Supplements for Body Health

Enteric-coated peppermint oil is one of the better-evidenced botanicals in gastroenterology — multiple meta-analyses of randomized trials show it relieves global symptoms and abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with smaller but consistent signals for functional dyspepsia (combined with caraway oil). It is an antispasmodic, not a cure.

Live microorganisms where strain selection determines outcome — Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains best studied for gut, immune, and mood.

Carotenoid pigments that accumulate in the eye, providing protection against blue light and age-related vision decline.

The one probiotic strain with a genuinely distinctive trick: taken with a meal it increases non-heme iron absorption by roughly 50%, replicated across independent dual-isotope studies. Its IBS evidence is far weaker — rated low certainty, with one clearly negative trial — and it does not fix iron deficiency on its own.

One of the two most-studied probiotic strains, and a case study in why strain-level evidence matters. It has one genuinely strong, guideline-endorsed use — preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children — while its two most-marketed uses, treating stomach bugs and preventing eczema, were both overturned by the largest and best-run trials.

The probiotic strain behind Align, and the one most often called 'the evidence-based one' for IBS. The reality is thinner: four single-strain trials, two of them null, sharing overlapping authorship — and the large positive dose-ranging trial enrolled women only. The dose-response is genuinely inconsistent rather than a clean 'less is more'.

Low-viscosity prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and improves IBS and SIBO symptoms without bloating.

Antibiotic-resistant probiotic yeast that supports digestive regularity and gut flora during travel and antibiotic use.

Primary fuel for intestinal and immune cells. Best evidence is for sickle cell disease (FDA-approved); gut, immune, and recovery benefits in healthy people are weak or unproven.

Proteolytic enzyme from pineapple that aids digestion with food or provides systemic anti-inflammatory and recovery benefits on an empty stomach.

Helps cartilage retain water and resist compression — may slow cartilage loss and reduce osteoarthritis pain, especially with glucosamine.

Natural source of salicin (aspirin precursor) with evidence for pain relief and inflammation — gentler on the stomach than aspirin.