Types Of Probiotics

There are many types of probiotics, and they mainly fall under different genera and species of beneficial bacteria and yeasts. Here's a breakdown of the main types of probiotics used in health supplements and fermented foods.

Major Genera of Probiotics

1. Lactobacillus

• One of the most common probiotics.

• Found in yogurt and other fermented foods.

• Benefits: Aids digestion, helps with diarrhea, boosts immunity.

• Common species:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus

• Lactobacillus casei

• Lactobacillus reuteri

• 2. Bifidobacterium

  • Found in the colon and some dairy products.

  • Benefits: Supports digestion, improves gut health, reduces IBS symptoms.

  • Common species:

    • Bifidobacterium longum

    • Bifidobacterium bifidum

    • Bifidobacterium lactis

  3. Saccharomyces boulardii (Yeast)

  • A probiotic yeast, not a bacteria.

  • Benefits: Treats diarrhea (especially antibiotic-related), supports gut health.

  4. Streptococcus thermophilus

  • Used in yogurt and cheese making.

  • Benefits: Helps digest lactose, supports gut immunity.

  5. Enterococcus faecium

  • Sometimes used in animal probiotics.

  • Caution: Can be helpful but also controversial due to antibiotic resistance concerns.

  6. Bacillus (Spore-forming probiotics)

  • Heat-resistant spores, survive harsh gut conditions.

  • Common species:

    • Bacillus coagulans

    • Bacillus subtilis

  • Benefits: Digestive support, immune boost.

  Forms of Probiotics

  • Capsules

  • Powders

  • Fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kombucha)

  Human Probiotics

Why Probiotics Are Important for Humans

• Balance the gut microbiome

• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption

• Boost immunity

• Help control bad bacteria

• Support mental health (gut-brain connection)

• Prevent/treat diarrhea, IBS, constipation, allergies, etc.

Common Human Probiotic Strains & Benefits

1. Lactobacillus species

Found in small intestines and vaginal flora.
Benefits:

• Improves digestion

• Reduces diarrhea, especially antibiotic-related

• Helps with lactose intolerance

• Supports skin health (eczema)

Popular strains:

• L. acidophilus – digestion, immunity

• L. rhamnosus – gut and vaginal health

• L. plantarum – anti-inflammatory

• L. reuteri – oral, vaginal, and gut health

2. Bifidobacterium species

Found mainly in the colon (large intestine).
Benefits:

• Supports bowel regularity

• Reduces bloating and gas

• Improves immune system

• Supports mental clarity and mood

Popular strains:

• B. longum – helps break down carbs, prevents gut inflammation

• B. bifidum – protects gut lining

• B. lactis – boosts immunity

3. Saccharomyces boulardii (Yeast)

A friendly yeast-based probiotic.
Benefits:

• Controls diarrhea (especially due to antibiotics or infections)

• Fights bad bacteria

• Supports gut repair

4. Streptococcus thermophilus

• Used in fermented dairy (like yogurt).

• Helps break down lactose

• Supports gut and immune function

5. Bacillus species (Soil-based spores)

• Can survive stomach acid, colonize the gut.

• B. coagulans and B. subtilis help reduce gas, bloating, and support immune balance.

Animal Probiotics

Why Animals Need Probiotics

• Improve digestion and gut health

• Enhance nutrient absorption

• Reduce diarrhea, gas, and bloating

• Support immune system

• Balance gut bacteria during/after antibiotic use

• Increase growth and performance (especially in livestock)

• Reduce pathogen load (like E. coli, Salmonella)

Common Probiotic Types Used for Animals

1. Lactobacillus species

• Supports digestion, reduces harmful bacteria

• Common in dogs, cats, poultry, and cattle

• Strains: L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. plantarum

2. Bifidobacterium species

• Found in mammal intestines

• Improves digestion and strengthens immunity

• Used in dogs and cats

• Strains: B. animalis, B. bifidum

3. Enterococcus faecium

• Used in pet and livestock probiotics

• Balances gut bacteria, especially after antibiotics

• Also used to improve feed conversion ratio in poultry

4. Bacillus species

• Spore-forming, survive harsh stomach conditions

• Used in livestock and poultry

• Strains: B. subtilis, B. coagulans, B. licheniformis

• Benefits: Improve feed digestion, reduce diarrhea, enhance immunity

5. Saccharomyces boulardii (Yeast)

• Used for pets and calves to reduce diarrhea

• Yeast-based, supports gut lining and prevents harmful microbes