Key Takeaways:
- Multi-strain probiotics offer a range of health benefits and can be a more well-rounded probiotic supplement.
- Single-strain probiotics are great for targeting a specific health concern or for people with sensitivities to other probiotic strains.
Probiotics are one of the most popular supplements on the market and for good reason. A healthy gut is the foundation of good health, and finding a probiotic that works for you can make all the difference in how you feel day to day.
When shopping for a probiotic, you’ll find a wide range of both multi-strain and single-strain probiotics. Which is better? Do more strains mean a more effective probiotic? And how do I find the right strain for me?
We’ll take a closer look at the world of probiotic strains and help you understand what’s best for you.
First, what are probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when ingested, can help support many bodily functions, primarily digestive health.* Probiotics are usually bacteria, but certain types of yeast — such as S. boulardii — can also function as probiotics.
You can get probiotics from supplements or from foods prepared with bacterial fermentation. Examples of probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi.
Probiotic supplements deliver these good bacteria directly to your digestive tract and help promote a healthy microbiome.
Understanding probiotic strains
Think of probiotics like a family. You and your siblings may have all descended from the same family tree (the genus) and share the same last name (the species), but you’re unique — you’re different than your brother or sister.
Knowing the bacteria strain lets you understand how it works and how it interacts with other bacteria paired in your probiotic.
Every probiotic strain has a different purpose and can offer different benefits to your body — which is why choosing a probiotic supplement with the right science-backed strains is so important.
Reading the label of a probiotic can make your head spin with all the unfamiliar names. But once you know what to look for, understanding what it all means is quite simple and very important. When you know what you are looking at, you’re better able to make the right choices for your health.
This is how to read the name of a probiotic strain:
Genus → Species → Strain
For example:
| Genus | Species | Strain |
| Lactobacillus | acidophilus | CL1285 |
Different probiotics might have the same genus, but differences in the strain and species make them act differently when it comes to your digestive health.
Multi-strain probiotics
Probiotic supplements with more than one strain of bacteria are called multi-strain probiotics. Each probiotic strain has its own unique benefits for your health, which means a multi-strain probiotic can benefit you in a more well-rounded way.
For example, Solgar® Women’s Complete Probiotic offers eight clinically-studied strains, each with a unique purpose — from supporting vaginal pH to bone density.*
Research has shown that multi-strain probiotics have beneficial effects on multiple health conditions while boosting overall gut and immune function.1 In studies that compared the effect of a mixed supplement compared to its individual component strains, in 75% of cases, the mixture was shown to be more effective.2
When choosing a multi-strain probiotic, it’s important to choose a brand that’s transparent about the strains they use. For example, with Solgar® probiotics, you can find all the strains used and the reason for using them right on the box.
Best multi-strain probiotics
| Probiotic Supplement | Strains & Benefits |
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L. acidophilus La-14 & L. rhamnosus HN001™
For vaginal support* B. lactis Bl-04 Promotes immune health in physically active adults* Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG For occasional travel-related diarrhea* L. plantarum HEAL9, L.plantarum HEAL19 & L. paracasei 8700:2 Support bone mineral density in post-menopausal women* L. paracasei Lpc-37 Clinically shown to reduce perceived stress and exhaustion when mildly or moderately stressed and recover lost sleep while highly stressed* |
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B. lactis HN019 For occasional digestive concerns including regurgitation, abdominal discomfort, gurgling, constipation, irregular bowel movements, and gas* B. lactis Bl-04 L. plantarum Lp-115 L. plantarum HEAL9 & L. paracasei 8700:2 |
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L. plantarum 299v
Provides relief for occasional abdominal discomfort, bloating, and related digestive issues* B. lactis HN019 For occasional digestive concerns including regurgitation, abdominal discomfort, gurgling, constipation, irregular bowel movements, and gas* L. rhamnosus GG For occasional travel-related diarrhea* L. paracasei Lpc-37 Clinically shown to reduce perceived stress and exhaustion when mildly or moderately stressed and recover lost sleep while highly stressed* B. lactis Bl-04 Promotes immune health in physically active adults* |
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Capsimax® Stomach-friendly form of capsicum extract (from red chili peppers) shown to kick-start the body’s natural production of energy (the metabolism)* B. lactis HN019 L. plantarum Lp-115 B. lactis Bl-04 L. plantarum 299v |
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Melatonin & GABA for sleep support* L. paracasei Lpc-37 B. lactis Bl-04 B. lactis HN019 L. plantarum 299v & L. rhamnosus GG |
Single-strain probiotics
Single strain probiotics offer only one probiotic strain. Single-strain probiotics have their own set of benefits.
The primary benefit of a single-strain probiotic is its ability to target a specific health concern. If you have a specific health concern, such as lactose intolerance, a single-strain probiotic may be more effective in addressing that issue.
Single-strain probiotics are also a great option if you have sensitivities to certain strains.
Best single-strain probiotics
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Lactobacillus acidophilus: A beneficial organism that naturally resides in the lower digestive tract.* |
The bottom line
When it comes down to it, choosing between a single-strain probiotic and a multi-strain probiotic depends on your own health needs and preferences. What’s most important, however, is choosing a quality probiotic that offers strains that are backed by rigorous scientific research — like those offered in Solgar® probiotics.
Find the perfect gut health supplement for you by exploring all Solgar® probiotics.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Solgar® site.
