Written by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
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ProbioSlim Review: Pros & Cons, Effectiveness, Safety
Last Updated on June 11, 2022
Medically Reviewed by Anthony Dugarte, MD
ProbioSlim is a dietary supplement intended to ease digestive symptoms and support weight loss. Due to its probiotic content, this supplement may help improve your digestive health. However, this supplement is not perfect.
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, weight loss specialist, and expert health writer with over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Melissa has worked in a variety of healthcare settings helping clients improve their diet through an individualized approach.
Medically Reviewed by
Anthony Dugarte, MD
Medical Reviewer
Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S. is a health and wellness writer and medical content reviewer. In addition to dedicating the last 11 years to medical research, Dr. Dugarte also has more than a decade of experience in strength and conditioning, nutrition, and rehabilitative exercise, as well as authoring and reviewing health and wellness-related content.
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Pros
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Cons
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What Is ProbioSlim?
ProbioSlim from Force Factor is a dietary supplement designed to help promote healthy digestion, replenish good bacteria, and support weight loss.
Additional claims are that the main compound present, called LactoSpore, can ease symptoms associated with occasional diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.
ForceFactor promotes ProbioSlim as unique since it contains Bacillus coagulans, which can survive the harsh environment in the stomach and as a result, may improve absorption.
To use ProbioSlim, take 2 capsules per day – 1 with breakfast and 1 with lunch.
This supplement contains both probiotic and prebiotic ingredients as well as weight loss aids. Probiotics and prebiotics work together but are not the same.
Probiotics are live bacteria that help support our health. The more live, “good” probiotic bacteria we have, in theory, the more it helps reduce the bad types of bacteria.
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feeds the probiotic bacteria and helps them grow.
Evaluation of ProbioSlim’s Ingredients
The four core ingredients in ProbioSlim are part of a complex called the Whole Health Superblend. This complex contains a total dose of 541 milligrams.
In taking a closer look at the evidence, here is a summary of what I’ve found on the health claims:
LactoSpore (Probiotic)
LactoSpore Bacillus coagulans is the probiotic strain present in this ProbioSlim. Probiotics are thought to support digestive health, one of the claims of this product. (1)
The manufacturer claims that the specific strain LactoSpore is well absorbed because it is designed to survive the high acidity in your stomach.
Bacillus bacteria are present naturally in our intestinal tract.
Studies showed some evidence that Bacillus coagulans may reduce diarrhea in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as provide other benefits in IBS patients. (2, 3)
Regarding weight loss, there are no specific studies done on Bacillus coagulans.
There is some research suggesting that probiotics may help with weight loss.
This ingredient is also under the category of Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). To achieve GRAS status, an ingredient is thoroughly evaluated by qualified experts and deemed safe when used as intended. (4)
While this ingredient shows promise in improving IBS symptoms, the research is limited regarding its support with digestion in the general population.
Additionally, there is no data supporting this ingredient for weight loss.
Super EGCG Green Tea Leaf Extract
EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is an antioxidant present naturally in green tea.
EGCG has been studied for its potential role in fat metabolism and weight loss. However, the quality of the data to prove this has been mixed.
For example, a 2014 research review showed promise in EGCG’s anti-obesity effects. (5)
Alternatively, another 2013 review showed varying results in its role in fat metabolism and fat-burning potential. (6)
EGCG may support weight loss and metabolism, but more research is needed to determine the proper dose needed and its long-term effects.
It is also unclear how much EGCG is present in ProbioSlim, as it is part of a complex.
Caffeine
Caffeine, in moderation, has antioxidant properties and may support a healthy metabolism.
A systematic review and meta-analysis were done to investigate caffeine’s role in weight loss. (7)
This study demonstrated that regular caffeine intake might promote a lower weight, BMI, and body fat reduction.
This effect was also dose-dependent, meaning the more caffeine consumed, the greater the likelihood of weight loss.
Another large study showed that those consuming more caffeinated beverages were also able to maintain weight loss better. (8)
While caffeine may have some weight-loss benefits, everyone has a different tolerance to caffeine’s effects.
Prebiotic Fruit Extracts
Prebiotic Fruit Extracts are present in Probioslim. Prebiotics are plant fibers that help feed the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in your gut.
Some research has shown consuming prebiotics can support digestive health, especially when various types are consumed. (9)
ProbioSlim contains 3 prebiotic fruit extracts – kiwi, fig, and papaya.
A comprehensive research review also found that taking a synbiotic supplement that contains both probiotics and prebiotics may support weight loss. (10)
However, this was the case with supplements containing Lactobacillus strains, not Bacillus strains like ProbioSlim.
Additionally, any of these prebiotics can also be found in adequate amounts through your diet.
Consuming them in your diet may produce a greater benefit, as they are combined with other beneficial nutrients in that food.
The research is stronger regarding prebiotics and digestive health rather than weight loss.
It does have the potential to support weight loss as well, but more research is needed on the dosage and variety of sources.
Support for Claimed Benefits
Below is our summary of the available evidence for the claimed benefits of ProbioSlim based on the available research:
| Promotes healthy digestion | 3/5 |
| Replenishes good bacteria | 3/5 |
| Supports weight loss | 3/5 |
Side Effects and Safety
ProbioSlim contains probiotics, which are generally recognized as safe. However, some people experience mild side effects, according to a 2010 research review. (11)
For example, some experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea, especially when first taking probiotics. This often decreased after the first week or so after taking it.
Additionally, those who are immunocompromised may be at an increased risk of infection when taking probiotics. (11)
ProbioSlim is also a stimulant-containing supplement as it contains caffeine.
The caffeine amount is also in unknown quantities as part of a complex. For those who are caffeine-sensitive, it is unclear how they may react. Therefore, it's important to speak to your doctor before beginning ProbioSlim if you fall into that category.
According to the FDA, The upper limit for caffeine intake for the general population is 400 mg per day. (12)
The FDA also warns against consuming more than 1,200 mg of caffeine per day, as this could cause more serious side effects such as seizures.
A 2017 research review found that moderate caffeine consumption is relatively safe. (13)
If you are also consuming caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda in addition to this supplement, it may bring you to an unsafe range.
Always consult with your medical provider before starting this or any supplement, especially if you are caffeine-sensitive.
ProbioSlim Cost and Buying Options
Probioslim 60-count costs $19.88 both at Walmart and Amazon. However, Walmart does offer a convenient 90-day return window if you are not satisfied with the product.
The supplement is also sold at GNC but for double the price.
For the best deal, you can purchase 120 capsules of ProbioSlim for $29.88 at Sam's Club, if you have their membership.
Force Factor does not sell ProbioSlim directly on its website.
Popular Alternatives To ProbioSlim
There are many probiotic and prebiotic supplements available on the market. The most extensively studied probiotic strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which ProbioSlim does not contain, unfortunately.
If your main purpose for taking a probiotic supplement is to improve digestion, consider a product containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
Below are some additional popular probiotic alternatives from reputable brands that contain either one of these strains as well as other research-based ingredients.
The Bottom Line
ProbioSlim contains studied ingredients demonstrating that it may help with your digestive symptoms.
Additionally, some of the ingredients have moderate research suggesting they may help with weight loss and metabolism, although it may not be sustainable in the long term.
The supplement is reasonably priced compared to its competitors. ProbioSlim may be worth trying.
However, keep in mind that if you are sensitive to caffeine or at risk for cardiovascular disease, consult with your medical provider before starting ProbioSlim or any new supplement regimen.
Consider This for Your Digestive Health As Well
As a registered dietitian, I would suggest first getting your probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, or kombucha.
I would also encourage a diet rich in prebiotic fibers with a variety of fruits and vegetables for optimal digestion.
If you experience digestive concerns and are also trying to lose weight, identifying the underlying cause of your health issues would be the first step.
I would recommend adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen as a first-step approach to losing weight.
I would suggest working with a health professional such as a doctor or registered dietitian and then identifying if a supplement is needed.
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13 Sources Used
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- Probiotics: What You Need To Know:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know - Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study:
https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6 - The efficacy of a synbiotic containing Bacillus Coagulans in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4129566/ - USFDA GRAS Notification:
https://lactospore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/02aa-USFDA-GRAS-Notification.pdf - The anti-obesity effects of green tea in human intervention and basic molecular studies:
https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2014143 - The Effect of Green Tea Extract on Fat Oxidation at Rest and during Exercise: Evidence of Efficacy and Proposed Mechanisms:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649093/ - The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335479/ - Caffeine intake is related to successful weight loss maintenance:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554757/ - Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6041804/ - Changes seen in gut bacteria content and distribution with obesity: causation or association?:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00325481.2015.1098519 - Probiotics:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20208051/ - Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much - The Safety of Ingested Caffeine: A Comprehensive Review:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5445139/
