Best probiotics for women over 50

Symprove is a unique, water-based supplement that contains four strains of live and active bacteria that are delivered to the gut to support a healthy microbiome. Symprove is different to all the other products listed as it is water-based, which means it doesn’t trigger digestion. The more live and active bacteria surviving passage through the stomach means a better opportunity to colonise the gut. This ability to deliver thriving bacteria to the gut is what makes Symprove unique. Each serving of 70ml of Symprove delivers 10 billion bacteria to your gut, so it is a good programme to start your gut healing journey. It also comes in three flavours, mango and passionfruit, strawberry and raspberry and original.

Our tester said: "I have just completed four weeks of Symprove, and I have to say it has honestly made quite a difference already. Symprove recommends completing a 12-week programme to assess the full results. However, after four weeks, I feel more energetic, my visits to the bathroom have been more regular and consistent, and I do not feel as bloated after eating meals. I have had gut health problems for just over five years and have over fifteen food intolerances and IBS. I have been looking for probiotics that work for me for a while now– and this is the first time I have seen clear results.

"The probiotic comes in a liquid form and contains live bacteria to help support a healthy gut microbiome. I take it as soon as I wake up and wait around fifteen minutes before eating or drinking anything. The first week I experienced mild bloating, nothing irregular for me, but after the second week, I started seeing improvements.

"Once the bottle is open, it will last around seven to eight days and must be kept in the fridge. Each bottle is for a week’s use, so one box will be for a month's usage. I will continue the 12-week programme, and I recommend this to those with more severe gut issues, individuals with food intolerances, or those who would like to try probiotics in liquid form rather than in a capsule."

Anyone who suffers with digestive issues will know the embarrassment when symptoms arise, plus the fear of eating out or trying foods that can trigger a flair up of IBS. This supplement has a post-biotic ingredient to balance cells in the lower gut, which is rarely included in probiotic supplements. Each pack contains 60 capsules, which is one month's supply.

As we age, the process of digestion can slow, meaning food takes longer to move through the digestive tract. The body finds it more difficult to break down foods and get nutrients. Healthspan's Triple Action Biotic is a formulation of pre-, pro and post-biotics that work together to improve your metabolism and digestive health.

This triple-action biotic can help combat digestive complaints such as abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, constipation, flatulence and diarrhoea.

Healthspan Triple Action Biotic contains chicory root fibre to increase your fibre intake. It's also a source of FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) which is a food source for gut bacteria to help them thrive. There are 20 billion probiotic live cultures per capsule. Lactobacillus Acidophilus LA85 and Bifidobacterium Bifidum BBi32 are freeze-dried to ensure they reach the gut alive. Also, the formulation includes the post-biotic Tributyrin to regulate processes in the lower digestive tract.

Customers comment that this supplement has been highly effective in relieving their IBS symptoms, so much so, a review comments that they wished they'd discovered them years ago.

Our 50-year-old tester took two capsules a day with a glass of water. They commented that their motions had changed and were much easier to pass. They were so impressed they're going to continue taking these biotics.

DR. VEGAN Gut Works is an award-winning formula that combines clinically studied probiotics and prebiotics to promote complete gut health, alleviate IBS and bloating, support digestion, mental health and the immune system. It contains inulin and six strains of live cultures, including Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. The key to this effective formula is inulin which is a type of dietary fibre found in many plants that can help other gut-friendly bacteria grow. It is found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables and herbs, including wheat, onions, bananas, leeks, artichokes and asparagus, making this a great prebiotic as well as a probiotic. The testimonials highly praise this supplement for relieving bloating, IBS, cramps and other gut disorders. Online reviews comment that some people notice a benefit within days of taking this product, whilst for others it takes a few weeks. Some of the improvements that people have reported include less bloating, improved wellbeing and energy levels.

Our tester said: "Gut Works is of great benefit if you cannot have dairy and need to replenish the good bacteria in your gut after a course of antibiotics. It's a vegan source of lactobacillus probiotics. I used to get bloated eating beans, lentils and dried fruit. Also, bread and wholegrain breakfast cereals have been a no-no for years. I'm delighted to be able to start to reintroduce a wider range of foods back into my diet without dreading IBS. I noticed an improvement in my digestion within two weeks. My stomach was flatter too. Do stick with it; you may notice changes in the first week or so as your digestive system gets used to it."

We also tested DR VEGAN pH Hero Vaginal Probiotic & Urinary Tract Health. Our tester took these to combat a burning sensation and dryness in the intimate area. For anyone that suffers with UTIs these supplements are an all-natural and effective way of reducing symptoms. You need to take them for at least a month to see the benefits. After four weeks our tester's itchiness and dryness had significantly improved. Our tester was so impressed she is going to continue taking this supplement.

DR VEGAN products can be bought on subscription, whereby you can save 15%.

Nutrigums Happy Tums are suitable for all, aged 5 and above. They are pineapple-flavoured gummies. One bottle has two months' supply, and all you need is one gummy a day in order to get the benefits.

Each gummy contains two types of lactobacillus and 1000mg chamomile to support better digestion. Chamomile relaxes the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. It has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your gut and relieve bloating and gas. Also, Happy Tums are packed with some additional goodies. Vitamin B6 helps the body break down glycogen (stored sugar), make new glucose and support enzymes that convert food into energy. It helps keep your blood sugar levels stable. Also, Happy Tums contains niacin, another B vitamin that helps your body turn food into energy.

Our tester tried these gummies for a month and said: "These are yummy pineapple-flavoured gummies that are a treat to chew, even better if they're doing some good too. The gummies come in a sealed bottle. Just take one a day, although it's tempting to have a couple because they taste so nice. I've made them a part of my daily routine and find it an appealing way to take supplements. I think my skin is looking brighter and my stomach is settled after a month of trying Happy Tums. Also, the hit of B vitamins has given me an energy boost and I feel happy and well. I can be prone to bloating and I've not suffered whilst taking these. I even chowed down on bread, which has been problematic for me in the past, with no issues."

While this is not an overly powerful probiotic, Happy Tums can provide a boost to anyone's digestive system and improve overall wellbeing. Also, they're vegan, GMO-free and contain no artificial colours or flavours.

Aguulp is a supplement brand co-owned by musician Professor Green, which offers 30ml travel-sized liquid supplements. Aguulp for Gut is a mint-flavoured prebiotic designed to optimise your digestion as it contains a blend of soluble fibre, prebiotics, vitamins and amino acids. This helps feed and stimulate good bacteria growth in the gut and aids normal bowel function. The gut supplement contains a powerful blend of soluble fibre, prebiotics (Inulin, GOS, FOS), vitamins and amino acids. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics do not actually contain bacteria. They are fuel to allow bacteria to grow.

Ellen says: "If you forget to take pills frequently and would rather take a liquid supplement, this would be an excellent choice for you. After trying out many prebiotics and probiotics over the years, I have found that liquid supplements seem to have the best effect. In my personal experience, they have a more significant impact on my bowel movements and improve my digestion. This liquid prebiotic has been a lifesaver for me - especially when travelling or going on short trips. They come in 30ml individual sachets, which can fit in your hand luggage liquid allowance as they are under the 100ml limit. I went on a two-week holiday and was able to bring 15 sachets with no issue.

"The mint flavour is excellent and perfect for taking in the morning. I take it as soon as I wake up and wait 10 minutes before eating or drinking anything. I find this helps it work better and gives my digestive system a kickstart for the day."

The ARTAH Enhanced Synbiotic offers support for the microbiome and chances your overall wellbeing and digestion. It contains scientifically studied probiotic strains, digestive enzymes, and unique polyphenolic prebiotics derived from cranberry and pomegranate. This probiotic has the added benefit of powerful plants in addition to essential prebiotic support. Plus, the digestive enzymes help to break down food and aid with nutrient absorption.

Ellen tried these and says: "These are one of the cleanest and most effective probiotic capsules on the market. They contain polyphenol prebiotics rather than fibre-based prebiotics, which can sometimes lead to bloating. When travelling, I heavily relied on these capsules as not only did they keep my gut happy but aided with digestion which is necessary when you eat foods that your body is not used to. They were not bloating and kept my immune system in top shape while being on the go."

Inessa advanced biotic complex has been specifically designed to cater for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD). Inessa’s founder, registered nutritional therapist Aliza Marogy, was diagnosed with IBD as a teenager. This daily probiotic contains the best-studied probiotic strain in the world – Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG. The capsule contains 50 billion organisms and combines seven other probiotic strains which are known to help with IBS and IBD such as saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast shown to reduce inflammation of the colon to soothe the gut. This award-winning probiotic contains no prebiotics, so it is suitable for those who follow a low-Fodmap diet.

Our tester said: "I would recommend Inessa's range of probiotics to anyone with a busy lifestyle. Inessa Advanced Daily Biotic contains one of the most researched live bacteria strains, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG bacteria, and is a great first probiotic to take if you are new to the probiotic world. Additionally, the Inessa Advanced Daily Biotic probiotic provides extra support for when you are traveling, have an inconsistent routine, or are taking antibiotics. One of the best parts is that it does not need to be refrigerated and comes in a small compact bottle, optimal for storing in your bag or bedside table. I usually take it in the morning, around the same time as breakfast, and it helps with my IBS and bloating.

"Another Inessa product that works wonders is the Biosoothe capsules. If you are experiencing bloating or inflammation, this capsule contains ginger, turmeric, zinc, and vitamin D3 to calm your stomach. Since taking this capsule after dinner, I have noticed it has helped me feel less bloated, especially after eating more greasy or dense meals."

The easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsule has a whopping 100 billion colony-forming units (CFU) – the number of viable bacteria per dose – from 34 clinically studied strains, including lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. It offers all the benefits of a true food probiotic with an impressive 30+ probiotic strains. This raw probiotic is a whole-food supplement that emulates eating fermented food. That’s not all – you’ll also get a high-potency dose of raw probiotics thanks to Bulgarian yoghurt concentrate, wild European kefir grains and scobies, and concentrated clinically studied probiotics strains.

This Amazon's Choice recommended product has 1,630 reviews rating it 4.2 out of 5. Customers say they are one of the more expensive probiotics out there, but they are very good quality. One comments that there was a difference in how often they were falling ill before taking the probiotics; now their immune system has been boosted.

This probiotic powder is a fantastic option for those not wanting to take a capsule. To use just, simply mix a 15g serving of Biomel complete gut powder with your milk for a delicious shake that contains 25 billion probiotic cultures from 13 different strains, prebiotic fibres, digestive enzymes, and vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B6, B12 and D and calcium. Alternatively, you can add the powder to a smoothie. It comes in two flavours – Belgian chocolate and unflavoured to suit your needs best.

Customers say it tastes great, sprinkled on cereal or made into a shake. A little is enough, no more than a couple of teaspoons, otherwise it can have the opposite effect. For most, it reduces bloating and gut discomfort. It also promotes regular motions and reduce gas. However, customer reviews indicate that it doesn't work for everyone. Also, do check the ingredients before consuming if you have any major intolerences.

One of the most powerful types of bacteria found in a healthy digestive system is Bifidobacteria. However, the amount of Bifidobacteria found in the gut tends to decline with age. This can lead to an overall decline in nutritional absorption. Renew Life’s Ultimate Flora probiotic can tackle this as it is made with 12 strains of Bifidobacteria and 30 billion active cultures per serving. It is also free from gluten, dairy, and soy.

Customers rate the quality of this probiotic, with its clean ingredients, this is a repeat purchase for many. Also, reviews indicate that it's easy to swallow and a good option if you're travelling as it doesn't necessarily need refrigerating.

This probiotic promotes good urinary tract health and delivers digestive and immune system support. The Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is a triple-action formula that combines cranberry extract, live bacteria strains, and vitamin A to support the immune system and maintain the health of the mucous membranes in the urinary tract. It is suitable for vegetarians, does not require refrigeration, and can be taken alongside antibiotics.

Customers have found this probiotic effective at preventing or recovering from UTIs. But one comments that a packet really only lasts two weeks as you need to take three a day. However, if this works for you it's better than repeated courses of antibiotics. Customers say their quality of life has improved. It's helped people keep cystitis and reoccurring water infections at bay.