Are Fermented Supplements Good for You?

Science has demonstrated that fermented foods offer numerous health benefits. Many are probiotic-rich, delivering healthy microbes that enhance digestive system health, which in turn can positively affect the entire body. However, does this also apply to fermented supplements?

Often promoted as a healthier, more bioavailable option, fermented supplements are surrounded by both known facts and uncertainties.

What are Fermented Supplements?

To grasp the concept of fermented supplements, we must first understand food fermentation. This natural process involves the conversion of carbohydrates (starch and sugar) into alcohol or acids by microorganisms such as bacteria or yeasts. It is responsible for producing delicious items like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

Fermented supplements are created using ingredients that have undergone similar fermentation processes, typically through lactic acid fermentation, ethanol fermentation, or with the help of bacteria, yeasts, or enzymes.¹

Do Fermented Supplements Contain Probiotics?

Given that many fermented foods contain probiotics, it's natural to wonder if fermented supplements do as well. The answer is complex. Not all fermented foods contain live probiotics; it depends on their ingredients, preparation, and storage methods.

Examining the product label can reveal whether a fermented supplement contains probiotics. Ingredients may list "active cultures" or specify probiotic strains. If uncertain, contacting the supplement manufacturer for clarification is advised. However, if probiotics are your main concern, you might prefer a probiotic supplement. For guidance on choosing the best one, consider reading The 4 Steps to Choosing a Probiotic.

The Potential Benefits of Fermentation

Fermentation not only promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can improve gut health, but also enhances the nutritional value of foods by breaking down their nutrients, potentially making them easier to digest.

For instance, fermentation breaks down lactose in milk into simpler components, allowing individuals with lactose sensitivities to enjoy fermented dairy products like kefir or yogurt without adverse effects.²

Additionally, fermentation can reduce the presence of "anti-nutrients" such as phytic acid in grains, nuts, and legumes, which might otherwise hinder the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.³

Are Fermented Supplements Better than Regular Supplements?

Although fermentation offers certain benefits for foods, more research is needed to determine its effects on supplement ingredients. It is incorrect to assume that fermentation universally enhances ingredients, as each reacts differently to the process depending on its unique compounds.

Before opting for a fermented supplement, it is crucial to consider the science behind the supplement. Some ingredients, like fermented turmeric, may offer greater bioavailability than their non-fermented counterparts because fermentation transforms their beneficial compounds from fat-soluble to water-soluble. Fermented turmeric, in particular, has been studied in human trials.⁴

Conversely, other turmeric supplements may be more effective when consumed with fat or oil to enhance absorption. Regardless of the method, the benefits remain accessible. Learn more about the benefits of turmeric in What is Turmeric & What are the Benefits of Turmeric?

One notable advantage of fermented supplements is their frequent use of natural food ingredients. Most experts concur that obtaining nutrients from real food sources is best, although fermentation is not necessary for this. Focusing on a balanced diet and supplementing with non-fermented supplements made with real food ingredients can also be effective.

Expert Wellness Advice You Can Count On

At BubbForest, we focus on the details—the science, the research, and the latest trends—so you don't have to. Our dedication ensures that you can concentrate on what's most important to you, trusting us to enhance your health.

If you enjoyed this post, explore The Science Behind Your Pill—Real Food Vitamins and More than a Trend: 5 Health Trend Pairs that Should Stay.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, BubbForest Health Products

Lindsey is a nationally-recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a passion for pie. She inspires individuals to take control of their health by balancing enjoyment and nourishment in their diet.

Her philosophy is to care for your body as it is the only permanent home you have, which inspired her career in nutrition and her role at BubbForest Health Products.

Sources

¹Fermented Formulas: Traditional Processing Method Appeals to Modern Consumers. Nutraceuticals World. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_online-exclusives/2019-04-23/fermented-formulas-traditional-processing-method-appeals-to-modern-consumers/

²Hertzler, et al. DOI: 10.1053/jada.2003.50111

³Gupta, RK, DOI: 10.1007/s13197-013-0978-y

⁴Sang-Wook, et al. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-58

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.