Biotics 8 is a multi-strain probiotic that also contains prebiotics, vitamin D, and digestive enzymes. Though the bacterial strains and other ingredients in Biotics 8 may benefit both men and women, Biotics 8 is marketed toward men looking for a natural way to boost their digestive health, sexual health, immune system, and more.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit certain aspects of health, such as digestion, when consumed in specific amounts. ( 8 )
Probiotics are found in your digestive system and are concentrated in certain foods, such as fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. In addition to being found in foods and your body, probiotics can be taken in supplement form. Though there's still much to learn about how supplemental probiotics impact the body, studies show that certain probiotic strains, such as the strains included in Biotics 8, can positively affect health in several ways, such as decreasing digestive symptoms, like constipation and diarrhea, and improving body composition. ( 9 , 10 )
In addition to 10 strains of probiotics, which we'll cover in more detail below, Biotics 8 is made with vitamin D3, prebiotics, and three digestive enzymes, all of which play important roles in health. For example, vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that's involved in critical processes such as promoting the absorption of calcium in the gut, maintaining bone health, stimulating muscle cell growth and development, and supporting immune function. ( 11 )
Prebiotics are nutrients that are broken down by gut bacteria in your large intestine. Bacteria in your gut break down or ferment prebiotics, which releases byproducts called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs act as a fuel source for cells that line the colon, strengthen the gut barrier, and regulate intestinal inflammation. Prebiotics also stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, supporting the maintenance of a healthy and balanced gut. ( 12 )
The added digestive enzymes in Biotics 8 may also improve some digestive symptoms, such as cramping and bloating in some populations, such as in people with IBS. ( 13 )
Each three-capsule serving of Biotic 8 contains 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of evidence-based probiotic bacteria and yeast strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces boulardii . CFUs represent the number of live bacteria per dose. Research suggests that to be effective, probiotics should contain a minimum concentration of 10 (1,000,000) viable CFUs per gram. ( 14 ) This will help ensure more probiotics move through the digestive process and enter the intestine alive, to do their job.
Though Biotics 8 exceeds this requirement, the company does not guarantee that the bacterial strains in this formula are viable past the product's shelf life, which experts recommend looking for when you're shopping for a probiotic supplement. Probiotics can die during their shelf life, so it's best to choose a product labeled with the number of CFUs at the end of its shelf life, not at the time of its manufacture. ( 15 ) Because Biotics 8 is a pricey product, we'd like to see the company guarantee its CFUs through its shelf life.
Another downside is that this product isn't third-party tested for quality and purity. We expect that a supplement at this price point would be third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures that dietary supplements meet specific safety standards and that products contain what's stated on their label, which is why health experts generally recommend purchasing third-party tested supplements.
The probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and vitamin D in Biotics 8 are packed into vegetarian HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules, which are plant-based and support superior absorption in the digestive tract.
Unlike many probiotic products, Biotics 8 is shelf-stable, meaning it doesn't require refrigeration. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer to take their probiotics on the go. Another major plus is that Biotics 8 offers a 100% satisfaction 60-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can send the product back for a full refund if you're not completely satisfied with it or if it doesn't have a measurable impact on your health.
Each three-capsule serving of Biotics 8 costs $2.67, which is expensive compared to other probiotic products on the market. For example, Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic , a supplement that contains 24 strains of beneficial probiotics plus prebiotics, costs $1.67 per serving. Plus, Seed is third-party tested.
Nonetheless, Biotics 8 may be a worthwhile supplement for men who want to improve their digestive health, support optimal immune function, and ease symptoms of certain health conditions. ( 3 , 4 , 5 )
Studies show that, when taken in supplement form, many of these strains may positively impact health.
For example, Biotics 8 contains probiotic strains that have been shown to improve digestive symptoms like constipation. A 2022 study that included 153 people with functional constipation found that treatment with a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus , and treatment with a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium animallis for four weeks were both effective for increasing bowel movement frequency and stool quality. ( 16 )
Other strains found in Biotics 8, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve, may help relieve symptoms of IBS . A 2023 review of 73 studies found that different probiotic formulations including those containing strains found in Biotics 8, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, were significantly more effective for improving IBS symptoms, like bloating and diarrhea, compared to placebo treatments. ( 17 )
In addition to supporting gut health, Biotics 8 is marketed as a way for men to improve their body composition and lose weight. A 2024 review of six studies found that the use of probiotic supplements in the absence of dieting led to a significant reduction in body weight in 66.6% of the included studies, a significant reduction in waist circumference in 80% of the included studies, and a reduction in total body fat. The review also found that a combination of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, including some strains found in Biotics 8, was the most effective. ( 18 )
While these results are promising, not all studies have found probiotics to be effective for supporting weight loss . ( 19 )
Though supplementation with the probiotic strains found in Biotics 8 is linked to several health benefits, some of the claims made on the Biotics 8 website aren't backed by sound science. For example, the company claims that taking Biotics 8 may be effective for increasing testosterone levels, citing a 2017 study. The study did find that probiotic supplementation improved testosterone levels, sperm concentration, and sperm count. Unfortunately, the formula used in this study is completely different from Biotics 8. The product in this study contained a much larger dose of Lactobacillus paracasei than what's found in Biotics 8, plus ingredients not found in Biotics 8 such as the starch-like fiber arabinogalctan (which acts as a prebiotic) and the amino acid L-glutamine. ( 5 )
Currently, there's no significant evidence that probiotic supplements are effective for increasing testosterone. ( 20 ) So, although Biotics 8 may support digestive health, ease symptoms of IBS, and help you maintain a healthy body weight, you shouldn't rely on probiotic products if you're hoping to boost your testosterone levels .
In addition to the 10 probiotic strains, Biotics 8 also contains vitamin D and prebiotics.
A dose of Biotics 8 provides 400 IU (10 micrograms) of vitamin D, which covers 66% of the recommended daily intake for adults aged 18-70. ( 11 ) Probiotics have been shown to help increase the absorption of vitamin D, so this combination can be beneficial. ( 21 )
Vitamin D plays essential roles in men's health, including supporting bone growth and mineralization, protecting against fracture risk, and maintaining muscle strength. ( 11 ) It's essential for men to maintain optimal vitamin D levels in order to promote physical and mental health. ( 11 ) Some research also suggests that maintaining optimal vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of common medical conditions that impact men, such as prostate cancer. ( 22 )
Though Biotics 8 does contain vitamin D, the dose isn't high enough to treat low or deficient vitamin D levels. If you're deficient in vitamin D, your healthcare provider will likely recommend a higher dose supplement in order to boost your levels. ( 23 )
Lastly, Biotics 8 contains prebiotics and digestive enzymes. Prebiotics, such as the inulin in Biotics 8, fuel beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, supporting an overall healthy and more balanced microbiome, while digestive enzymes like lipase, amylase, and protease, are necessary for the digestion and absorption of fat, carbs, and protein, respectively. ( 12 , 13 )
A dose of Biotics 8 only contains 45 mg of inulin, a type of carbohydrate derived from plants such as chicory, garlic, and asparagus, which is considered a very tiny dose. Most studies investigating the health effects of inulin on the digestive system use doses of at least 5 grams (g) per day. It's unclear if the miniscule amount of inulin in Biotics 8 would have any significant impact on gut health. ( 24 )
Biotics 8 also contains a small amount of another type of prebiotic called fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which could boost levels of beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium species when taken in supplement form. But, like inulin, FOS are effective in doses much higher than the 25 mg found in a dose of Biotics 8. Studies show that daily doses exceeding 5 g per day are most effective for supporting gut health. ( 25 )
Also, although digestive enzymes are necessary for some people and helpful for certain medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and pancreatic insufficiency, there's little evidence that taking digestive enzymes offers any benefits to healthy people. ( 13 , 26)
Biotics 8 side effects
Though probiotic products like Biotics 8 are generally safe for most people, they're not appropriate or necessary for everyone. Research on the health effects of probiotics is still in its infancy, and it's important to note that the long-term safety of probiotic supplements is still being investigated.
Probiotics aren't safe for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with certain types of cancers. In vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with weakened immune systems, taking probiotics supplements may cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut and increase infection risk. ( 27 )
Biotics 8 isn't appropriate for children, and parents and caregivers should always check with a healthcare provider before giving probiotics to children and teens. ( 27 )
In addition to not being appropriate for some populations, probiotics may cause side effects. For example, probiotics can trigger uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Though probiotic-related side effects are more common when you first start taking them and generally tend to get better with time, probiotic supplements may not agree with everyone. ( 28 )
Lastly, probiotic supplements may affect the absorption, efficacy, and safety of some medications, such as cancer medications and blood thinners. ( 29 )
If you're interested in starting a probiotic like Biotics 8, it's important to consult your healthcare provider to ensure it's the right choice for you.
Who Biotics 8 is recommended for:
Biotics 8 is specifically recommended for men. Though the formula may also benefit women, the Biotics 8 website claims this probiotic is crafted for men's gut health . Men of all ages could consider this product, including:
Keep in mind that while probiotics have been linked with health benefits, they're not a cure-all and shouldn't be considered a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle. To get the most out of probiotic supplements, such as Biotics 8, men should pair probiotics with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management for optimal physical and mental health.
Who Biotics 8 is not recommended for:
Probiotics supplements, like Biotics 8, aren't a good fit for everyone. ( 30 ) It's recommended that the following populations speak with their healthcare provider before taking probiotics:
Probiotic use should also be used with caution in vulnerable populations such as older adults and children. If you have any questions about probiotic safety, it's best to speak with a qualified healthcare provider.
Expert opinion
We consulted with Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, a certified sports nutritionist, for her take on this probiotic supplement:
"This blend offers a plethora of probiotic strains, which can really boost the health benefits of probiotics overall, as a multi-strain often creates a synergistic effect over isolated probiotics. The added vitamin D and L-glutamine are two great additions to this blend. Probiotics help absorb extra vitamin D, making it ideal for someone looking to increase their levels. And the L-glutamine combined with probiotics has been shown to have a beneficial effect on body composition."