GoodBelly Probiotic Supplement Review

GoodBelly Probiotic Supplement capsules are the newest product from GoodBelly, the company that sells probiotic juice drinks. The capsules contain the same strain as their juices: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299v). Let's get you acquainted.

The Probiotic

GoodBelly's Probiotic Supplement capsules each contain 10 billion live cells of LP299v.

There have been a few small clinical trials on the efficacy of LP299V for IBS. In most of the studies, a four-week trial of this strain resulted in a reduction of abdominal pain, bloating and/or flatulence as compared to placebo. The largest of these studies, conducted in India, consisted of approximately 200 people who had IBS of varying sub-types and who reported moderate abdominal pain. Results indicated that LP299v offered significantly better relief of abdominal pain and bloating as compared to placebo.

In all studies, no significant side effects were noted.

It should be noted that it is hard to make definitive conclusions about the efficacy of LP299v based on these small studies and the challenges of conducting research on probiotics in general. 

The Product

According to package information, GoodBelly Probiotic Supplement's contain freeze-dried cells of LP299v, potato starch, and magnesium stearate. The product does not contain artificial colors or flavors, dairy, preservatives or sugar.

Currently, the product is only available online at Amazon.

For best results, the manufacturers recommend that the product be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It should be consumed before its expiration date. (The product that I reviewed had an expiration date that was slightly longer than one year.)

Bottom Line

This new GoodBelly Probiotic Supplement offers a nice complementary option to their juice drinks. Capsule form allows the consumer to enjoy the potential benefits of the LP299v strain without concerns about the FODMAP content of the juice or concerns about the effects of drinking fruit juice on blood sugar levels.

Current American College of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend the use of probiotics for IBS. One of the most frequent questions that I get from people with IBS is, "What is the best probiotic?" This product will be high on my list. Although I am sure that this is not the only potentially effective probiotic supplement out there, I do find that I am always impressed by the quality of GoodBelly products.

Note: This review reflects the writer's thoughts on this product and should not be seen as a medical endorsement backed by scientific literature.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer.