Which Probiotic Has Both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to scientific research, multi-strain probiotics containing both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can provide broader health benefits than single-strain options due to synergistic effects. Many commercially available probiotics are specifically formulated with this combination to support comprehensive digestive and immune health.

Quick Summary

Many probiotics, including popular multi-strain supplements like Ritual Synbiotic+, Nexabiotic, and Culturelle, combine both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. This duo offers broad digestive and immune support by promoting a diverse and balanced gut microbiome.

Key Points

Multi-Strain Formulas: Many probiotics combine both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to support a broader range of digestive functions.
Diverse Gut Health: The combination supports a more diverse and resilient gut microbiome, leveraging the complementary actions of bacteria from different genera.
Common Examples: Products like Ritual Synbiotic+, Nexabiotic, and California Gold Nutrition are examples of probiotics that contain both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Enhanced Efficacy: Multi-strain probiotics have demonstrated synergistic effects, offering more robust benefits than single-strain formulas.
Look for Strain Transparency: The most effective probiotics list specific, clinically researched strain designations (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12) on their labels.
Check for Synbiotics: For added benefit, some products combine these probiotics with prebiotics (food for the beneficial bacteria) in a synergistic formula.
Consider your Health Goals: The best probiotic for you depends on your specific health concerns; consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

The Importance of Multi-Strain Probiotics

The human gut microbiome is an intricate ecosystem containing trillions of microorganisms. A healthy gut requires a diverse range of beneficial bacteria to function optimally. For this reason, multi-strain probiotics, particularly those that include both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are highly sought after. These two bacterial genera inhabit different areas of the digestive tract and perform complementary functions, offering a more holistic approach to gut health.

Lactobacillus strains typically reside in the small intestine, as well as the oral cavity and urogenital tract. They are known for producing lactic acid, which helps maintain a healthy pH balance, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, and aids in the digestion of lactose. In contrast, Bifidobacterium strains are more prevalent in the large intestine (colon), where they ferment prebiotic fibers and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which nourish the gut lining and support immune function.

Combining these two major players in a single probiotic supplement leverages their synergistic effects, meaning their combined benefits are greater than the sum of their individual parts. This collaboration can more effectively promote a balanced and resilient gut microbiome, which is linked to a host of health benefits beyond just digestion.

Probiotic Products Containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium

Many high-quality probiotic supplements explicitly list multiple strains from both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera on their labels. When shopping, it's crucial to look for specific strain designations (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12), as different strains have unique benefits.

Popular Multi-Strain Probiotic Examples

Ritual Synbiotic+: Contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, along with prebiotics, for comprehensive gut support.
Nexabiotic Multi Probiotic: A complex formula with 23 different strains, including several from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families.
Transparent Labs Gut Health: Offers a high-potency, multi-strain formula that includes both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
California Gold Nutrition Probiotics: Features a 10-strain blend with both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis.
Ora Organic Trust Your Gut: Provides a six-strain, vegan supplement with Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 and Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12.
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic: A subscription-based product featuring a broad spectrum of 24 different bacterial strains, including many from the key genera.
VSL#3 Capsules: A well-researched, high-potency formula with eight strains from the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus genera.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Probiotic

Choosing the right probiotic involves more than just selecting a product with multiple strains. You should also consider CFU count, stability, and additional ingredients.

CFU Count: The number of Colony-Forming Units indicates the potency of the supplement. Higher CFU counts, often in the billions, are generally considered more effective, though the ideal number can vary.
Stability: Ensure the probiotic is either shelf-stable or stored correctly (often refrigerated) to guarantee the bacteria are alive and viable at the time of consumption.
Synbiotics: Many products combine probiotics with prebiotics, a type of fiber that serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria. These are called synbiotics and can enhance the survival and activity of the probiotic strains.

Comparison of Popular Multi-Strain Probiotics


Probiotic Product	Key Lactobacillus Strains	Key Bifidobacterium Strains	CFU Count	Key Features
Ritual Synbiotic+	Lactobacillus rhamnosus	Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis	11 Billion	Includes pre- and post-biotics; vegan, delayed-release capsule
Nexabiotic	Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. acidophilus	Bifidobacterium longum	Up to 34.5 Billion	23-strain advanced formula, delayed-release capsules
Transparent Labs Gut Health	Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus	Undisclosed other strains	100 Billion	High-potency, multi-strain, transparent labeling
California Gold Nutrition	Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei	Bifidobacterium lactis, B. longum	25 Billion	10-strain blend, suitable for vegetarians/vegans
Ora Organic Trust Your Gut	Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14	Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12	16 Billion	Vegan, includes prebiotics, shelf-stable

The Synergistic Benefits of Combining Strains

The combined presence of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium offers a more robust mechanism for supporting gut health. By working together, these strains can offer broader-spectrum benefits and improve the overall functionality of the gut ecosystem. This cooperative action can lead to better digestion, enhanced immune modulation, and a stronger intestinal barrier.

Furthermore, research indicates that the synergy among multi-strain probiotics can result in more consistent and effective outcomes compared to single-strain preparations. A diverse microbial community is more resilient and adaptable to disruptions caused by stress, poor diet, or antibiotic use. For individuals with complex or multiple digestive issues, a multi-strain formula containing both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium is often the most beneficial option.

Conclusion

For those seeking a probiotic that includes both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, numerous high-quality multi-strain supplements are available on the market, such as Ritual Synbiotic+, Nexabiotic, and Transparent Labs Gut Health. The combination of these two key bacterial genera provides comprehensive support for the gut microbiome, leveraging their synergistic effects to promote a balanced and resilient digestive system. When choosing a product, look for transparency regarding specific strains and CFU counts, and consider formulations that also include prebiotics for maximum effectiveness. Ultimately, incorporating a dual-genus probiotic can be a powerful strategy for enhancing overall gut and immune health.

For further reading on the science of multi-strain probiotics, explore research from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Combining these two genera provides more comprehensive gut support because they thrive in different areas of the digestive tract and perform complementary roles. Lactobacillus primarily works in the small intestine, while Bifidobacterium is most active in the large intestine, ensuring a more balanced approach to microbial health.

Many multi-strain products combine them. Examples include Ritual Synbiotic+ (L. rhamnosus and B. animalis ssp. lactis), Nexabiotic (multiple strains from both genera), and California Gold Nutrition (L. acidophilus and B. lactis).

Not always, but research suggests that multi-strain products can offer broader benefits due to the synergistic effects of different bacteria working together. For specific, targeted health concerns, a single, clinically validated strain can also be highly effective.

A probiotic contains beneficial live microorganisms, while a synbiotic is a product that combines probiotics with prebiotics (non-digestible fibers that feed the probiotics). This combination is designed to enhance the survival and effectiveness of the probiotic strains.

To know for sure, you must check the product label for the full strain designation. A high-quality probiotic will list not only the genus (e.g., Lactobacillus) and species (rhamnosus) but also the specific strain (e.g., GG).

The need for refrigeration depends on the specific product and its formulation. Some modern probiotics use shelf-stable technology, while others require refrigeration to maintain viability. Always check the packaging for storage instructions.

Yes, many fermented foods contain both types of bacteria, though often in varying and less predictable quantities than supplements. Examples include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.