Probiotics on your 11.11 list? What to check before you buy

Gut-health products are some of the most searched supplements in any sale season. They are also some of the hardest to compare, because "gut health" covers several different kinds of formula. Here is what to look at.

Know which type you are looking at

• Probiotics contain live microorganisms. Examples in our Gut Health category include Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics (a multi-strain probiotic with prebiotics) and Ortho Molecular Products Ortho Biotic (a multi-strain probiotic that includes Saccharomyces boulardii, per its listing).
• 3-in-1 formulas combine prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. Gundry MD Bio Complete 3 is listed this way.
• Gut lining formulas focus on different ingredients. 1MD Nutrition GutMD is listed with L-glutamine and a prebiotic, and Gut Alive is listed for gut lining support.
• Combination products pair gut support with something else. Peptiva is listed as a 26 billion CFU multi-strain probiotic with sleep support in the same capsule, taken as one capsule before bed.

Read the CFU and strain list

Many probiotic labels state a count in CFU (colony-forming units) and name each strain. Where a listing gives a CFU number, we show it. Where it does not, check the label image on the retailer's page.

Check count, timing and storage

Capsule counts range from 30 to 60 in this category. Some products state a timing (for example "one capsule before bed"); others do not. Storage instructions, such as whether a product is shelf-stable, also belong on the label. Ortho Biotic's listing describes it as shelf-stable.

The usual caution

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Ask your doctor before starting one if you take medication or have a medical condition.

See all 11.11 picks or compare every product in Gut Health.