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2024's Top 5 Supplements for Acid Reflux & Heartburn
Which Ingredients Produce Results? What To Look For, Avoid + Our Top 5
Advertiser Disclosure
Over a quarter of all American adults feel the toll of occasional acid reflux or heartburn. For many, this leads to anxiety about certain foods, loss of sleep, and lingering discomfort. Thankfully, acid reflux supplements are helping millions find the relief they need.
However, not all these supplements are created equal. Some are made with improper formulations, delivering no actual health benefit.
So how do you find a quality supplement?
Smarter Reviews compiled years of research on this trending issue. In this quick guide, we explain what to look for, what to avoid, and reveal our Top 5 Acid Reflux Supplements of 2022.
How Do You Fight Acid Reflux & Heartburn?
Age and certain lifestyle factors can disrupt the body's digestive process. When food isn’t fully digested, the esophagus stays open. This lets stomach acid into the throat, causing acid reflux and heartburn.
New research shows that certain gut bacteria fight these issues. By taking these specific bacterial strains, you can help prevent acid reflux and heartburn while supporting comfort and regularity.
Key Bacteria for Acid Reflux
These species (or "strains") of bacteria produce digestive enzymes that help break down food before issues start.
L. salivarius
Produces protease, which is required to break down red meats properly
L. acidophilus
Produces amylase, critical enzyme for digesting carbohydrates like potatoes, bread, and sugar.
L. plantarum
Produces cellulase, the enzyme responsible for comfortably digesting fruits and vegetables.
What Else To Look For
High CFU Count
CFU count refers to how many bacteria a probiotic contains. At high CFU ranges, helpful bacteria can form powerful “colonies,” which help fight all forms of indigestion, gas, and poor regularity with maximum effectiveness. That’s why we recommend probiotics with above 45 billion CFU.
Prebiotics
These unique nutrients feed helpful bacteria and help them grow strong. This leads to increased indigestion support over time.
Acid-Resistant Capsules
These capsules protect bacteria on the way to your gut. This helps them provide maximum relief from acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, and gas.
What To Avoid
Required Refrigeration
This is a sign of weak capsules that might dissolve in your stomach. This could lead to all the bacteria dying before reaching your gut, rendering your probiotic completely ineffective.
Unnecessary Fillers
Companies use these ingredients to cut manufacturing costs. However, they may harm your digestive health, according to recent studies. That’s why we recommend you avoid fillers like magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide.
2024's Top 5 Supplements for Acid Reflux
1. Complete Probiotics Platinum
Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains 51 billion live cultures in each capsule
- 11 diverse strains
- Endorsed by an MD
- Outstanding 90% customer satisfaction**
- Each capsule is acid-resistant
- 100% Vegan
- NutraFlora Prebiotic is included
- Only one capsule per day is needed
- Has no synthetic fillers or binders
- Each substrain is listed and has been clinically studied.
CONS
- Due to popularity, sometimes it's on backorder/sold out
The Bottom Line
In terms of acid reflux support, 1MD Nutrition's Complete Probiotics Platinum® stands out.
By including all three key digestive bacteria, this supplement provides excellent protection against acid reflux and heartburn. Complete Probiotics Platinum also contains a 51 billion CFU dosage, diverse strains, and clinically backed prebiotics in each 1-capsule serving, making for strong digestive support.
We found an impressive 2021 survey on this product:
- Nearly 8 in 10 reported less indigestion and abdominal discomfort**
- Over 80% had less gas and better regularity **
- Over 75% felt these improvements in one month**
Finally, 1MD Nutrition™ backs up every purchase with an impressive 90-day money-back guarantee. We can confidently call Complete Probiotics Platinum® our #1 acid reflux & heartburn supplement of 2022.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
**Based on a survey of 312 1MD Nutrition customers who have made more than one purchase of Complete Probiotics Platinum.
Learn More2. Pro-45
Total Ranking
9.5/10
A
Overall Grade
PROS
- Provides 45 billion live cultures
- 11 clinically proven strains
- No fillers or additives
- 365-day return policy
- NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber included
- Dairy and gluten free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Not endorsed by an MD
The Bottom Line
Live Conscious came in at a respectable #2 on our list, with a potent 45 billion CFUs and 11 strains.
Pro45 offers vegetarian delayed release capsules and pure ingredients. We confirmed that there are no unhealthy fillers or additives. We also checked its 365-day return policy and were impressed by how easy and straightforward it was. Our Smarter Shoppers gave this product high marks in the categories of customer service, returns, and overall effectiveness.
Unfortunately, it's not endorsed by an MD, but easy to order through their Amazon store. Though the reviews were stellar and ingredients are pure, the lack of medical endorsement led this product to come in a close second place on our top picks.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Extra Care 50 Billion
Total Ranking
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Provides 50 billion organisms per serving
- Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Reports of less capsules in bottle than on label
- No money-back guarantee
- Refrigeration recommended for best quality and efficacy
The Bottom Line
Some Smarter Shoppers stated that the storage guidelines of this product was inconvenient.* Although the product contains over 50 billion live cultures, many reviewers believed the product lost its potency due to poor refrigeration by delivery.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Digestive Health Probiotic
Total Ranking
8.7/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Can be found in retail stores
- Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Only offers 10 billion CFUs per serving
- Contains unhealthy, synthetic fillers
- Only contains one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG
The Bottom Line
This product only offers one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG. In addition, this product only contains 10 billion live cultures. Smarter Shoppers noticed fairly short expiration dates. This product contains undesirable fillers and added colors such as gelatin, sucrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Primal Probiotics
Total Ranking
7.9/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains 12 probiotic strains
- Clinically studied strains
- Shelf-stable
CONS
- Contains only two prebiotic nutrients
- Only 31 billion CFU
- Includes fillers such as magnesium stearate
- Prebiotics backed by limited clinical studies
The Bottom Line
Primal Probiotics contains a respectable 12 separate strains of clinically-studied probiotics.
Where Primal Harvest falls short, however, is that it contains only two prebiotic fibers, whereas several are needed to feed the various strains. Unfortunately, this product also has fillers such as magnesium stearate, which are completely unnecessary.
Still, its commitment to clinically studied strains and shelf-stable bottle give it an edge over many other probiotics.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageCITATIONS
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1. Complete Probiotics Platinum
Total Ranking
647 votes
9.6/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains 51 billion live cultures in each capsule
- 11 diverse strains
- Endorsed by an MD
- Each capsule is acid-resistant
- 100% Vegan
- NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber is included
- Only one capsule per day is needed
- Has no synthetic fillers or binders
- Each substrain is listed and has been clinically studied.
CONS
- Due to popularity, sometimes it's on backorder/sold out
The Bottom Line
Our Smarter Shoppers have voted 1MD Nutrition™'s Complete Probiotics Platinum the most popular daily probiotic they tried. It is one of the best formulas on the market, due to its 51 billion live cultures, 11 robust and clinically studied strains, NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, vegan capsule composition, and no synthetic fillers or additives.
This was the only product we could find that has been endorsed by an MD, specifically a Gastroenterologist (gut and digestive health physician). It was also the only one that listed each of its clinically studied substrains. Our Smarter Shoppers absolutely loved this probiotic blend.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. Pro-45
Total Ranking
214 votes
9.5/10
A
Overall Grade
PROS
- Provides 45 billion live cultures
- 11 clinically proven strains
- No fillers or additives
- 365-day return policy
- NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber included
- Dairy and gluten free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Not endorsed by an MD
The Bottom Line
Live Concious came in at a respectable #2 on our list, with a potent 45 billion CFUs and 11 strains.
Pro45 offers vegetarian delayed release capsules and pure ingredients. We confirmed that there are no unhealthy fillers or additives. We also checked its 365-day return policy and were impressed by how easy and straightforward it was. Our Smarter Shoppers gave this product high marks in the categories of customer service, returns, and overall effectiveness.
Unfortunately, it's not endorsed by an MD, but easy to order through their Amazon store. Though the reviews were stellar and ingredients are pure, the lack of medical endorsement led this product to come in a close second place on our top picks.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Extra Care 50 Billion
Total Ranking
263 votes
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Provides 50 billion organisms per serving
- Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Reports of less capsules in bottle than on label
- No money-back guarantee
- Refrigeration recommended for best quality and efficacy
The Bottom Line
Some Smarter Shoppers stated that the storage guidelines of this product was inconvenient.* Although the product contains over 50 billion live cultures, many reviewers believed the product lost its potency due to poor refrigeration by delivery.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Digestive Health Probiotic
Total Ranking
494 votes
8.7/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Can be found in retail stores
- Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
- Only offers 10 billion CFUs per serving
- Contains unhealthy, synthetic fillers
- Only contains one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG
The Bottom Line
This product only offers one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG. In addition, this product only contains 10 billion live cultures. Smarter Shoppers noticed fairly short expiration dates. This product contains undesirable fillers and added colors such as gelatin, sucrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Primal Probiotics
Total Ranking
571 votes
7.9/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains 12 probiotic strains
- Clinically studied strains
- Shelf-stable
CONS
- Contains only two prebiotic nutrients
- Only 31 billion CFU
- Includes fillers such as magnesium stearate
- Prebiotics backed by limited clinical studies
The Bottom Line
Primal Probiotics contains a respectable 12 separate strains of clinically-studied probiotics.
Where Primal Harvest falls short, however, is that it contains only two prebiotic fibers, whereas several are needed to feed the various strains. Unfortunately, this product also has fillers such as magnesium stearate, which are completely unnecessary.
Still, its commitment to clinically studied strains and shelf-stable bottle give it an edge over many other probiotics.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More