Probiotics Malaysia: 10 Best Picks For Easy Digestion And Better Gut Health

Having a healthy gut is indispensable. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, we’ve all had indigestion or worse, gastric problems. 

These may be caused by a wide range of factors like stress, bad dieting, and poor physical health. When our bodies are out of balance, so are our gastrointestinal tract and the healthy bacteria that live there. 

The idea that bacteria can be beneficial beats most of us because we usually think of them as germs that cause diseases.

Harmful bacteria cause problems but the right bacteria in the right place brings numerous benefits. That is where probiotics come in.

But what are probiotics?

In this article, we’ll look at what probiotics are in detail, their beneficial wellness effects on the body, recommend a couple of commercially available that you can take to improve your overall health, and answer a few questions at the end. Happy reading!

 

 

What Are Probiotics?

These are live microorganisms that, when ingested, have been proven to help prevent and treat some conditions by promoting a healthy digestive system.

In simpler terms, probiotics are good, healthy, and friendly bacteria. While most probiotics are usually bacteria, some types of yeast may also function as probiotics.

The name probiotic comes from two Greek words, “pro” and “biotic” which mean “promoting” and “life” respectively.

They were discovered in the early 20th century by Elie Metchnikoff, also known as the “father of probiotics.” 

Different types of probiotics include:

1. Lactobacillus – this is the most common probiotic and has over 50 species. It mostly helps with diarrhea and may also help lactose-intolerant individuals.
2. Bifidobacterium – this is mostly found in dairy products and helps ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are about 30 species.
3. Saccharomyces boulardii – this is a yeast found in probiotics. It helps stop diarrhea.  
4. Streptococcus thermophilus – this helps prevent lactose intolerance.
   
5. Enterococcus faecium – this is often found in humans’ and animals’ intestinal tracts.
   
6. Leuconostoc – this is commonly used in food processing industries.

Probiotics and prebiotics have a symbiotic relationship, but they shouldn’t be confused or mistaken for one another. 

The latter are carbs that help feed the good bacteria in our guts. 

Probiotics may be supplied as dietary supplements product and in some foods prepared by bacterial fermentation like yakult, yogurt containing natural ingredients, and fermented pickles.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, occur naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

 

 

How Are Probiotics Beneficial To The Body?

Let’s say you’re sick. What do doctors usually prescribe? 

You’ve guessed it right. Antibiotics it is. However, did you know that everytime after taking antibiotics, the human body loses both the good and bad bacteria?

This is why some people take probiotics to replace the helpful bacteria and keep their bodies working as they should. 

These microbes might be significantly minute but they’re so powerful that a slight imbalance in the body can result in numerous disorders. 

Probiotics are available in different food products that we consume and may also be acquired from supplement intakes.

What are some of the benefits of consuming probiotics?

• Balanced number of friendly bacteria in the gut

• Better digestive system and overall health

• Reduced bloating and flatulence

• Improved bowel movements and hence alleviate constipation

• Reduced occurrences of UTIs and vaginal yeast infections

• Relieved heartburn and related discomfort

• Mitigated and improved diarrhea symptoms

• Lower blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol

• Minimal eczema-related breakouts hence healthier skin

• Blanched weight management 

Our Crème De La Crème: Top 10 Probiotics Products Malaysia For Easy Digestion

Have you been thinking about giving probiotics a shot? 

Yes? Great!

You need to be extra cautious towards certain information, especially if the probiotic supplements are for children, pregnant women, or people with compromised immunity. 

Here’s the list of our top probiotic wellness supplements:

1. Swisse Ultibiotic Daily IBS Probiotic

The premium Swisse Ultibiotic Daily IBS Probiotic contains Lactobacillus Plantarum (299V), which is a clinically trialed probiotic strain that influences the intestinal flora.

This is why it has been introduced into clinical practice to help promote a healthy gastrointestinal system.

As a popular probiotics supplement in Malaysia, Swisse Malaysia is a well-received brands by Malaysians.

However, it should be taken into consideration that it is not advisable to use the Swisse Ultibiotic capsule daily IBS if they have pre-existing symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting.

Pros	Cons
Helps promote beneficial intestinal flora Prevents and treats diarrhea Supports bowel movement to minimize constipation Relieves abdominal pain and discomfort related to bloating Reduces the occurrence and symptoms of medically diagnosed IBS	May cause mild intestinal gas or stomach upset Not ideal for people with weakened immune systems Not suitable for pregnant women and babies

 

 

 

2. Vofina Pre+Probiotics Supplement

 

The Vofina Pre+Probiotics Supplement is an example of a well-being supplement that takes care of female hygiene and health.

Take this probiotic supplement if you’ve been having any sort of sexual-health-related issues that have been affecting your overall physical and emotional wellbeing.

These multivitamin supplements have 20 billion probiotics and prebiotics that aid with the general restoration of the good, helpful bacteria.

It’s also packed with colostrum that offers protection against bacteria and viruses, coupled with Lingonberry as a super-fruit to further promote natural microbial balance in a woman’s body.

VOFINATM is one of the best multivitamins for women because it’s not only good for “Miss V” but for your gut as well.

Pros	Cons
Helps maintain a healthy pH balance Gets rid of all the unpleasant odor from private lady parts Eliminates itching, white discharge, and burning sensation Boosts freshness, lubrication, and firmness Recommended by gynecologist for safe and effective long-term use	If your partner has sexual and reproductive health issues, there’s no guarantee of 100% smooth intimacy  Not suitable for patients with lactose intolerance The capsule sizes are relatively large, making them tricky to swallow

 

 

3. LIFESPACE Probiotic Broad Spectrum

 

 

Made from natural sources, LIFESPACE Probiotic Broad Spectrum contains 32 billion probiotics in each capsule. The probiotics in this supplement have 15 strains of beneficial bacteria.

LIFESPACE also produces supplements specially formulated to support children’s and babies’ general health and well-being. These are the LIFESPACE Probiotic Powder for Children and the LIFESPACE Probiotic Powder For Baby, respectively. These products are carefully formulated to contain only premium and quality ingredients.

Pros	Cons
Maintains robust digestive health and immune systems Encourages good bacterial diversity Helps regulate normal and healthy bowel movements Doesn’t contain any added dairy, gluten, fructose, lactose, casein, or preservatives Plant-based capsules suitable for vegetarians and vegans	Poor storage affects the viability of the live bacteria found in each capsule Incorrect or excessive consuming in the cases of premature infants could develop gastrointestinal mucormycosis Capsules may contain off-white powder with occasional yellow particles

 

 

4. KIDSBIOTIC Powder

 

 

The KIDSBIOTIC Powder is one of the best supplements for children. It’s a probiotic specialty that’s made for kids to help promote good general health as well as optimal growth. 

To help increase the number of useful bacteria in your child, KIDSBIOTIC powder is vitalized with galactooligosaccharides.

GOS is a type of prebiotic supplement that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

Pros	Cons
Supports food digestion and absorption of the necessary nutrients while aiding in waste removal from the body Inhibits the growth of pathogens Helps improve overall immune health Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus can complement each other Natural ingredients, no artificial coloring and flavoring agents	Doesn’t completely override the need to eat a balanced diet for the kids Powder may agglomerate and not not dissolve in beverages when added to food

5. 21ST CENTURY Probiotics 

The 21ST CENTURY Probiotics well-being probiotic blend 400mg supplement contains four types of beneficial bacteria.

These help in increasing intestinal acidity which makes it impossible for harmful bacteria that cause stomach problems to thrive. 

This supplement is halal certified and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, preservatives, coloring, salt, or sugar.

Keep your  21ST CENTURY probiotics capsules refrigerated after you’ve opened the container to prevent them from going bad.

Pros	Cons
Rich in a variety of beneficial probiotics Suitable for vegetarians Obtained halal certification No added sugar, salt, yeast, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors Can be stored at room temperature	May become ineffective if stored incorrectly Milk ingredients render it inappropriate for the lactose intolerants

 

 

6. HEXBIO MCP Granules Probiotic 3G

 

 

The uniquely formulated HEXBIO MCP Granules Probiotic 3G contains 6 beneficial bacteria that provide an effective solution for an upset stomach.

Following the previous non lactose-free recommendations, if you’re lactose intolerant and need a solution for all your gastric and other stomach-related problems, you ought to try HEXBIO MCP Granules Probiotics.

Pros	Cons
Free from gluten and other common allergens Helps restore and maintain gut health Provides relief for constipation, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion Treats the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome Mild taste makes the process of consuming pleasant	May experience having loose stools at the beginning of consuming Contains minimal amount of lactose, it is recommended for people with lactose intolerance to consult a doctor before incorporating it as a routine supplement

 

 

7. Premium Sheep Milk Probiotic Family Formula

The nourishing Premium Sheep Milk Probiotic Family Formula provides all the essential daily nutrition for the whole family allowing you to take charge of your vitality.

It’s formulated by experts who guarantee that it’s safe for all family members 3 years or older. 

Its ingredients are sheep milk powder 77%, lactose, prebiotic 6%, calcium carbonate, natural vanilla flavor, and millions of live probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis).

It has a delicious natural vanilla flavor and comes with a scoop-in-lid for improved hygiene.

Pros	Cons
High calcium with high-quality probiotics and prebiotics content No added sucrose, artificial colors or preservatives Mellow and silky taste with a hint of fragrant vanilla Can be incorporated in diet with other foods Measuring spoon can be placed in the card slot of the inner cover, which is convenient and hygienic	Goat milk ingredients are not suitable for patients with lactose intolerance Contains calcium carbonate, may cause flatulence, constipation and indigestion

 

8. Nature's Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic

 

You can take Nature's Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic to get rid of any uncomfortable feeling in your tummy. It contains silica, vegetable cellulose, vegetable stearic acid, and vegetable magnesium stearate.

This probiotic Malaysia supplement contains 100 million active cultures at the time of manufacture. These help support the overall well-being of our gut health.

Pros	Cons
High proportion of active Lactobacillus acidophilus Small and thin pills, easy to swallow Plant ingredients suitable for vegetarians and vegans Free of skin texture, sugar and milk No artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners added, no preservatives	Needs to be refrigerated after opening Unclear label guidelines Tasteless

 

 

9. GKB Kids Probiotic+Vitamin C

The GKB Kids Probiotic+Vitamin C is your savior if your kids suffer from allergies.

This supplement is recommended for children between the ages of 1-12 years. They should take one sachet, preferably before food.

The supplement can be consumed plain or with water to form probiotics drinks. The GKB Kids Probiotic+Vitamin C contains 10 billion viable probiotics.

The present bacteria in this bio life probiotic is Lactobacillus Paracasei.

Pros	Cons
Relatively rich in probiotics content No need to supplement vitamin C Can be eaten or mixed with water for drinking 100% no added sugar Suitable for sensitive and eczema skin	Sticky powder may pose a risk of choking among younger children  Pricey

 

 

10. LIFESPACE Probiotic Powder For 60 Years+

 

 

LIFESPACE Probiotic Powder For 60 Years+ is a premium probiotic formula with beneficial bacteria made out of 15 strains.

This supplement is specially made to support the health of elderly individuals.

If you’re looking to improve your old age, then you need to make your order today and have these anti-aging supplements delivered right to your doorstep.

Pros	Cons
Suitable for people aged 60+ Proven to significantly improve symptoms such as diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort Edible and suitable for vegetarians Gluten, dairy and egg-free No artificial colors or preservatives added, and no need for refrigeration	Big pill sizes may make it hard to swallow Might cause interference when taken along with medical therapy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis or other ailments

 

Probiotics Buying Guide: Things To Look For When Buying A Probiotic

Thanks to their numerous benefits, probiotics are becoming more and more popular.

There are different varieties of probiotics in the market and each manufacturer claims that their products are the best.

How do you choose a probiotic? Here’s how you choose probiotics:

• Brand

It’s best that you purchase only well-known brands. This at least gives some reassurance that consumers trust the company’s products.

Also, the longer a company has been around means that its products have been thoroughly tested, studied, and proven to work. 

Blackmores supplements, for example, are an established international brand that is well-received in Malaysia by the general public.

 




• Budget

Decide from the get-go how much you’re willing to spend on the probiotics supplements either for you or your family.This doesn’t necessarily mean that these supplements are expensive.

No – it simply helps with the proper planning of your finances.

Generally, good probiotic brands produce high-quality products that have a slightly higher price compared to knock-off probiotics.

 




• Benefits of the Bacteria

The most common probiotics are from two groups of bacteria: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Within these groups, there are numerous species that help the body in different ways.

Note that labels don’t always mention the species and strain that’s in the product but only the genus is mentioned.

If you need this extra information you can check the company website. Your doctor also understands the differences and is better placed to give the best advice.

Lastly, remember that probiotic supplements with multiple strains are better than those with a single strain. A good example is the bio life probiotics.

 

• Pre-existing Health Issues

If you have any underlying health problems, you should seek medical health before taking any probiotics. This way you’ll know if they’re safe to consume.

Some special cases that would require you to see a doctor first include supplementation for babies, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, or those with short bowel syndrome.

 

Shelf-life And Preservation

Probiotics have a shelf-life because they are living organisms.

This information is indicated in the “sell-by-date” section and it’s recommended to use them before their expiration date.

Always check the packaging to see the information about how particular probiotics should be stored.

While some need to be refrigerated, others such as LIFESPACE Probiotic Powder For 60 Years+ don’t need to be.




Frequently Asked Questions About ProBiotics Malaysia

1. What Is The Most Effective Probiotic?

All manufacturers out there make claims that their probiotic products are the best regardless of the ingredients that they contain. There’s reliable evidence showing that the most effective probiotics are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Of the three, Lactobacillus is the best and most popular for a couple of reasons. It’s not only safe for human consumption but is also reliable and helps with various conditions, depending on the unique strain used.

 




2. What Does CFU Mean In Probiotics?

CFU is an acronym that stands for “Colony Forming Units”

The term CFU refers to the number of viable cells in probiotics. The number of these viable microorganisms determines the effectiveness of the probiotic. In short, higher CFU numbers have proven to produce the best results.

The average best-selling probiotics can contain up to 10 billion CFUs per dose. The recommended dosage for infants and people with underlying health issues is 2-4 billion CFU, daily.

 




3. Is It Safe To Take Probiotics Every Day?

This is a very common question about probiotics. Lots of people wonder whether it’s safe or not to take supplements daily. Yes, it is. It’s even highly recommended that we take them daily. This is because they are not medicines but just a natural supplement.

Some people may experience some minor symptoms during the first few days of taking the supplements but they eventually go away on their own.

 

 

4. Should I Take Probiotics In The Morning Or At Night?

Either works just fine. You can take your probiotics very early in the morning before having breakfast or just before bedtime. If you want, you can split up your dose to fortify its impact on your gut. 

Some people take one-half of the dose in the morning and the other half in the evening. This is beneficial because it allows your digestive system to adjust to the effects of probiotics in smaller doses.

Doctors claim that it’s best to take probiotics on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. This way the probiotics make it to the gut faster. However, you can still take them with food - before meals or just as you begin eating.

 

Where Should I Buy Trusted Probiotics Products In Malaysia?

Probiotics have recently gained a lot of popularity because everyone cannot wait to reap all the health benefits that they provide.

There are numerous probiotics brands to choose from that can get confusing at times. All of them improve gut function and beyond.

If you’re in Malaysia and are looking for probiotics to boost your health, visit iPharmaHome. 

The online pharmacy in Malaysia offers a wide range of products from trusted brands like Swisse and Blackmores Malaysia. 

Simply browse the site and you’re bound to get the best affordable probiotic supplements that’ll give you the results you’re after.

Apart from probiotics, iPharmaHome also deals in other kinds of the supplementary products in Malaysia ranging from sexual wellness, weight management, skincare, anti-aging, to overall health.

 

For more dietary products and healthy food products in iPharmaHome: