Gut health supplements
Fibre has the strongest evidence for gut health, and most adults eat too little. Probiotics help in a few specific situations. Most other gut supplements have weak evidence.
Short answer Fibre has the strongest evidence for gut health, and most adults eat too little. Probiotics help in a few specific situations. Most other gut supplements have weak evidence.
Gut supplements compared
| Supplement | Evidence | Authorised claim |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Strong, for bowel function | Several fibres |
| Prebiotics | Good for chicory inulin | Inulin, 12g a day |
| Probiotics | Some, for specific uses | None |
| Digestive enzymes | Lactase only | Lactase |
In this section
PrebioticsPrebiotics are fibres that feed gut bacteria, such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides.Fibre supplementsAdults are advised to eat 30g of fibre a day; most manage about 20g.Digestive enzymesFor most people digestive enzyme supplements are unnecessary.Probiotics for womenProbiotics marketed for women's intimate health contain lactobacillus strains.Probiotics with antibioticsThere is some evidence that taking a probiotic during a course of antibiotics reduces the chance of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
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Questions people ask
Do I need these supplements?
Most people do not; each page says who might.
Can I take this with medication?
Ask a pharmacist or GP first; some supplements interact with medicines.
Do supplements replace a balanced diet?
No. They are meant to add to a varied diet, not stand in for one.
Sources
- NHS: Vitamins and minerals (opens in a new tab)
- Great Britain nutrition and health claims register (opens in a new tab)
Checked 9 October 2026.