The importance of a healthy digestive system cannot be overstated. Besides balancing the microbiome of your gut, probiotics also offer a whole host of amazing benefits for your overall health and wellbeing. In fact, studies show that our gastrointestinal system is closely linked to our brain and moods. Hence, chronic stress and anxiety can bring about severe digestive distress.

On the other hand, issues such as bloating, flatulence and constipation can in turn trigger anxiety and even more stress. To help you understand probiotics better, we’ll be taking a look at their role in our gut health and the best probiotics you can include in your daily diet.

What are probiotics?

Essentially, probiotics are the good guys – live bacteria which are amazing for balancing the natural flora in your gut. In addition to improving your digestive health, probiotics also help to fight bad bacteria and bolster your immune system.

Studies show that each of us has 39 to 300 trillion bacteria present in our bodies – most of which stay in our gut. While some are helpful or otherwise harmless, a small amount of this bacteria can trigger disease and inflammation.

So a daily dose of good bacteria can play a huge role in improving your overall gut health and staving off bacterial infections and illnesses. There are many strains of probiotics available and some of the most commonly known ones are Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Acidophilus.

What are the benefits of probiotics?

benefits-of-probiotics

On top of fortifying your immune system and improving your digestive health, probiotics also provide the following benefits:

  • Reduces bloating, flatulence and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Better bowel movements and less constipation
  • Alleviates discomfort from diarrhea
  • Healthy skin and less acne breakouts
  • Provides relief for gastrointestinal issues like gastric / heartburn
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Reduces the occurrence of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
  • Indirectly improves your mood from having a healthy gut

Which foods contain probiotics?

Usually, you can get your daily dose of healthy bacteria from drinks like Vitagen and Yakult which you can easily find in our local supermarkets.

You can also find it present in foods like yogurt, kimchi, miso, kombucha, tempeh, kefir, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and even some varieties of cheese.

Alternatively, you can even take probiotics in pill supplement of soluble form. When you’re fighting a bacterial infection, a doctor will normally prescribe you with antibiotics. However, antibiotics are notorious for killing off the good bacteria that is present in your gut.

As a result, it can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and even dizziness in some individuals. Hence, it’s important to replenish your good bacteria to keep any digestive discomfort in check.

How much should I take on a daily basis?

probiotics-supplements

According to clinical studies, you will require about 1 to 2 billion Colony-Forming Units (CFU) daily to yield optimal results and notice an improvement in your gut health. Basically, CFU is the measurement unit that we use for probiotics.

At the same time, other strains of good bacteria are more effective with a daily consumption of up to 20 billion CFU. Although there are no adverse effects from overdosing on probiotics, taking more than required won’t actually yield any additional benefits.

So just taking just what you need on a daily basis is more than sufficient.

12 Best probiotic supplements in Malaysia for a healthy digestive and immune system

Besides incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet, here are some of the best probiotic supplements for women to maintain a healthy and well-balanced digestive system.

1. INNOLAC Probiotics + Prebiotics Supplement

INNOLAC Probiotics + Prebiotics Supplement

Containing 7 strains of Probiotics combined with Prebiotics, Innolac’s Probiotics + Prebiotics is a daily supplement that the whole family, including children and babies aged 1 year old and above, can take for a happy and healthy gut. Per sachet contains 30 million CFU Probiotics that can easily be ingested on their own, or mixed with water or juice.

Why we love it:

  • Ideal to be taken by adults, children, and babies aged 1 year old
  • Improves immunity and gut health
  • Boosts skin glow

Price: RM45.00 / 30 sachets per box

Where to buy: Available at all leading pharmacies nationwide and online at EubosOnline

2. California Gold Nutrition LactoBif 100 Probiotics

Next, we have LactoBif 100 by California Gold Nutrition which contains 100 billion CFU per veggie capsule. Additionally, it also contains 8 active and clinically-tested probiotic strains including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium. The capsules also come in foil seals to uphold the live state of the good bacteria.

Why we love it:

  • No refrigeration is necessary
  • Vegan and vegetarian friendly
  • Free of dairy, gluten, soy and GMOs

Price: RM114.15

Where to buy: iHerb.

3. Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics Supplement

Made in Japan, this is one supplement that contains pre, pro and postbiotics for a healthy and well-balanced gut flora. With a unique 3-year fermentation process behind it, this daily supplement by Dr. Ohhira’s contains a combination of live cultures, whole foods and post-biotic metabolites.

Why we love it:

  • Vegetarian and vegan friendly
  • Free of GMOs, gluten, dairy
  • Fortifies existing bacteria in the body while introducing healthy probiotics

Price: RM202.75.

Where to buy: iHerb.

4. Bioxil VitalZyme 100% Natural Daily Enzyme Drink

With the advancement of technology and research, VitalZyme, a winner of 2022 Beauty Insider Awards offers a blend of up to 126fruits and plants in every convenient 15g serving. This 100% natural enzyme drink is powered up with double NUTRI technology to provide you with a better bio-availability of potent antioxidants, organic acids and phytonutrients in each serving, with better absorption rates.

Why we love it:

  • 100% natural enzyme drink
  • Blend of up to 126fruits and plants
  • Taste fruity

Price: RM98

Where to buy: Bioxil

5. Nutrition Now PB8 Probiotic

Next on the list, is PB8 by Nutrition Now – a supplement that contains 8 strains of probiotics and 14 billion live cultures. Since it has been around for several years, they have improved their formulation over the years. Besides being quite affordable, it also contains quality ingredients in its formulation.

Why we love it:

  • Free of milk, gluten and soy
  • Housed in a BPA-free bottle
  • Affordable and effective

Price: RM69.85.

Where to buy: iHerb.

6. Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic

Now here’s another affordable probiotic supplement that is also highly effective in improving your digestive health. The Acidophilus Probiotic by Nature’s Bounty contains 120 tablets and each of it contains 100 million live cultures.

With over 5 decades of history behind and lots of good reviews, it is one you can consider if you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet effective probiotic supplement. In addition to improving your digestive health, its strain of acidophilus bacteria can also help lower the risk of eczema flare-ups.

Why we love it:

  • Affordable and effective
  • High percentage of live cultures
  • Contains the strain Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Price: RM31.25.

Where to buy: iHerb.

7. Garden Of Life Raw Probiotics for Women

If you’re looking for a probiotic supplement that’s specifically suitable for women, then look no further than Garden of Life’s Raw Probiotics for Women. In addition to 85 billion live cultures, it also contains 32 probiotic strains. Moreover, it also contains a combination of vitamins, enzymes, prebiotics and minerals to keep urinary tract and vaginal yeast infections in check.

Why we love it:

  • Great for women
  • Fortifies immune system and fights off infections
  • Free of fillers, gluten and GMOs

Price: RM414.20.

Where to buy: iHerb.

8. Enzymedica Digest Basic + Probiotics

Do you usually deal with bloating discomfort and constipation? Then you might want to consider the Digest Gold + Probiotics supplement by Enzymedica. In addition to advanced enzymes, it contains 1.5 billion live culture per capsule and is particularly effective for alleviating gastric, flatulence and other digestive issues.

Why we love it:

  • Vegetarian friendly
  • 1.5 billion live culture per daily dose
  • Free of GMOs

Price: RM57.25

Where to buy: iHerb.

9. AOR Probiotic 3

Another one of the best probiotics on the list is this one by Advanced Orthemolecular Research (AOR). Because of high dosage of probiotics, it is recommended for those who are currently on a course of antibiotics. Normally, you can take about 1 to 2 capsules per day. However, you can bump it up to 3 if you’re on antibiotics to increase the amount of good bacteria present in your gut.

Why we love it:

  • Free of gluten and GMOs
  • Vegan and vegetarian friendly
  • Suitable if you’re currently on antibiotics

Price: RM169

Where to buy: iHerb.

10. Zenwise Health Daily Digestive Enzymes

Now here’s a supplement with a good balance of prebiotics, probiotics as well as digestive enzymes for a healthy and happy gut. On top of boosting your immune system and gut health, this supplement also helps to improve energy levels and absorbs quickly into your system.

Why we love it:

  • Vegetarian friendly
  • Fast absorption
  • Alleviates digestive discomfort and inflammation

Price: RM105.55

Where to buy: iHerb.

11. OHMS Probiotics Gold

Finally, we have yet another Japanese probiotics supplement by OHMS which is also researched by Dr. Ohhira. Besides 12 different strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, it also contains a whopping 900 million CFU per veggie capsule. Because the fermentation and formulation process is quite long, this can be more expensive than other regular probiotic supplements on the market. However, the quality is unparalleled and is significantly beneficial for individuals dealing with constipation and bacterial infections.

Why we love it:

  • Premium quality probiotics
  • Vegetarian friendly
  • 900 million live cultures per capsule

Price: RM156.

Where to buy: Lazada.

12.  OSN Active Guard Probiotic

This product is one of the best probiotics in Malaysia, however, it comes with quite a bit of a hefty price tag – but before you skip this one you might want to know some of its benefits and why it’s a good investment. 

The OSN Active Guard Probiotic is supported by a three-year natural fermentation process that uses plant-derived ingredients. It contains 17 probiotic strains and is well-known for its gradual yet effective impacts, notably for women’s health and bloating relief. It is suitable for pregnant women, vegans, and anyone with stomach problems. Likewise, it does, however, necessitate dedication—taking it on an empty stomach per day. 

On the plus side, it has a number of health benefits, including enhanced intestinal and vaginal gut health, decreased bloating, and increased immunity. It’s also vegan and high in vitamin B. Just bear in mind that it could take up to six months to experience the full effects, and that consistent dosing is required to maintain optimum health.

Why we love it:

  • Plant-derived ingredients
  • Bloating relief
  • Suitable for pregnant women, vegans, and stomach problems
  • Increased immunity

Price: RM198

Where to buy: OSN’s e-store

13. NOW Foods Probiotic-10

Let’s talk about NOW Foods Probiotic-10, a fantastic choice for anyone with gluten or soy sensitivities. This probiotic supplement has got you covered! With a generous 25 billion living units, it packs a punch in terms of beneficial bacteria.

Not only does Probiotic-10 aid in digestion within the GI tract, but it also works wonders for maintaining a healthy intestinal lining. And that’s not all—this remarkable supplement even gives your immune system a boost, ensuring you stay in tip-top shape.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s gluten-free and soy-free? That means you can enjoy it worry-free, without any concerns about those pesky sensitivities.

With its impressive bacteria count and its ability to promote digestive wellness and strengthen your immune system, it’s a real game-changer. Give it a try and experience the positive benefits for yourself!

Why we love it:

  • Free of gluten and soy
  • Enhances immune system
  • Promotes digestive wellness

Price: RM172.85

Where to buy: Shopee

14. 21st Century Probiotics

This product may work wonders to your health! The 21st Century Probiotics is a unique vitamin that promotes healthy gastrointestinal processes. 

It works wonderfully for keeping a healthy intestinal tract, boosting the immune system, and supporting liver functions because it contains four different types of probiotics. It’s a terrific addition to your wellness routine and comes in a convenient package of 30 capsules.

What are the benefits? It not only boosts your immune system, but also enhances liver function and promotes digestive health. Sow all the advantages of 21st Century Probiotics and take a step towards a healthy you!

Why we love it:

  • Boosting the immune system
  • Enhances liver functions
  • Promotes digestive health

Price: RM16.90

Where to buy: Guardian

15. GreenLife Essential Pre & Probiotics 

With GreenLife Essential Pre & Probiotics, you can bid farewell to stomach discomfort caused by gas and bloating! This fantastic supplement is here to give your gut the relief it needs. 

Best of all, it’s suitable for vegetarians and completely free from dairy and sugar.

Not only does it support your gut health on a daily basis, but it also gives your immune system a boost. Originating from Japan, this formula is carefully crafted without any preservatives, artificial colourings, or flavouring agents.

The delightful natural blackcurrant flavour and the added benefits of cleansing and detoxifying. It’s a win-win! So, if you’re ready to bid farewell to digestive discomfort and welcome a healthier gut, this fella is your new best friend.

Why we love it:

  • Vegans, dairy, and sugar-free product
  • Natural blackcurrant flavour
  • Promotes digestive wellness
  • Boost the immune system

Price: RM103

Where to buy: Watsons

16. Lacto-5 Locally Derived Probiotics

Lacto-5 Locally Derived Probiotics is the perfect supplement tailor-made for Malaysians like yourself! With its Halal certification, you can trust that it meets your dietary preferences and requirements.

This probiotic is formulated with locally derived bacteria strains that are specifically designed to thrive in our unique guts. These friendly strains not only adapt well, but also provide long-lasting effects that your gut will love.

By incorporating it into your daily routine, you’ll experience improved digestion, a strengthened immune system, reduced lactose intolerance, and enhanced mineral absorption. 

Moreover, Lacto-5 is versatile and suitable for the whole family! From kids to adults, everyone can enjoy the benefits of Lacto-5, eliminating the need to buy separate probiotics. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all ages
  • Strengthened immune system
  • Reduce lactose intolerance
  • Improved digestion and mineral absorption

Price: RM48.10

Where to buy: Guardian

Make sure to follow Beauty Insider on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates.