The 8 Best Gut Health Supplements of 2025, According to a Gastroenterology Dietitian
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However, not all digestive problems respond well to these types of changes; some may benefit from a multifaceted approach, and a customized supplement regimen may play a significant and complementary role.
The key to finding effective and appropriate digestive supplements lies in selecting quality and clinically supported products that address your specific concerns. I am a New York City–based registered dietitian specializing in gastroenterology. Below, I review some of the top products that I recommend and use in my clinical practice for common gastrointestinal issues.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Our Top Picks for the Best Supplements for Gut Health
- Best for constipation: Solgar Magnesium Citrate
- Best for diarrhea: FiberCon Calcium Polycarbophil Bulk-Forming Laxative
- Best for irritable bowel sydrome: IBgard
- Best for constipation and diarrhea: Citrucel Methylcellulose Fiber Therapy for Irregularity
- Best for lactose intolerance: Nature’s Way Lactose Defense Digestive Enzymes
- Best for FODMAP intolerance: Microbiome Labs FODMATE
- Best for histamine intolerance: Seeking Health Histamine Digest
- Best for overall regularity: Konsyl Organic Daily Psyllium Fiber

Best for Constipation
Solgar Magnesium Citrate
Pros
- Convenient form
- Research-supported benefits
- Cost-effective
- Widely available for purchase
Cons
- May not be safe if you have kidney or cardiac dysfunction
- Can interact with some medications
Key Specs
- Form: Tablet
- Supplement type: Laxative
- Standard dose: Two tablets (400 mg)
- Dietary considerations: N/A
Magnesium offers an easy, gentle, and clinically researched treatment. Among the many magnesium supplements on the market, Solgar’s product is a great choice because it is cost-effective, easy to find, and comes in 200 milligram (mg) capsules that can be increased gradually to find your sweet spot for relief.

Best for Diarrhea
FiberCon Calcium Polycarbophil Bulk-Forming Laxative
Pros
- Large bulking potential
- Non-fermentable (non-gassy)
- Flavorless pills
Cons
- Larger pills
Key Specs
- Form: Pill
- Supplement type: Fiber
- Standard dose: Two pills
- Dietary considerations: N/A
Though FiberCon may not be as famous as other fiber supplements, such as psyllium, it’s likely on the way there thanks to its ability to control urgency and diarrhea and aid with constipation effectively.
However, FiberCon is a star product in my practice for those with chronic diarrhea, urgency, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) because it has a particularly large bulking potential (up to 60 times its weight in water), meaning it can add firmness to loose and watery stools.
Many of my patients with chronic diarrhea and urgency have found this product to be a game-changer for their symptoms and quality of life. Plus, FiberCon’s tasteless pills are a convenient and portable regimen that’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine. The dosing for diarrhea may need some customization, such as a split dose or experimenting with timing, so I recommend working with your healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you.

Best for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBgard
Pros
- Reduces cramping and feelings of urgency
- Best evidence for IBS symptom relief
- Formulated with peppermint oil
Cons
- Large pills
- Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians (contains gelatin)
Key Specs
- Form: Capsule
- Type: Peppermint oil
- Standard dose: Two capsules
- Dietary considerations: Contains gelatin
IBgard is a star product for helping to manage IBS, thanks to the robust evidence supporting peppermint oil as a safe, well-tolerated, and clinically effective therapy for IBS symptoms. I have seen positive results with this product in my patients with IBS-D and crampy abdominal pain; for some, it has been a life-changing tool.

Best for Constipation and Diarrhea
Citrucel Methylcellulose Fiber Therapy for Irregularity
Pros
- Formulated with a soluble fiber
- Non-fermentable (non-gassy)
- Flavorless and odorless
Cons
- Contains artificial coloring
- May need a dose of four to six caplets
Key Specs
- Form: Caplet
- Supplement type: Fiber
- Standard dose: Two to six caplets
- Dietary donsiderations: Contains artificial dyes
Citrucel’s versatility in aiding with constipation, diarrhea, and IBS makes it a top choice in the fiber supplement category. Unlike other fiber supplements on the market, methylcellulose fiber — the main ingredient in Citrucel — is an entirely soluble fiber type that gels with water in the GI tract and can help with multiple bowel irregularities.
While Citrucel is not meant to be a replacement for getting fiber through your diet, it is a supportive tool that I find to be generally well-tolerated among my patients. Citrucel’s fiber caplets are non-fermentable in the gut, which minimizes side effects such as gas and bloating. The tasteless and odorless caplets are a bonus, as most fiber products come in powdered and flavored forms that can be offensive to some palates (though Citrucel does sell a flavored powder form if you prefer).
While a standard dose of this product may be as few as two caplets, I find most of my patients need at least four to notice a difference. That can be a lot of pills to swallow, and like all fiber products, it requires extra fluid with each dose — but it’s still a simple daily regimen to follow if it helps you. Also, if you cannot tolerate or prefer to avoid dyes, note that this product does contain artificial coloring.

Best for Lactose Intolerance
Nature’s Way Lactose Defense Digestive Enzymes
Pros
- Helps minimize diet restrictions
- Cost-effective
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians (contains gelatin)
Key Specs
- Form: Capsule
- Type: Digestive enzyme
- Standard dose: One to three capsules
- Dietary considerations: Contains gelatin
Lactose intolerance is the decreased ability to digest lactose, due to the body having too little lactase, the digestive enzyme that breaks down sugar in dairy products. Many of my patients with a lactose intolerance assume that they must avoid all dairy to prevent symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea — but fortunately, an effective supplement regimen can help get them around that. Nature’s Way Lactose Defense Digestive Enzymes offers one of the most convenient solutions on the market.
While lactase supplementation is a relatively inexpensive way to support the comfortable digestion of various nutritious and delicious dairy foods, this particular formulation is unsuitable for people with certain dietary restrictions, such as those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it uses gelatin capsules.

Best for FODMAP Intolerance
Microbiome Labs FODMATE
Pros
- Helps minimize diet restriction
- Multi-enzyme formula for broad support
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Not widely available for purchase
- Pricey
Key Specs
- Form: Capsule
- Supplement type: Digestive enzyme
- Standard dose: Two capsules
- Dietary considerations: N/A
One of the things that makes FODMATE stand out is its cocktail formula, which combines lactase (for lactose), alpha-galactosidase for galacto-oligosaccharides (a group of carbohydrates made up of oligo-galactose along with glucose and lactose), and glucose isomerase (for fructose) for broad-spectrum support. FODMATE contains two additional enzymes, inulinase and pectinase, to help target foods such as wheat, onion, and garlic — though efficacy data on these enzymes is still limited.
FODMATE is fast-acting when taken at the start of a meal, easy to take on the go, and less expensive than taking multiple enzymes at once. The cost of FODMATE may limit frequent use, although it is likely cheaper than taking multiple enzymes. Working with a FODMAP-trained dietitian can help you liberalize your diet so that you can reserve this product for occasional or short-term use.

Best for Histamine Intolerance
Seeking Health Histamine Digest
Pros
- Helps minimize diet restrictions
- Convenient form
- Research-backed benefits
Cons
- Priced on the higher end
- Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians (contains pork extract)
Key Specs
- Form: Capsule
- Supplement type: Digestive enzyme
- Standard dose: One capsule
- Dietary considerations: Contains porcine (pig) extract
Seeking Health Histamine Digest is one of the few supplements on the market designed to improve dietary histamine tolerance, and I have found it to be a helpful tool for my patients with histamine issues. Note that dietary histamine intolerance is not universally recognized by major professional societies or guidelines as a formal diagnosis, and it is an evolving area of research. That said, some patients seem to respond to low-histamine diets.
The current theory is that if you take in more histamine from your diet than your body can efficiently break down, a variety of symptoms can occur, including gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain, as well as itching, hives, headaches, and swelling. High-histamine foods such as vinegar, aged cheese, deli meat, and avocado may trigger symptoms. A low-histamine diet may prevent symptoms, although it can be extremely difficult to follow, since histamines occur in so many foods.

Best for Overall Regularity
Konsyl Organic Daily Psyllium Fiber
Pros
- Non-fermentable (non-gassy)
- Cost-effective
- Single ingredient
Cons
- Less convenient
- Gels quickly in liquid
Key Specs
- Form: Powder
- Supplement type: Fiber
- Standard dose: 1 teaspoon
- Dietary considerations: N/A
Psyllium husk is, without question, the most well-studied and recommended fiber supplement on the market for bowel irregularities. While there are many psyllium products to choose from, Konsyl Organic Daily Psyllium Fiber is a great choice because it is widely available, contains only one ingredient (organic ground psyllium), and comes with a low price tag per serving.
The downside of this psyllium powder is that it must be mixed into liquid and thickens up rather quickly, so the texture can be off-putting at first. However, you can avoid this by immediately drinking it in cold water or adding it to moist foods such as smoothies and oatmeal as part of your daily bowel regimen.
Comparison Table
How We Chose the Top Gut Health Supplements
I’m a registered dietitian specializing in gastroenterology and have worked with thousands of patients dealing with chronic digestive symptoms. Staying on top of the latest research on gut health supplements and providing my patients with research-based recommendations for their chronic digestive symptoms is part of my everyday work in gastrointestinal nutrition.
The products listed above were independently chosen based on the clinical evidence supporting their use for specific GI conditions, and they are ones which my physician and dietitian colleagues and I routinely see success with among our patients. Finally, I also took product formulation and tolerance into consideration, as many supplements on the market contain cocktails of ingredients that may not be backed by scientific research and can actually cause additional GI side effects.
Who Should Take a Digestive Health Supplement?
A supplement may be a complementary treatment option if you have digestive discomfort that’s not improving, and after seeing your doctor. Common gut health conditions that may benefit from an appropriately matched supplement include:
Chronic diarrhea and IBS-D: Research-based options for chronic loose stools, gut spasms, and urgency may include bulking fiber supplements and enteric-coated peppermint oil.
Chronic constipation and IBS-C: Both laxative and fiber supplements have been clinically shown to improve constipation and constipation-predominant IBS.
Dietary intolerances: Targeted digestive enzyme products, when matched to your specific nutritional intolerance or sensitivity (such as lactose, FODMAPs, or dietary histamine), may prevent diet-related symptoms.
If you plan on taking a supplement for your gut health, clarify that the product matches your symptoms and health needs. Many products make claims but may lack research-based ingredients for particular digestive issues. Careful product reviews and guidance from your healthcare provider can help you create an effective personalized supplement regimen.
Who Should Not Take a Digestive Health Supplement?
Not everyone needs a supplement for good gut health. If you don’t have recurrent digestive symptoms, your gut may already function very well. Adding a supplement without a particular concern is not recommended.
On the other hand, if you have ongoing symptoms and are considering supplementation, ensuring product safety is key. The supplements reviewed above are generally safe for most individuals, when taken appropriately. However, certain conditions may require caution, depending on your medical history and health status. For example:
- Gastrointestinal motility disorder (such as slow intestinal transit, gastroparesis, or esophageal dysmotility)
- Intestinal blockages (bowel obstruction) or strictures
- Severe constipation or risk of fecal impaction
- Esophageal strictures
- Active intestinal inflammation, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis
- Medically required fluid restriction
Laxative supplements may need to be avoided if you have current or previous:
- Intestinal blockages (bowel obstruction)
- Cardiac disease or dysfunction
- Kidney disease or dysfunction
- Medically required fluid restriction
- Laxative abuse
Additionally, read product labels carefully and speak with your provider if you:
- Have allergies or celiac disease
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take prescription medications or other supplements
What to Look for When Buying a Digestive Health Supplement
When choosing a supplement, choose products designed for your specific gut health concerns. Many digestive supplements contain ingredients that may not work for your symptoms, so reading labels and checking with your healthcare provider can help you get the most out of a supplement regimen and make sure it’s safe for you.
Supplement form: Supplements come in various forms, such as swallowable capsules and dissolvable powders, which you can choose based on your tolerability and personal preference. If you have difficulty swallowing or an upper motility disorder, you’ll want to choose a tolerable form. The form of the product, however, does not impact its effectiveness.
Product additives: Some products include additives for flavoring, sweetening, or an additional marketed health benefit. Look for simple ingredient lists that target your needs, as some ingredients may cause side effects. This includes sugar alcohols (erythritol, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol), which have the potential to cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea, as well as prebiotics (fructo-oligsosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, inulin/chicory root fiber), which can cause gas and bloating.
Allergens and dietary restrictions: Screen all supplement ingredients before use if you have allergies or dietary intolerances, such as celiac disease. Reach out to your healthcare provider or the product manufacturer if you are unsure whether an ingredient is safe for you.
Most digestive supplements are vegetarian, though some products may be derived from both plant and animal sources. If you avoid all animal products or specific types, read product labels carefully, as ingredients such as gelatin may be included.
Medication interactions: Some supplements, such as fiber, can interact with medications and reduce or delay their effectiveness. Follow dosage instructions and take them at the recommended intervals, apart from affected medications if necessary.
FAQs
All products have a recommended dosage, but individual regimens can vary depending on your symptoms and health conditions. Speak with your healthcare provider to personalize your regimen, as it may be beneficial to adjust the standard dose, frequency, or timing of a supplement.
The supplements reviewed above are generally safe and well-tolerated for most individuals for intermittent or short-term use, although excessive or incorrect use can cause serious side effects. Follow package directions, such as fluid requirements for fiber or laxative supplements. While most supplements are designed for occasional use, some are safe for daily and long-term use, when guided by your healthcare provider.
The best time to take a digestive supplement depends on what kind of supplement it is. Laxatives, such as the magnesium supplement included in this roundup, may be taken at night to prepare for your morning trip to the bathroom. You should take these supplements with food to avoid getting diarrhea.
Digestive enzymes can be taken with the first bite of a meal, or spaced out over the meal as a split dose if it is a longer meal.
There’s limited research on when to take fiber supplements, though it’s recommended that you take them with meals to help your body absorb them better, and take them at the same time each day to avoid potential side effects.
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Justin Laube, MD
Medical Reviewer
Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, and trauma healing.
He graduated with a bachelor's in biology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. During medical school, he completed a graduate certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. He completed his three-year residency training in internal medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles on the primary care track and a two-year fellowship in integrative East-West primary care at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine.
He is currently taking a multiyear personal and professional sabbatical to explore the relationship between childhood trauma, disease, and the processes of healing. He is developing a clinical practice for patients with complex trauma, as well as for others going through significant life transitions. He is working on a book distilling the insights from his sabbatical, teaching, and leading retreats on trauma, integrative health, mindfulness, and well-being for health professionals, students, and the community.
Previously, Dr. Laube was an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he provided primary care and integrative East-West medical consultations. As part of the faculty, he completed a medical education fellowship and received a certificate in innovation in curriculum design and evaluation. He was the fellowship director at the Center for East-West Medicine and led courses for physician fellows, residents, and medical students.

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