As a GI dietitian, I am very selective about the supplements I recommend. I believe supplements should serve a purpose, be backed by quality and evidence, and be chosen based on an individual's specific needs. The products featured here are supplements I personally believe in and feel comfortable recommending for certain situations. Some are products I use within my own family—my one-year-old takes some, and my mother takes others. However, just because I recommend a product doesn't mean it's right for everyone. These supplements are selected for specific gastrointestinal conditions and individual needs, not as a one-size-fits-all approach.
My goal is to help you navigate the overwhelming world of supplements by sharing products I trust, explaining why they may be helpful, and providing guidance on who may benefit from them. Please remember: Supplements are not appropriate for everyone. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified dietitian before starting a new supplement, especially if you have an existing medical condition, take medications, or are considering supplements for a child.
Motility Activator – Integrative Therapeutics
Why I love it: This product combines artichoke leaf extract and ginger root extract. These ingredients have been studied for their potential effects on digestive function and gastric emptying. The combination is particularly interesting because it has been evaluated in human clinical trials. It can be especially useful for those with slow motility.
Why I love it: One of the most important things I teach patients about probiotics is that not all probiotics are created equal. The specific strain matters! BioGaia Protectis contains L. reuteri DSM 17938, a well-studied probiotic strain with research in digestive health. There is clinical research indicating it can be useful in those with methane predominant motility disorders.
Sunfiber – Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG)
Why I love it: Fiber recommendations are not one-size-fits-all, especially when working with patients who have IBS, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Sunfiber is a soluble, prebiotic fiber made from partially hydrolyzed guar gum. I like this particular fiber because it is low FODMAP certified, dissolves easily, and is generally well tolerated compared with some other supplemental fibers.
Why I love it: MegaIgG2000 is particularly interesting because it contains serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin protein, also known as SBI. SBI provides immunoglobulins (primarily IgG) that may bind certain microbial components and antigens within the intestinal lumen. This product can be useful for those with diarrhea-predominant IBS, loose stools, and urgency.
MegaSporeBiotic – Microbiome Labs
Why I love it: MegaSporeBiotic is different from many traditional probiotics because it contains spore-forming Bacillus species. These bacteria form protective spores that allow them to survive harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to stomach acid. This makes spore-based probiotics an interesting area of research in the microbiome space.
Why I love it: One area of GI nutrition that I think deserves more attention is carbohydrate digestion. While many people are familiar with lactose intolerance and FODMAP sensitivities, fewer realize that difficulty digesting certain starches and sugars can also contribute to digestive symptoms. Starchway contains two digestive enzymes: gluco-amylase and invertase. Gluco-amylase helps break down starch into smaller carbohydrate units, while invertase helps break down sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.