Probiotics can be found in some foods, like yogurt and kefir, but probiotic supplements are a popular option for those who aren’t eating tons of fermented foods. After all, many people are more likely to swallow a couple of capsules before work than eat several spoonfuls of kimchi.
Taking care of your gut health isn’t just about feeling good; it can make a big difference in how much energy you have and how you perform at work and in life. Gut health is now widely recognized as extremely important to our overall health, so unsurprisingly, probiotic supplements are everywhere.
There are even products formulated specifically for women, so we weren’t surprised to see a probiotic made for men as well—called Biotics 8. Curious to learn more, we asked Pete, a member of our testing team (and a certified nutrition coach), to try it. Here’s what he had to say about Biotics 8 probiotics.
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.
Our Overall Score
After testing multiple probiotics, our tester gave Biotics 8 a score of 4 out of 5.
Biotics 8
CFUs
Serving size
Servings per container
- Our thoughts: Our tester thought this probiotic was easy to take, but expensive
- Who it’s for: People looking to improve their GI health
- What makes it different: 20 billion CFUs, plus digestive enzymes and vitamin D included in the formula
- Detailed instructions on how to build up to three capsules
- Neutral taste
- Travel-friendly container
- Expensive
- Not third-party tested
- Three-capsule serving size
Biotics 8 Specs
Our Experience with Biotics 8
Biotics 8 is marketed as a “men’s high-performance probiotic formula” that includes 10 probiotic strains, containing a total of 20 billion CFUs. The formula also includes digestive enzymes, vitamin D, and the company says there are no preservatives.
Purported benefits include a restored gut microbiome, all-day energy, easier bowel movements, a stronger immune system, and a happier mood. Note: While the company includes references for these claims, we noticed the references aren’t always recent—one was over 20 years old.
Our tester Pete, who’s also a certified nutrition coach, tried Biotics 8. Here’s what he thought.
What We Liked
Pete gave Biotics 8 solid marks across the board.
- Swallowability (3 out of 5): Pete said the capsules are “relatively small and easy to swallow,” which is especially helpful given that there are three capsules per serving. His rating, 3 out of 5, indicates a fairly average experience.
- Taste (3 out of 5): There was “no taste,” said Pete, rating the product a 3 out of 5 for its neutral flavor.
- Side effects (5 out of 5): After taking the product, Pete said he didn’t experience any negative side effects or digestive issues.
Pete also remarked that the Biotics 8 container was both travel-friendly and “easy to open and close,” and that the label was easy to read. He also appreciated that the instructions suggest starting with one capsule per day for the first four days, taking two capsules for the following five days, and finally taking the recommended three capsules per day. “This gradual introduction allows time for your gut to adjust,” explained Pete.
What We Would Change
There was one significant drawback, however, according to Pete.
- Value (1 out of 5): Pete looked at the formula, noting that it included 20 billion CFUs plus inulin and “a few digestive enzymes including lipase, amylase, and protease,” and concluded, “This is a very expensive supplement for what you get.”
The $2.67 cost per serving is definitely on the pricier side, though the company seems to regularly run promotions—including offering a discount if you purchase multiple bottles at once—that would lower the price.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
A probiotic supplement isn’t for everyone. Here’s who might benefit from this product.
People looking to improve their microbiome health
While Biotics 8 is marketed as a probiotic for men, the formula appears to contain ingredients that could be beneficial to anyone looking to improve their gut health. If you have a specific diagnosis like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease, be sure to check with a healthcare provider to see if this product would be a good fit for you.
Those who don’t eat fermented foods
Many people get probiotics naturally via their diet, by eating foods like kimchi, yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods. But for those who don’t consume probiotic-rich foods, a supplement may be helpful.
As always, we suggest speaking with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine. And we wouldn’t recommend this product for children or those with gastrointestinal disorders who haven’t first consulted with a healthcare provider.
Comparing Biotics 8 to Other Products
Frequently asked questions
Can probiotics help with skin health?
Research shows that gut microbiota has immune properties that can influence skin health. For example, one study notes that oral probiotics have been examined as a possible way to improve the intestinal microbiota and help prevent photoaging of the skin, and that they have been used to help treat other skin issues like atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.
How does Biotics 8 work?
Biotics 8 is a probiotic, and according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Probiotics act mainly in the digestive tract. Once in the digestive tract, probiotics may improve the function of your digestive system and other aspects of health.”
Is Biotics 8 vegan or allergen-free?
The company says its Biotics 8 capsules are “vegetarian friendly.” And while there are no common allergens, such as nuts, eggs, wheat, and so on, users should always check the ingredient list to ensure there’s nothing they might be allergic to.
