What are GoodBelly Probiotics?
GoodBelly claims that their probiotic supplements will restore the balance of the friendly bacteria in your gut.
Trillions of these friendly bacteria, or probiotics, live in the digestive tract and form a network known as your gut microbiome.
Probiotics are different from the harmful bacteria that cause infections. They’re necessary for many important functions like healthy digestion and immune function.
A poor balance between good and bad bacteria may be associated with digestive issues, as well as some chronic medical conditions.
GoodBelly claims that their probiotic supplements can help restore this balance. More specifically, they state that taking 1-2 capsules daily will:
- Support healthy digestion
- Improve the absorption of nutrients
- Promote regularity
With so many supplements on the market, is GoodBelly is the right one for your needs?
In this article, we’ll help you answer this question by reviewing the available scientific support for their probiotic supplement.
The Active Ingredients: Do They Work?
Each GoodBelly product contains just a single active ingredient.
Their beverages and daily probiotic supplements contain the LP299V probiotic strain. This strain occurs naturally in your gut and may offer many benefits related to digestion and immune health.
Their food contains the BB12 strain, a rod-shaped bacterium discussed in more than 300 studies.
In this section, we’ll find out if there’s any merit to GoodBelly’s claims by reviewing some of the scientific studies that investigated their ingredients.
LP299V - 10 Billion CFU
In a randomized trial involving subjects with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), those treated with 10 Billion CFU over 4-weeks experienced improved pain and bloating when compared to placebo.
Regarding its ability to enhance the absorption of nutrients, a review of 12 studies found that LP299V significantly improved iron absorption. Doses from these studies ranged from 1-10 Billion CFU over the course of 1-week to 6-months.
LP299V has been extensively studied in human subjects, though research often includes specific groups like those with IBS. Nonetheless, the dose offered in GoodBelly supplement falls within the range of those found to be effective.
BB-12
In a randomized trial, 1 billion CFU of BB-12 taken over 6-weeks boosted immune function when compared to placebo and other probiotic strains.
BB-12 doses of 5 and 15 Billion CFU improved stool frequency in those with constipation.
The BB-12 strain demonstrates efficiency in many studies over the last few decades. GoodBelly does not quantify the amount of BB12 offered in their foods, however, so comparisons can’t be made to the available research.
Safety and Side Effects
Like most probiotic supplements, GoodBelly is also likely safe as the probiotic strains it contains have been well studied. They were found to be safe, even at large doses.
Serious side effects in probiotic supplements are uncommon. On the other hand, some may experience mild side effects like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These are typically relieved by lowering the dose or discontinuing use.
Despite a high likelihood of avoiding any dangerous side effects, you should always consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
GoodBelly Probiotics: The Products & Their Cost?
In addition to their daily probiotic, GoodBelly also offers other products. While you can’t purchase them directly from their site, you can find GoodBelly products online at Amazon, or in-stores at Walmart and Target.
Their line of products include:
- Daily Capsules: A 1-month supply of the probiotic capsules is $19.99 at Amazon.
- Juice Drinks: GoodBelly offers 9 flavors for their probiotic juices. For a 32oz cartoon, you’ll pay around $3.99.
- Shots: Each 2.7oz shot is dairy-free. A 4-pack runs about $2.99
- Yogurts: With 6 flavors, GoodBelly’s yogurts are all lactose-free and cost about a dollar each.
- Bubbles & Water Beverages: There are 5 flavors between these two beverage options. These are priced at about $2 per bottle.
- Bars & Cereal: GoodBelly offers 2 flavors in their probiotic bars; a 10ct is about $22. Their Peanut Butter Crunch Cereal is $4.50.
Available Alternatives
The BB-12 strain offered in GoodBelly foods and beverages is also in TruBiotics supplements.
Walgreens offers their 30ct at $18.99. The 45ct is $29.99, and they are currently running a buy 1, get 1 50% off promotion. At CVS, the 30ct is $21.99.
Ideal Bowel Support from Jarrow Formulas offers a dose of LP299v in every capsule. Their 30ct is priced at $24.95.
Also, probiotics are found naturally in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.
The Bottom Line
GoodBelly’s probiotic supplements, foods, and beverages all contain 2 extensively studied probiotic strains.
Offering products with proven ingredients at reasonable pricing makes GoodBelly one of the more reasonable probiotic vendors we have reviewed.
Reviews also seem to be positive.
Users tend to agree - they rate the daily probiotic 4.3-stars on more than 180 reviews. Nearly 75% of happy consumers offer 5-star ratings; those satisfied cite relief of digestive symptoms and lack of side effects for their positive experience.
Make sure that you and your physician are on the same page prior to starting any new dietary supplement, no matter how safe it may seem.
