Did you know that a tough gut bug called C. difficile can cause serious stomach problems? Many people fight this infection, and sometimes even after treatment, it keeps coming back. It’s frustrating when your gut health feels like a constant battle!
Choosing the right probiotics to help fight off C. diff adds another layer of confusion. Which strains actually work? How much should you take? It feels like a guessing game, and getting it wrong means you might not get the relief you need.
This post cuts through the noise. We will clearly explain which probiotics have the best science behind them for tackling C. diff. You will learn exactly what to look for on the label so you can stop guessing and start healing. Keep reading to find your best path back to a healthier gut!
Top Probiotics For C Diff Recommendations
- Dual action support: Florastor probiotic helps strengthen digestive support; probiotics for women and men help flush bad bacteria and allow good bacteria to flourish; helps provide immune support and improve digestion by breaking down carbs and sugars*
- Unique strain: These probiotic supplements contain 250mg of the exclusive probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 for overall gut health; this effective probiotic supplement strain has over 65 years of use and research*
- Daily probiotics for digestive health: To build digestive health and support immunity, take 2 capsules 1-2 times daily*
- Shelf stable: 3-year shelf life; no refrigeration required; exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting or damage to the product
- PROBIOTIC 5 BILLION CFU: Supports a healthy balance of intestinal flora*
- USEFUL WHEN TRAVELING*: For occasional diarrhea*
- REFRIGERATION RECOMMENDED: Refrigerate as soon as item is delivered to maintain shelf life through the 2-year best by date listed on bottom of bottle.
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation)
- PROBIOTIC FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Culturelle probiotics are naturally sourced with scientifically proven ingredients to keep your digestive system in balance; helps reduce occasional gas, bloating and diarrhea.* For daily use, take 1 capsule per day
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE STRAIN: Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics for Men & Women are formulated with the clinically studied probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG which has also been demonstrated to survive harsh stomach acids to get the probiotics where they’re needed in the intestines
- PROBIOTIC POWER: Culturelle Pro Strength is formulated with 12 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of the most clinically studied probiotic, proven to provide digestive & immune support, plus the prebiotic inulin*
- SAFE & BACKED BY RESEARCH: Over 1,000 scientific studies and 30 years of research have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic; Culturelle Pro Strength is vegetarian and contains no gluten, milk, soy or preservatives
- ✔️ 3-in-1 Formula – Probiotics, prebiotic, and postbiotic combined in one capsule
- ✔️ 15 Probiotic Strains – Broad-spectrum blend delivering 70 billion CFU per serving
- ✔️ Clean Formula – Vegan, Non-GMO, gluten-free, no artificial additives
- ✔️ Quality Assured – Manufactured in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility and third-party tested
- Intestinal Tract Support: Jarrow Saccharomyces Boulardii and MOS combines a clinically documented probiotic yeast with the prebiotic MOS, which serves as the food for beneficial bacteria and helps support their growth in the intestinal tract (1)
- Probiotic and Prebiotic: Saccharomyces Boulardii probiotic yeast helps support and maintain intestinal microflora, and restore normal intestinal microflora when possible disruptions occur, such as during travel or from intake of certain medications (1)
- MOS: MOS is a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut(1)
- 5 Billion CFU: Delivers a minimum of 5 billion viable cells (under recommended storage conditions and within Best Used Before date); Take these veggie probiotic capsules 1 or 2 times per day with water, or as directed by a healthcare professional
- RESTORE BALANCE: LGG helps restore the natural balance in your digestive tract; works naturally with your body to ease diarrhea caused by antibiotic use
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE STRAIN: LGG probiotic is a proven effective and clinically studied probiotic strain that helps your digestive
- EASY TO TAKE: Take 1 capsule per day; for optimal results, continued daily use is suggested for 10 days after completion of antibiotic regimen
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED: Every package of Culturelle Probiotics meets the highest standards for purity and potency when consumed; to preserve the billions of CFUs in your Culturelle Probiotics, store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
- 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐘𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐈 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂: Saccharomyces is a patented & clinically studied strain that has been used for its regulatory effect on the intestinal flora, helping to maintain normal balance in the intestine.
- 𝐍𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒: We strive for optimal health. That's why our Saccharomyces Boulardii probiotics do not contain fillers, excipients, flow agents, or the additive magnesium stearate, which is believed to inhibit nutrient absorption. We don't use questionable ingredients and do our due diligence to find authentic versions/forms of nutrients. Our probiotic capsules are non-GMO and gluten-free.
- 𝐍𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐃: Our patented Saccharomyces strain (CNCM I-3799) is stable at body temperature (98.6°F) for survival in gastric acids. It's also stable at room temperature for 24 months when stored properly. We use a proprietary process of less-aggressive drying at a controlled temperature and lower vacuum to preserve complete probiotic yeast cells, delaying the Saccharomyces aging process.
- 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐘: Pure TheraPro Rx Saccharomyces probiotic capsules deliver a minimum of 10 billion colony-forming units per daily serving (250mg per capsule). These probiotics supplement capsules quickly achieve high concentrations in the GI tract, then clear within 3-5 days after discontinuing use. Take two (2) capsules one to two times daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. If detox symptoms occur, lower the dose to ¼ capsule and slowly increase to the full dose. Can be taken with or without food. Please Note: Capsules may be opened and mixed into water, juice, or apple sauce. Consume immediately after mixing. Do not heat.
- 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐘𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐈 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂: Saccharomyces is a patented & clinically studied strain that has been used for its regulatory effect on the intestinal flora, helping to maintain normal balance in the intestine.
- 𝐍𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒: We strive for optimal health. That's why our Saccharomyces Boulardii probiotics do not contain fillers, excipients, flow agents, or the additive magnesium stearate, which is believed to inhibit nutrient absorption. We don't use questionable ingredients and do our due diligence to find authentic versions/forms of nutrients. Our probiotic capsules are non-GMO and gluten-free.
- 𝐍𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐃: Our patented Saccharomyces strain (CNCM I-3799) is stable at body temperature (98.6°F) for survival in gastric acids. It's also stable at room temperature for 24 months. We use a proprietary process of less-aggressive drying at a controlled temperature and lower vacuum to preserve complete probiotic yeast cells, delaying the Saccharomyces aging process.
- 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐁𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐘:Pure TheraPro Rx Saccharomyces probiotic capsules deliver a minimum of 10 billion colony-forming units per daily serving (250mg per capsule). These probiotics supplement capsules quickly achieve high concentrations in the GI tract, then clear within 3-5 days after discontinuing use. Take 1 to 2 capsules daily in the morning or as directed by a healthcare provider.
The Essential Buying Guide for Probiotics for C. Diff
When dealing with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections, choosing the right probiotic is a big step. Probiotics are helpful bacteria that can support your gut health, especially after C. diff has caused trouble. This guide helps you pick the best support for your recovery.
Key Features to Look For
The right probiotic offers specific benefits for C. diff recovery. Focus on these main features:
- Specific Strains: Look for strains proven to help fight C. diff. The most famous and well-studied strain is Saccharomyces boulardii. Some products also include high amounts of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).
- High CFU Count: CFU stands for Colony Forming Units. This tells you how many live bacteria are in each dose. For C. diff support, aim for products offering billions of CFUs, often 10 billion or more per serving.
- Delivery System: How the probiotic reaches your gut matters. Look for capsules that are enteric-coated. This coating protects the bacteria from stomach acid, ensuring they survive long enough to reach your intestines where they do their work.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The quality of what goes into the capsule is crucial.
Live Cultures: Always confirm the product lists live, active cultures. If the label doesn’t clearly state the strains and their counts, the product might not be effective.
Prebiotics (Food for Probiotics): Some excellent formulas include prebiotics, like inulin or FOS (fructooligosaccharides). These act as food, helping the good bacteria multiply once they are in your gut. However, if you are actively experiencing severe C. diff symptoms, sometimes plain probiotics without added prebiotics are recommended until symptoms ease.
Allergens and Fillers: Check the “Other Ingredients” section carefully. Many people need dairy-free, gluten-free, or soy-free options. Simple formulas with fewer unnecessary fillers are usually better.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a probiotic is made and stored greatly affects its quality.
Improving Quality:
- Third-Party Testing: The best brands pay independent labs to test their products. This testing confirms that what is on the label matches what is in the bottle.
- Potency Guarantee: A high-quality product guarantees the CFU count *through the expiration date*, not just at the time of manufacturing.
Reducing Quality:
- Heat Exposure: Heat kills good bacteria. If a probiotic sits on a hot shelf or in direct sunlight, its effectiveness drops fast. Refrigerated strains are often more delicate.
- Poor Packaging: Probiotics stored in clear plastic bottles or non-sealed containers lose potency quickly because light and air damage the bacteria. Look for dark, sealed bottles.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the probiotic depends on your situation.
During Antibiotic Treatment: Doctors often suggest taking probiotics 2 to 3 hours apart from the prescribed C. diff antibiotics. This separation prevents the antibiotics from immediately killing the helpful bacteria you just took.
Post-Treatment Recovery: Once the antibiotic course is finished, many users continue taking a high-quality probiotic for several weeks or months. This helps restore the natural balance in the gut that the antibiotics disrupted.
Digestive Tolerance: Most users tolerate well-formulated probiotics. Sometimes, when starting, people experience mild gas or bloating. If this happens, try reducing the dose slightly until your body adjusts.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About C. Diff Probiotics
Q: Can I take probiotics while actively taking antibiotics for C. diff?
A: Yes, but timing is key. Take the probiotic at least two to three hours before or after taking your prescribed C. diff antibiotic dose. This separation helps the probiotic survive.
Q: Which probiotic strain is best for C. diff prevention?
A: Saccharomyces boulardii is the most widely recommended strain for C. diff prevention and management because it directly opposes the C. diff toxin.
Q: How long should I take probiotics after my C. diff infection clears up?
A: Most healthcare providers suggest continuing probiotics for at least four to eight weeks after finishing antibiotic treatment to help fully rebuild a healthy gut microbiome.
Q: Do I need a refrigerated probiotic for C. diff support?
A: Not necessarily. Many modern, high-quality strains are shelf-stable. Always follow the storage instructions on the bottle, but shelf-stable options are often easier to use consistently.
Q: What does CFU mean on the label?
A: CFU means Colony Forming Units. It measures the number of live, viable bacteria in each serving. Higher numbers generally mean a stronger dose.
Q: Why do some probiotics cause gas when I start them?
A: This minor side effect often happens as the new bacteria begin interacting with the existing bacteria in your large intestine. It usually goes away after a few days.
Q: Should I look for a specific CFU count for C. diff recovery?
A: Yes. For active C. diff support or prevention, look for products offering 10 billion CFUs or higher per daily dose.
Q: Are all probiotics safe after a C. diff diagnosis?
A: No. Only use strains specifically recommended for C. diff recovery, like S. boulardii, unless your doctor suggests a multi-strain formula.
Q: What happens if the probiotic capsule isn’t enteric-coated?
A: If the capsule isn’t protected, stomach acid destroys many of the bacteria before they reach the intestines, making the product much less effective.
Q: Can I open the capsule and mix the powder in water?
A: Only do this if the manufacturer specifically states it is safe. Opening capsules designed to be acid-resistant might ruin their protective coating.
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