DO PROBIOTICS ACTUALLY WORK?

In short, yes. Gut-friendly bacteria can dish out myriad health benefits. You just need to choose the right ones

BEST FOR: BURNING EXTRA FAT

Lactobacillus gasseri £15 for 60 capsules bodyandfit.com

These “friendly” bacteria

can spike your levels of satiety hormone leptin, while ramping up your metabolism. It’s a two-punch combo that can knock out belly fat.

ONE TO AVOID

BioAcidophilus £25 for 60 capsules biocare.co.uk

Various studies show

that lactobacillus acidophilus has little positive impact. The Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found daily use can lower levels of healthy cholesterol.

BEST FOR: GYM GAINS

LactoSpore Plus £16 for 120 capsules lovelifesupplements.co.uk

This supp can boost your ability

to absorb muscle-building amino acids by up to 128%. Over 10 weeks, it can elevate your lower-body explosive strength by 5%, too.

BEST FOR: MENTAL STRENGTH

Bifidobacterium Longum £4 for 100g amazon.co.uk

By helping to produce

neurotransmitters that boost your mood, this probiotic can decrease anxiety and depression levels without major side effects in 30 days.