Probiotics

Do probiotics help with constipation?

Updated 4 Nov 2026

Short answer

Some may help adults, by a modest amount. A 2022 review of 30 trials in adults with long-term constipation found that 57% improved with probiotics and 44% without.[1] Stool frequency rose with Bifidobacterium lactis, but not with mixes of probiotics, Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 or Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Stool consistency did not change, and products that also contained prebiotics did not help. The trials varied widely and many had a risk of bias.[1]

In children the evidence is unclear: two 2017 reviews of small trials reached different conclusions.[2]

Sources (2)

  1. Probiotics and synbiotics in chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. van der Schoot A, Helander C, Whelan K, Dimidi E Clin Nutr, 2022. PMID 36372047
  2. Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2019. www.nccih.nih.gov

More about probiotics

What are probiotics?Do probiotics change your gut bacteria?Is a higher CFU count better?Which foods contain probiotics?What are probiotics used for?Do probiotics prevent diarrhea from antibiotics and C. difficile?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.