Probiotics have been shown to help ease symptoms of IBS, and there are tons on the market—including specific formulations for men and women. So, we took a closer look at some of the most popular options. We also asked testers to give them a try and had a dietitian review the supplements. Finally, we had two board-certified gastroenterologists weigh in on whether probiotics actually work, what to avoid, and whether probiotics can be taken with a GLP-1 medication.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for most people.

About Our Expert

This article was medically reviewed by Jillian Robillard, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD. Jillian is a licensed and registered dietitian at Whole Balanced Nutrition.

Best Probiotics for IBS of 2026

• Best Probiotic for IBS Overall: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
• Best Probiotic for IBS-C: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Probiotic for IBS-M: AG1
• Best Affordable Probiotic for IBS: Swolverine Probiotix
• Best Probiotic with Prebiotic for IBS: Legion Biome

Best Probiotics for IBS Comparison Table

Probiotics	CFUs or AFUs	Strains	Form	Serving Per Container
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic	53.6 billion AFUs	24	Capsule	30
Ritual Synbiotic+	11 billion CFUs	2	Capsule	30
AG1	10 billion CFUs	5	Powder	30
Swolverine Probiotix	5.75 billion CFUs	7	Capsule	30
Legion Biome	25 billion CFUs	4	Capsule	30

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
CFUs or AFUs	53.6 billion AFUs
Strains	24
Form	Capsule
Serving Per Container	30
Ritual Synbiotic+
CFUs or AFUs	11 billion CFUs
Strains	2
Form	Capsule
Serving Per Container	30
AG1
CFUs or AFUs	10 billion CFUs
Strains	5
Form	Powder
Serving Per Container	30
Swolverine Probiotix
CFUs or AFUs	5.75 billion CFUs
Strains	7
Form	Capsule
Serving Per Container	30
Legion Biome
CFUs or AFUs	25 billion CFUs
Strains	4
Form	Capsule
Serving Per Container	30

Best Probiotic for IBS Overall: Seed DS-01

Our Thoughts on Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is a probiotic and prebiotic designed to relieve bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. The formula includes 24 strains, primarily from the Lactobacillus genus and the Bifidobacterium genus, which research shows are the two most commonly used in probiotics. You can view all 24 strains on the company’s website.

Our tester, Pete, used Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic. He first noted that the product packaging was very thoughtful, as the capsules come in a glass jar that can be reused with Seed’s refill packs. Pete said he also received “a slim, travel-friendly glass vial that looks almost like a test tube,” which makes it easy to bring the capsules on trips (instead of packing the entire glass jar). 

Pete said the capsule itself “is well-designed for a probiotic,” explaining that, “The capsule has an outer layer (chlorophyllin) and inner layer (hypromellose) which can help the capsule stay intact through the stomach acid.” In short, this helps ensure that the actual bacterial strains reach your gut.

Our tester found the instructions easy to follow, rating them a 5 out of 5. After taking two capsules on an empty stomach, as instructed, Pete said, “The capsules aren’t totally tasteless; there is a slight earthy taste to them, but you can swallow them quickly and won’t really taste much.” He rated the product a 3 out of 5 for swallowability and another 3 out of 5 for taste.

While he didn’t notice any side effects, Pete also said he only used the probiotic once during testing. However, he added, “Seed’s DS-01 has been studied fairly extensively, and there are four double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials performed on this product. This does allow Seed to make actual efficacy claims and provides some peace of mind to the consumer knowing they are taking a well-studied product.”

It’s also worth noting that Seed uses AFUs rather than CFUs to measure probiotic cells. AFU and CFU are different measurement techniques for estimating viable bacterial count. In short, CFU counts cells that are both alive and capable of forming colonies, whereas AFU uses a different measurement technique that counts cells that may be alive but not forming colonies.

Learn more in our full Seed Probiotic Review.

Best Probiotic for IBS-C: Ritual Synbiotic+

Our Thoughts on Ritual Synbiotic+

Ritual’s Synbiotic+ includes two probiotic strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12). The company claims that the formula helps support a balanced gut microbiome and is specifically designed to support regular bowel movements and relieve occasional mild bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The product is designed to target undesirable bacteria in the gut, while also prompting the growth of beneficial bacteria. As it’s intended to aid with regular bowel movements, this supplement may be a useful option for people with IBS who experience constipation (aka IBS-C).

Our tester, Kate, tried Ritual’s Synbiotic+. She immediately remarked on the packaging, including the bottle’s “clean and classy font,” but added, “I will say the font is a bit light, which could be hard for some people to read.” Kate rated the instructions a 3 out of 5 for how easy they were to read and follow.

Kate took one capsule daily, as instructed, rating it a 3 out of 5 for swallowability. She also explained, “The pill is a typical double encapsulated pill that’s enterically coated. The coating helps protect the second capsule when traveling through the stomach, so it can break down into your body.” She also noted “an overwhelming mint smell” when she opened the bottle and said the capsule itself tasted mint. “There is a mint aftertaste when you take it as well,” she added. While she didn’t mind and found it pleasant, she noted that someone who doesn’t like mint-flavored things might find it overwhelming. Kate rated the product a 3 out of 5 for taste. 

While Kate didn’t experience any negative side effects, she did notice that some online reviews noted temporary side effects that went away with continued use.

Learn more in our full Ritual Synbiotic+ Probiotic Review.

Best Probiotic for IBS-M: AG1

Our Thoughts on AG1

AG1, the popular greens powder, claims to help with a variety of things, including gut health. Specifically, the company says AG1 boosts digestion and helps ease bloating, and the company’s website links to various research papers (like this one and this one) to support these claims. The formula consists of five probiotic strains—Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus casei LC-11, and Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115—which are meant to help with energy production, digestion, immune defense, bloating, brain health, and mood. We selected it as an ideal option for those with IBD-M, which means “mixed” or alternating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation in addition to abdominal pain and bloating.

Kayla, who tested AG1, had a positive experience. She first examined the product packaging, noting, “The ingredient profile is impressive, with a focus on covering a broad range of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens in one formula.” Kayla said the instructions for AG1 were “straightforward and easy to follow,” rating them a 5 out of 5.

She mixed one scoop of AG1 with cold water as instructed, using a shaker bottle to combine everything. Kayla said, “This product by far has the best solubility out of all the greens powders I have tried. The product was completely dissolved, with zero clumps, and there wasn’t an excessive amount of foam.” She gave the product a 5 out of 5 for how easy it was to mix.

Kayla liked the flavor, too, rating it a 5 out of 5. She said, “The taste of AG1 is mild and earthy, with subtle hints of vanilla that help soften the greens flavor. It’s not overly sweet, and I can taste the stevia slightly, but it’s not overwhelming.” Kayla explained, “The texture is closer to a light juice than a thick smoothie, making it easy to drink quickly.”

Lastly, Kayla said she didn’t experience any side effects, and she loved the taste and convenience of the product.

Learn more in our full AG1 Review.

Best Affordable Probiotic for IBS: Swolverine Probiotix

Our Thoughts on Swolverine Probiotix

Swolverine’s Probiotix formula is a multi-strain blend described as “a balanced spectrum of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus subtilis DE111® to support diverse gut ecology and resilience.” The company says the product may help promote regularity, reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, improve nutrient utilization, and enhance immune response. And as a bonus, it has the lowest cost per serving in the lineup.

Kate, our tester, was a fan of this probiotic—for the most part. While examining the product packaging, she said she liked the clear instructions and additional information, but she didn’t “love the sticky feeling of the wrapping around the bottle.” She rated the product a 5 out of 5 for its instructions.

She took one capsule per day as instructed, saying, “You only need to take one pill per serving so it was very easy to swallow with a sip of water.” She gave it a 5 out of 5 for how easy it was to swallow. Kate gave another 5 out of 5 for taste, explaining, “It has a slight earthy taste when you are taking the supplement, but it does not linger.”

Kate said she didn’t experience any side effects from taking this probiotic, and overall considered it a “great, cost-effective choice” for someone looking to boost digestive health.

Best Probiotic with Prebiotic for IBS: Legion Biome

Our Thoughts on Legion Biome

Legion Biome is a high-quality probiotic supplement and our pick for the best probiotic with prebiotics for IBS. The formula uses clinically effective doses of various probiotics, including bifidobacterium lactis, bacillus subtilis, and lactobacillus plantarum, as well as 1,000 milligrams of their patented PreticX xylooligosaccharide prebiotic. According to 138 peer-reviewed scientific studies, these ingredients may reduce intestinal inflammation and provide relief from common IBS symptoms.

Pete, a registered dietician, tested this product and found the packaging intuitive and polished in appearance. “The label features a black and light green design with text that’s clear and easy to read,” he said. “The screw-top lid opens and closes easily, and the bottle itself is fairly small, making it compact and travel-friendly.”

He also found the 2-capsule serving size easy to manage since the pills were average in size and had no taste. After taking his dose, Pete experienced no gastric distress, no gas or boating, and felt good overall.

What truly won Pete over was the formula, which boasts clinically effective doses, clean ingredients, and a focus on offering premium quality and results above all else. “Legion Biome is designed to support healthy digestion and overall gut function,” he said. “It features well-studied probiotic strains and the prebiotic PreticX xylooligosaccharides too, which feeds beneficial probiotic bacteria and supports a healthy gut biome. Legion also ensures quality and transparency through third-party testing on all their products.”

What is IBS?

According to the National Institutes of Health, irritable bowel syndrome—also referred to as IBS—is a chronic disorder of gut-brain interaction that’s highly prevalent, chronic, and underdiagnosed. IBS typically involves recurring abdominal pain and constipation, diarrhea, or both, and it can greatly impact quality of life.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Probiotics for IBS

Supplement quality varies, but here’s what we focused on during testing.  

Formula

We partner with a registered dietitian to assess product formulas and determine whether product dosages are clinically supported and in line with recommended daily values. 

Swallowability 

We examined each capsule’s size and also noted whether each product was easy or difficult to swallow. We also looked at the supplements’ forms, such as whether they’re in powder or capsule form, and how many servings are required per day.

Third-Party Testing

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, which means ingredients and amounts may differ from what’s on the label. As a result, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.    Value

Here’s how the products compare pricewise.

Probiotics	Price	Cost per serving
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic	$49.99	$1.67
Ritual Synbiotic+	$54	$1.80
AG1	$99	$3.30
Swolverine Probiotix	$26.99	$0.90
Legion Biome	$49.99	$1.67

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Price	$49.99
Cost per serving	$1.67
Ritual Synbiotic+
Price	$54
Cost per serving	$1.80
AG1
Price	$99
Cost per serving	$3.30
Swolverine Probiotix
Price	$26.99
Cost per serving	$0.90
Legion Biome
Price	$49.99
Cost per serving	$1.67

Pro Tip

If none of the above quite match what you’re looking for, we previously reviewed another lower-cost option, Nutricost Probiotic Complex.

How to Find the Best Probiotics for IBS for You

If you’re looking for a probiotic to help with IBS management, here are some things to consider.

Your Personal Needs

Take some time to think about your unique needs and what you hope to accomplish with a probiotic. We also encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as they can help you set realistic health goals.

Form 

Choose a supplement type that won’t require a ton of effort to take consistently. For example, if you really dislike swallowing capsules, see if you can find a powder version of a supplement instead.

Strains

Consider your specific IBS needs and ask your healthcare provider whether a specific probiotic strain would best address them.

Cost

How much do you prefer to spend on a supplement? Price is important, as supplements are often purchased on a recurring basis. So, you might want to think about your monthly budget and how much flexibility you have for a new supplement. There are often options in a wide range of price points, and price doesn’t necessarily indicate quality or efficacy.

Benefits of Probiotics for IBS

“IBS is a disorder where there is dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiome,” says Pradnya Mitroo, an M.D. who’s board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and president of Fresno Digestive Health. “Probiotics are definitely helpful in patients with IBS, especially with bloating,” she notes, adding that she also encourages her IBS patients to eat more probiotic foods, including fermented foods like kefir and kimchi, which can help create better diversity in the gut microbiome. 

Michael Bass, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist specializing in treating GI conditions and a founding medical director of Oshi Health, cautioned that evidence for probiotics’ efficacy is limited to small, inconsistent trials that are generally low quality. “That said,” he adds, “Specific strains do have real RCT evidence for specific symptoms. Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has the most consistent data for overall IBS symptom relief. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Saccharomyces boulardii show reasonable signals in IBS-D. The mechanisms that actually matter clinically are modulating visceral hypersensitivity, tightening the intestinal barrier, reducing low-grade mucosal inflammation, and shifting gas production in the colon.” 

Note: The research links were added by Fortune, not included in Dr. Bass’ original response.

What to Avoid in Probiotics for IBS

Dr. Bass says there are a few things people should watch for:

• For starters, people should avoid “anything that doesn’t disclose the full genus, species, and strain designation, like ‘Bifidobacterium infantis 35624’ instead of just ‘Bifidobacterium,’” says Dr. Bass, explaining, “The evidence in this field is strain-specific down to the numerical identifier, and most shelf products hide behind generic taxonomy.”
• Dr. Bass also said, “Avoid products loaded with high-FODMAP prebiotics like inulin, FOS, or GOS, because those frequently make bloating and urgency worse in IBS patients.”
• Patients with histamine sensitivity should be cautious of certain Lactobacillus strains that produce histamine, says Dr. Bass, noting, “If you’re immunocompromised, talk to your doctor before starting any soil-based Bacillus product.”
• Finally, according to Dr. Bass, people should “skip anything that doesn’t guarantee CFU counts through the expiration date, because dead bacteria don’t do anything.”

Frequently asked questions

What is the best probiotic for IBS sufferers?

There’s no one-size-fits-all probiotic. Dr. Bass says, “IBS isn’t one disease, it’s a syndrome with multiple distinct drivers, which is why a strain that helps one patient can make another one worse.” We suggest speaking with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing IBS and considering adding a new probiotic to your routine.

Should IBS sufferers take probiotics?

People with IBS should speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a probiotic. As Dr. Mitroo explains, “For some IBS patients, probiotics can exacerbate their gas/bloat symptoms.”

Should you take probiotics with GLP-1?

You can take probiotics and a GLP-1, says Dr. Mitroo. As she explains, “GLP-1 is actually a peptide naturally produced in our gut by certain gut bacteria (Akkermansia). For some IBS patients who already have constipation, taking probiotics with the GLP-1 can mitigate the effects of the peptide on the motility of the colon and improve the side effects of constipation.” Dr. Bass agreed, saying, “There’s no known pharmacologic interaction between GLP-1 receptor agonists and commercial probiotics,” and noted, “There’s actually active research looking at whether probiotics can reduce some of the GI side effects of GLP-1 dose escalation, especially nausea, reflux, and constipation.”