Best Probiotics for Constipation (2026)

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, and the right probiotic can help restore regularity without relying on harsh laxatives. Research shows that specific strains — particularly Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bacillus coagulans — can increase stool frequency, improve consistency, and support overall gut motility. The best probiotics for constipation deliver targeted strains at effective doses with delivery systems that ensure the bacteria reach your intestines alive. Here are the top options for 2026.

Quick Comparison

Product	CFU Count	Key Strains	Form	Best For
Physician’s CHOICE 60 Billion CFU	60 Billion	10 strains + prebiotics	Capsules	Best Overall
Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Colon Care	50 Billion	33 strains	Capsules	Best for Colon Health
Vital Planet Intense Care Colon & Constipation	65 Billion	66 strains	Capsules	Best Targeted Formula
Snap Supplements Gut Health	10 Billion	Multiple + enzymes	Capsules	Best Gut Health Bundle
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic	53.6 Billion	24 strains	Capsules	Best Premium
Align Probiotic Pro Formula	1 Billion	B. longum 35624	Capsules	Best Single-Strain
Transparent Labs Gut Health	100 Billion	10 strains	Capsules	Most Potent
Phillips’ Colon Health	1.5 Billion	3 strains	Capsules	Best Drugstore Option
Dr. Berg Probiotic	60 Billion	Multiple strains	Capsules	Best for Bloating + Constipation
Culturelle Pro Strength Daily	12 Billion	3 strains + prebiotics	Capsules	Best from a Trusted Brand

1. Physician’s CHOICE 60 Billion CFU – Best Overall

A high-potency probiotic with 10 diverse strains and organic prebiotics specifically designed to support occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

Physician’s CHOICE consistently ranks among the best-selling probiotics on Amazon, and for good reason. The 60 billion CFU formula features 10 probiotic strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis — both of which have strong clinical evidence for improving bowel regularity. The acid-resistant capsules protect the bacteria through stomach acid, while the included organic prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria once they reach the gut. Third-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, it delivers reliable constipation support at an accessible price point.

• Pros:
• 60 billion CFU with 10 diverse strains
• Acid-resistant capsules for maximum survival
• Organic prebiotics included
• Third-party tested and GMP-certified

• Cons:
• Some users report mild gas during the first week
• Only 30-day supply per bottle

Best for: Anyone looking for a well-rounded, high-potency probiotic to address constipation and overall digestive health

2. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Colon Care – Best for Colon Health

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A colon-specific probiotic with 50 billion CFU from 33 raw probiotic strains, plus added digestive enzymes and prebiotics.

Garden of Life’s Colon Care formula is specifically designed to promote regular, comfortable bowel movements. The 50 billion CFU comes from 33 different probiotic strains with a heavy emphasis on Bifidobacterium species — the primary beneficial bacteria found in a healthy colon. The formula also includes raw organic fruits, vegetables, and Bulgarian yogurt concentrate for additional digestive support. It’s shelf-stable, vegetarian, gluten-free, and contains no binders or fillers. The diverse strain profile makes it one of the most comprehensive colon-focused probiotics available.

• Pros:
• 33 probiotic strains specifically chosen for colon health
• High Bifidobacterium content for large intestine support
• Includes raw organic fruits and vegetables
• Doctor-formulated by David Perlmutter, M.D.

• Cons:
• May require refrigeration for maximum potency
• Higher price point than general probiotics

Best for: People who want a probiotic specifically engineered for colon health and regular bowel movements

3. Vital Planet Intense Care Colon & Constipation – Best Targeted Formula

A specialized 4-in-1 formula combining 65 billion CFU from 66 strains with prebiotics, postbiotics, and parabiotics for targeted constipation relief.

Vital Planet’s Intense Care formula is purpose-built for constipation. The 65 billion CFU comes from 66 diverse strains, with an emphasis on Bifidobacteria — the dominant microflora in a healthy colon. What makes this stand out is the 4-in-1 approach: probiotics, organic prebiotics, postbiotics, and parabiotics all working together for comprehensive microbiome support. The formula includes clinically researched strains specifically shown to help ease occasional constipation and promote regular bowel movements. It’s one of the most strain-diverse constipation-specific probiotics on the market.

• Pros:
• 66 diverse strains — exceptional strain diversity
• 4-in-1 formula (probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, parabiotics)
• Clinically researched constipation-specific strains
• High Bifidobacterium content for colon health

• Cons:
• Premium price for a 30-day supply
• Larger capsule size

Best for: People with persistent constipation who want the most targeted, comprehensive probiotic formula available

4. Snap Supplements Gut Health – Best Gut Health Bundle

A comprehensive gut health formula combining probiotics with digestive enzymes and organic greens for improved digestion and regularity.

Snap Supplements approaches constipation relief through a broader gut health strategy. Their bundle combines probiotics with digestive enzymes that help break down food more efficiently, reducing the undigested material that can contribute to sluggish bowel movements. The organic spirulina and chlorella add fiber and nutrients that support overall digestive function. This multi-angle approach can be particularly effective for people whose constipation stems from poor digestion rather than a simple lack of beneficial bacteria. The vegetarian capsules are manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.

• Pros:
• Multi-pronged approach to digestive health
• Digestive enzymes help break down food more efficiently
• Organic greens add fiber and nutrients
• GMP-certified manufacturing

• Cons:
• Lower CFU count than dedicated probiotic supplements
• Bundle format may not suit everyone’s needs

Best for: People who want overall digestive support with probiotics, enzymes, and greens in one supplement

5. Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic – Best Premium

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A clinically studied synbiotic with 24 strains and patented double-capsule delivery designed to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines intact.

Seed’s DS-01 has been specifically studied for its effects on bowel regularity, with clinical trials showing improvements in stool frequency and consistency. The 53.6 billion AFU formula includes strains from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus families that are well-documented for constipation relief. The patented ViaCap capsule-in-capsule technology provides superior protection against stomach acid, ensuring significantly more live bacteria reach the intestines compared to standard capsules. The formula also addresses gut barrier integrity, which plays a role in overall digestive function.

• Pros:
• Clinically studied for bowel regularity
• Patented double-capsule delivery system
• 24 strains with strong research backing
• Eco-friendly refill packaging

• Cons:
• Premium price (~$50/month subscription)
• Only available through subscription or direct purchase

Best for: People willing to invest in a premium, clinically validated probiotic with superior delivery technology

6. Align Probiotic Pro Formula – Best Single-Strain

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A gastroenterologist-developed probiotic featuring the unique Bifidobacterium longum 35624 strain for digestive comfort and regularity.

Align uses a single proprietary strain — Bifidobacterium longum 35624 (also known as Bifantis) — that was developed by gastroenterologists specifically for digestive health. While it delivers only 1 billion CFU, this particular strain has been clinically shown to help with bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort associated with constipation. The simplicity of a single, well-researched strain appeals to people who prefer a targeted approach over multi-strain formulas. Align is the #1 gastroenterologist-recommended probiotic brand and has been studied in over 50 published papers.

• Pros:
• #1 gastroenterologist-recommended brand
• Proprietary strain with extensive clinical research
• Simple one-capsule, one-strain approach
• No refrigeration required

• Cons:
• Only 1 billion CFU — low compared to alternatives
• Higher cost per capsule for a single-strain product

Best for: People who prefer a single, well-researched strain recommended by gastroenterologists

7. Transparent Labs Gut Health – Most Potent

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A 100 billion CFU probiotic with 10 strains and full-label transparency — no proprietary blends hiding ingredient amounts.

Transparent Labs delivers 100 billion CFU from 10 probiotic strains, making it the highest-potency option on this list. The formula includes key constipation-fighting strains like Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which research has shown can increase defecation frequency and soften stool. True to the brand’s commitment to transparency, every strain and its exact CFU count is listed on the label — no proprietary blends. The formula is third-party tested and free from artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives. It’s a strong choice for people who haven’t found relief from lower-potency options.

• Pros:
• 100 billion CFU — highest potency on this list
• Complete ingredient transparency
• Key constipation-targeting strains included
• Third-party tested, no artificial additives

• Cons:
• High potency may cause initial bloating or gas
• Premium price point

Best for: People with stubborn constipation who need maximum probiotic potency and value ingredient transparency

8. Phillips’ Colon Health Daily Probiotic – Best Drugstore Option

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A widely available 4-in-1 probiotic capsule that helps defend against occasional gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

Phillips’ Colon Health is the most accessible option on this list, available at virtually every pharmacy and grocery store. The 4-in-1 formula uses 1.5 billion CFU from three targeted strains — Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum — to address the four most common digestive complaints. While the CFU count is modest, the strains are well-chosen for colon-specific support. The capsules are small, easy to swallow, and don’t require refrigeration. For people who want to grab a probiotic during their regular shopping trip without researching specialty brands, this is a reliable choice.

• Pros:
• Widely available at pharmacies and grocery stores
• Targets gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea
• Small, easy-to-swallow capsules
• Affordable price point

• Cons:
• Only 1.5 billion CFU — lowest on this list
• Only 3 strains

Best for: People who want a convenient, no-research-required probiotic available at their local pharmacy

9. Dr. Berg Probiotic – Best for Bloating + Constipation

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A 60 billion CFU pre- and probiotic formula designed to ease occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating simultaneously.

Dr. Berg’s probiotic targets the common combination of bloating and constipation that many people experience together. The 60 billion CFU formula uses carefully selected strains that address both symptoms — reducing gas production while improving bowel transit time. The included prebiotics help establish and maintain the probiotic colonies for longer-lasting results. Dr. Berg is a well-known health educator, and this formula reflects his focus on practical, results-driven supplementation. Each bottle contains 30 capsules for a one-month supply.

• Pros:
• Addresses both bloating and constipation together
• 60 billion CFU with prebiotics included
• Developed by a well-known health educator
• One capsule per day dosing

• Cons:
• Higher price than comparable products
• Limited third-party testing transparency

Best for: People dealing with both bloating and constipation who want a formula targeting both symptoms

10. Culturelle Pro Strength Daily – Best from a Trusted Brand

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A pro-strength formula with 12 billion CFU from 3 clinically studied strains plus prebiotics from the most trusted probiotic brand.

Culturelle Pro Strength offers a higher-potency version of their standard formula, with 12 billion CFU from three clinically studied strains plus prebiotics. The formula includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG — the most clinically studied probiotic strain in the world, with over 1,000 published studies. It’s specifically designed to support occasional diarrhea, gas, and bloating, all of which frequently accompany constipation. Culturelle’s reputation as the #1 pharmacist-recommended probiotic brand gives consumers confidence in the product’s quality and consistency. The two-month supply (60 count) offers good value.

• Pros:
• #1 pharmacist-recommended probiotic brand
• Includes the extensively studied L. rhamnosus GG strain
• Two-month supply per bottle
• Prebiotics included for enhanced effectiveness

• Cons:
• 12 billion CFU is moderate for constipation-specific needs
• Not specifically labeled as a constipation formula

Best for: People who want a higher-potency probiotic from the most trusted brand with extensive clinical backing

How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Constipation

Strain selection is the most critical factor when choosing a probiotic for constipation. Look for formulas that include Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, or Bacillus coagulans — these strains have the strongest research supporting their ability to increase stool frequency and improve consistency. Multi-strain formulas that combine several of these strains often outperform single-strain products, though a well-researched single strain like L. rhamnosus GG can also be effective.

For constipation specifically, moderate to high CFU counts tend to produce better results. A range of 10 to 60 billion CFU is a good starting point, with higher counts (50 to 100 billion) potentially helpful for more persistent constipation. Start on the lower end and increase if needed, as high-potency probiotics can cause temporary gas and bloating as your gut adjusts. Formulas with added prebiotics can enhance results by feeding and supporting the probiotic colonies.

Delivery mechanism matters more for constipation than for general gut health. Acid-resistant capsules and delayed-release technology help ensure the probiotic bacteria survive stomach acid and reach the large intestine, which is where constipation originates. Avoid gummy probiotics if constipation is your primary concern — capsule-based formulas typically deliver higher, more consistent doses of the strains that matter most for regularity.

Be patient and consistent. Most people notice improvements in bowel regularity within one to four weeks of daily probiotic use. Combine your probiotic with adequate hydration (at least 8 cups of water daily), fiber-rich foods, and regular physical activity for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which probiotic strain is best for constipation?

Bifidobacterium lactis is the most studied strain for constipation relief, shown in clinical trials to increase bowel movement frequency and improve stool consistency. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG are also well-supported by research. Multi-strain formulas combining Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species tend to be most effective for regularity.

How long does it take for probiotics to help with constipation?

Most people begin noticing improvements in bowel regularity within one to four weeks of consistent daily use. Some people experience changes within a few days, while others may need up to six weeks. Consistency is essential — taking probiotics sporadically will not produce the same results as daily use. If you haven’t seen any improvement after six weeks, consider trying a different formula with different strains or a higher CFU count.

Can probiotics make constipation worse initially?

Yes, this is relatively common and usually temporary. When you first introduce probiotics, your gut microbiome is adjusting to the new bacterial populations. This can cause temporary bloating, gas, or even a brief worsening of constipation during the first week or two. These symptoms typically resolve as your gut adapts. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing can help minimize this adjustment period.

Should I take probiotics with fiber for constipation?

Combining probiotics with adequate fiber intake can significantly improve results. Fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and helping them colonize more effectively. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily from foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Prebiotic supplements containing inulin or FOS can also enhance the effectiveness of your probiotic.

Are there any side effects of taking probiotics for constipation?

Common side effects during the first one to two weeks include temporary gas, bloating, and mild abdominal discomfort as your gut microbiome adjusts. These are generally signs that the probiotics are working and typically resolve on their own. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions in people sensitive to ingredients in the capsule or formulation. If you experience severe abdominal pain or worsening symptoms beyond two weeks, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

When is the best time to take a probiotic for constipation?

Taking your probiotic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is generally recommended for constipation. This allows the bacteria to pass through the stomach more quickly with less exposure to digestive acids. Some people find that taking their probiotic before bed also works well, as the overnight period gives the bacteria time to colonize without the interference of meals. The most important thing is consistency — take it at the same time every day.