
Lately we've been getting a lot of questions at the counter about probiotic supplements. Beneficial bacteria are critical to a healthy digestive and immune system, and a growing body of research suggests these good bacteria may play a role in a surprising number of health conditions in people of all ages. Your digestive tract is filled with hundreds of bacteria - some good and some bad. In a normal digestive system, the good and bad bacteria strike a careful balance to keep you healthy.
However, a healthy balance can easily become unbalanced with poor food choices, antibiotic use and illness.
Studies have shown that certain probiotics may help support healthy immune response in children, may help decrease Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach, may help patients manage side effects of antibiotics, may help with managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, and may be associated with oral health and a healthy oral microbiome.
Clinical Benefits of Probiotics
Gastrointestinal Health
Probiotics have a beneficial effect on specific pathologic conditions. Many studies support the use of a probiotic food supplement for digestive health. Probiotics may help support healthy digestion during travel and when taking antibiotics.
One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2024 looked at probiotic supplements versus acacia fiber over 4 weeks in people with constipation-predominant IBS, and found probiotics may help ease certain gastrointestinal complaints. Formulas here range widely in strength, from 5 billion CFUs in the kids' chewable up to 85 billion in the women's and men's whole-food blends.
Immune System Health
Beneficial bacteria keep pathogens (harmful microorganisms) in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function.
Candida: Beneficial bacteria such as L. acidophilus and other strains of bacteria may help to keep candida yeast in check. Probiotics help to keep candida from over-colonizing in the digestive tract.
Mental Well Being
Research shows that the gut and brain are connected and it is called the gut-brain axis. Research has found that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety.
A 2023 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed probiotic supplements worked in people with cognitive impairment, which aligns with the bidirectional nature of the gut-brain axis. This is early-stage research, but it’s one reason why the Mood Formula includes specific strains with ingredients aimed at supporting a healthy stress response.
Choosing a Probiotic
Choosing a probiotic can be challenging, but Pathway has introduced 7 new probiotic supplements tailored to specific needs.
1. Organic Kids Comfort - 5 Billion Probiotic plus Vitamins C & D
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote digestive and immune health. Research shows there are many benefits to using probiotic supplements for gut health, especially during early development. Organic Kids Comfort is a great tasting formula that is designed to meet the unique needs of children. Each chewable tablet provides 5 billion CFUs, organic plant-sourced vitamins C and D, as well as an organic prebiotic fiber blend.
2. Mood Formula - 50 Billion Probiotic
Research continues to uncover the importance of the gut-brain connection (two-way communication link between the GI and the central nervous system) and the role that the gut microbiome plays in health and disease. Mood Formula 50 Billion Probiotic contains specific strains of probiotics clinically shown to support mood, emotional well-being, and relaxation. It also contains an organic prebiotic fiber blend to help sustain microflora balance, as well as a blend of nutrients and herbs to support a healthy stress response.
3. Urinary Formula - 50 Billion Probiotic
Urinary Formula 50 Billion Probioticis designed to support urinary tract, digestive, and immune health. Key ingredients include organic vitamin D3, clinically studied probiotic strains, a prebiotic fiber blend, as well as Cran-Max® Cranberry, a pure cranberry concentrate.
4. Women’s 85 Billion Probiotic
This whole food probiotic formula is designed to specifically meet the needs of women and support vaginal health and overall digestive function. Women's 85 Billion Probiotic contains organic food-sourced vitamins and minerals, a blend of organic fruits, veggies and mushrooms, probiotic strains derived from kefir cultures, and an ultra-digestive enzyme blend.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or taking antibiotics, ask your doctor about when to take it and the amount to consume.
5. Active Women’s 50+ 85 Billion Probiotic Formula
Designed specifically for women age 50 and over, this comprehensive formula helps to optimize digestion and absorption, and support colon health, bowel regularity, and immune strength. Active Women's 50+ 85 Billion Probiotic features whole-food sourced vitamins and minerals, a blend of organic fruits, veggies and mushrooms, a blend of high-potency probiotics from kefir, as well as digestive enzymes.
6. Men’s 50 Billion Probiotic
Men’s 50 Billion Probiotic Formula is designed to meet the needs of men and promote colon, immune, prostate, and heart health, as well as support overall digestion and absorption. It features whole-food sourced vitamins and minerals, a blend of organic fruits, veggies and mushrooms, a blend of high-potency probiotics from kefir, as well as digestive enzymes.
7. Active Men’s 50+ 85 Billion Probiotic Formula
Designed specifically for men over 50, this high-potency probiotic formula may help support digestion and absorption, colon health, and immune function. Active Men's 50+ 85 Billion Probiotic features whole-food sourced vitamins and minerals, a blend of organic fruits, veggies and mushrooms, a blend of high-potency probiotics from kefir, as well as digestive enzymes.
Learn More
Need help choosing the right one? Contact Village Gree Apothecary for help with finding the right probiotic for your needs.
There are some common questions we get asked all the time at the counter. Here’s a rundown on how probiotics work and what to expect when trying out a new formula.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics
What are probiotics supplements for women?
Probiotics supplements for women are beneficial bacteria formulas designed to meet the specific needs of women. Village Green offers the Women's 85 Billion Probiotic, a whole food formula with organic food-sourced vitamins and minerals, a blend of organic fruits, veggies and mushrooms, probiotic strains derived from kefir cultures, and an ultra-digestive enzyme blend. Strains like Lactobacillus may help support vaginal and urinary health along with digestion and overall digestive function.
What supplements contain probiotics?
Pathway offers seven probiotic formulas tailored to specific needs. These include Organic Kids Comfort with 5 billion CFUs plus vitamins C and D, the Mood Formula at 50 billion, the Urinary Formula at 50 billion with Cran-Max Cranberry, the Women's 85 Billion, Active Women's 50+ 85 Billion, Men's 50 Billion, and Active Men's 50+ 85 Billion. Many feature whole-food sourced vitamins and minerals, organic fruits, veggies and mushrooms, and digestive enzymes.
How do probiotics help support immune system health?
Beneficial bacteria keep pathogens, or harmful microorganisms, in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function. Certain probiotics may help support a healthy immune response in children. Strains such as L. acidophilus may help keep candida yeast in check and help keep candida from over-colonizing the digestive tract. Several of the Pathway formulas, including the Men's, Women's, and Active 50+ blends, are designed to support immune health.
Can probiotics help with mood and mental well being?
Research shows the gut and brain are connected through what is called the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication link between the GI tract and the central nervous system. Research has found that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety. This is early-stage research, which is one reason the Mood Formula includes specific strains clinically shown to support mood, emotional well-being, and relaxation, along with nutrients and herbs for a healthy stress response.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- PubMed: Acacia fiber or probiotic supplements to relieve gastrointestinal complaints in constipation-predominant IBS (2024)
- PubMed: Probiotic supplements are effective in people with cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2023)
- Advances in Nutrition: Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics (2018)
- PubMed: Probiotics for treating eczema (2018)
- PubMed: Probiotics to improve outcomes of colic in the community (Baby Biotics RCT, 2012)
- PubMed: Probiotic supplements might not be universally-effective and safe: A review (2019)
- PubMed: Authenticity of probiotic foods and dietary supplements (2022)
- PubMed: A specific synbiotic-containing amino acid-based formula in cow's milk allergy (2019)
- PubMed: Probiotic supplements (2013)
- Harnessing the gut microbiota in extra-intestinal cancers: from causal evidence to immunotherapy strategies (2026)
- World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) guideline update - XII - Recommendations on milk formula supplements with and without probiotics for infants and toddlers with CMA (2024)
- Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 Improves Protein Absorption and Utilization (2017)
- Role of Probiotics in Managing of Helicobacter Pylori Infection: A Review (2017)
- Probiotics in Disease Prevention and Treatment (2018)
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