made our list.

Biotics 8 Benefits

Biotics 8 is designed to offer the following benefits:

• Balances gut bacteria and improve gut health
• Can soothe inflammatory bowel diseases
• Increases immunity
• Calms digestion
• Boosts mood

Biotics 8 Supplement Facts

Biotics 8 provides 10 probiotics. Nine of them are bacteria and the other one is a probiotic yeast:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus paracasei
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Saccharomyces Boulardii (probiotic yeast)

At 20 Billion CFU, Biotics 8 is not as powerful as the other products on this list but it contains some very useful immunity-boosting probiotic species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus

As with Complete Probiotics Platinum, though, the manufacturer is not revealing the strains.

Research shows Bifidobacterium bifidum can have a positive influence on immune function, though. [12]

Lactobacillus casei has proven value as an immunity improver as well. [13]

So do some of the other probiotics that are present. There can be no doubting this Biotics 8’s ability to support improvements in immune function.

However, let’s not forget the CFU is a little lower than the other options. That’s why we cannot rate this option higher.

The presence of digestive enzymes in the formulation does not work in its favor either. However, the addition of Vitamin D very much does.

Biotics 8 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides 10 probiotics
• Contains Vitamin D
• Contains FOS
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Questionable use of digestive enzymes
• The CFU is not as high as the other options
• The manufacturer does not reveal the bacteria strains
• Each bottle only provides a 20-day treatment

#4 Probiotic 40 Billion

CLICK TO VIEW PROBIOTIC 40 BILLION

We have mixed feelings about including Probiotic 40 Billion on this list. Although it should offer all the same benefits as ProBiology Gut+, Probiotic 40 Billion is not an original probiotic supplement. It’s a clone that provides all the same ingredients that are present in the top product but does so under a different label.

Obviously, we cannot slam this option’s abilities. It would be ridiculous to try and do so. However, we do not consider it to be as good as ProBiology Gut+ because the manufacturer does not offer a money-back guarantee.

Nevertheless, it may be worth choosing this option if the top option is out of stock. Despite the name on the label, you will still be getting the same thing. The only thing you won’t get is the money-back guarantee but that’s always nice to have.

Probiotic 40 Billion Pros and Cons

Pros

• High potency (40 Billion CFU)
• Provides FOS
• Can support immune health
• Has a special protective coating
• Shelf-stable probiotic (no need to refrigerate)

Cons

• Not unique probiotics supplement product
• No money-back guarantee

How to Use Probiotics and Probiotic Supplements

Although probiotic supplements have the potential to offer numerous health benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. People whose immune systems are impaired by conditions such as HIV or AIDS will need to discuss their intention to use probiotics with a doctor before they do.

People who are receiving certain types of medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, will also need to seek medical advice before bringing extra probiotic strains into their lives.

Probiotics can also present a risk of minor side effects, such as intestinal gas and diarrhea. However, issues like these generally only occur during the first few days of using probiotic supplements. It all calms down after the body adjusts to the changes in its gut microbiome.

What Other Health Benefits Can a Probiotic Provide?

Probiotics can also help to prevent allergies by reducing inflammation and regulating the immune response. Probiotic supplementation has also been shown to reduce gas and bloating as well as treat yeast overgrowth.

A good probiotic strain has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and improving mood. 

Probiotics are safe for most people to take, but it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement.

Best Probiotics for Immune Health Conclusion

Probiotic supplements are products that provide the gut with regular top-ups of living beneficial bacteria.

The addition of fresh beneficial bacteria enhances the existing gut microbiome improving intestinal health. Many people take probiotics specifically to achieve this aim.

However, the best probiotic supplements also have the potential to provide additional health benefits as well. Improving immune function is just one of them but it’s the benefit we are concentrating on here.

In addition to providing information about the immune system and the ways probiotic strains benefit it, this article also lists the top four probiotic products.

All four probiotics are common entries on all of the most prestigious lists of best probiotics. This is largely due to them being so versatile.

However, although we could have spent more time explaining the many ways each product can enrich lives, we retained focus on the way probiotics benefit immune function. That’s what this article is about.

In closing this article, we feel the need to point out the role probiotics play in good health. As with any other type of supplement, probiotics work best when you incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle that consists of a good diet and regular exercise. It would be foolish to try and use them to provide damage limitation.

Probiotics for Immune System FAQs

Which works best, probiotics or prebiotics?

There is no easy answer to this question. It largely depends on your requirements and circumstances. Probiotics provide live good bacteria. prebiotics provide your probiotic bacteria with food.

As you will have no doubt noticed, all the best probiotic supplements contain both.

If probiotics die in the stomach, are they still beneficial?

Unfortunately, the harsh nature of human stomach acids can kill live probiotic strains. However, some of the bacteria will make it through and get where they need to be.

Many probiotic products navigate around the problem by using pills that have a special coating or are using delivery technology that protects the live bacteria from harm.

Emerging data suggests that, even when dead, certain probiotic strains may still be beneficial.

Why do you need to take probiotics every day?

It’s debatable if there is a need to consume probiotics every day. However, most supplements offer the most benefit when you take them regularly. It’s become standard practice to use probiotics in this way as well.

It’s also worth noting that many of the studies exploring the abilities of probiotics required the participants to take their probiotics supplements every day.

There does not appear to be any advantage to breaking with tradition and it seems likely that daily doses will work best.

Is it possible to overdose on probiotic supplements?

No. However, people who already have unusually healthy gut microbiomes may run the risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Also known as blind loop syndrome SIBO occurs when the probiotic bacteria levels in the small insetting become too high.

What is the best probiotics supplement for immune health?

There are several premium probiotic supplements available over the counter and online that can boost immunity. Probiology Gut+, Biotics8 and 1MD Complete are 3 brands of probiotics that can have a significant benefit to human immune health.