Why 24-Hour Gut Support Matters in a Probiotic
Table of Contents
Submitted by the Metagenics Marketing Team
And how to find the right one for your needs.
Your gut works around the clock—your probiotic should too.
Not all probiotics are the same. Some pass through your digestive system quickly, offering minimal support. Others include a clinically studied probiotic strain designed to provide 24-hour gut support—giving you longer, more consistent support between doses.
Even though these strains can last the full day, your body resets daily. That’s why consistent, daily dosing is essential to keep your gut supported around the clock.
If you're taking a daily probiotic, it's worth knowing whether the strains will survive and stay active in the gut throughout the day.
What does “24-hour gut support” mean?
When a probiotic offers 24-hour gut support, it means its strains survive the trip through stomach acid and stay active in your intestines for roughly a full day. While they’re on duty, these clinically studied “good bugs” carry out their beneficial tasks—but they don’t take up permanent residence. Most move on after a short stay, so you have to refresh the supply.
Daily, consistent use keeps the helpful bacteria in your body around the clock, making it easier for you to feel your best every day.
How do you know if your probiotic is working?
It’s a common question: “How do I know if my probiotic is helping?”
Look for subtle signs like:
- Less bloating after meals
- More regular digestion
- Feeling less sluggish after eating
These are good indicators your probiotic is supporting your microbiome. Gut bacteria naturally cycle out every 24 hours. Consistent daily dosing is essential to keep beneficial levels topped up. Choose a formula with strains proven to stay active for a full day-then take it every day for steady results.
Which probiotic fits your needs?
What makes a probiotic strain effective?
Here’s what to look for in a quality probiotic:
| Quality Trait | Why It Matters |
| Viability | Can it make it past stomach acid to your intestines? Probiotic strains must survive stomach acid and digestive enzymes to reach your intestines alive. If they're killed on the way, they can't support your gut.1 |
| Persistence | Will it stay long enough to support you throughout the day? Even after surviving digestion, a probiotic has to stay active for up to 24 hours to interact with gut cells and the immune system in order to provide benefits. |
| CFUs (Colony Forming Units) | Does it have the right number of live cultures? CFUs tell you the number of live organisms present. More CFUs isn’t always better; the effective dose is strain- and condition-specific.2 Visit Probiotics Facts & Myths to learn more. |
| Multi-strain formulation | Is it a multi-strain probiotic formula? Different strains can complement each other to offer broader benefits—like digestive balance and immune support. Visit Multi Strain Probiotic: A Simple Way to Support Gut Health to learn more. |
A probiotic that stays in the gut 24 hours is carefully formulated so the CFU count reflects live cultures that survive the full digestive journey. “It’s not just the number of CFUs that matters—it’s the viability and persistence of the strain.”3
Many Metagenics probiotics— UltraFlora® Complete Women’s Probiotic and UltraFlora® Control Probiotic—use strains chosen for 24-hour activity and strong survivability.
What sets Metagenics probiotics apart?
A probiotic with 24-hour gut support contains strains that survive stomach acid, reach the intestines alive, and stay active for roughly a full day. That means you get:
- Steady digestive and microbiome support between doses.
- A simple once-daily routine with no midday re-dosing worries.
- Enough contact time for your gut to absorb each strain’s benefits.
- Strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07® are scientifically formulated for their ability to survive and stay active in the gut for extended periods.
“NCFM® survived passage through the gastrointestinal tract and significantly impacted host immune markers.”
— Ouwehand et al., Journal of Dairy Science, 20094
“Bi-07® showed strong adhesion to intestinal cells and maintained immune function in elderly subjects.”
— Kullen et al., Journal of Nutrition, 20105
Trust your gut. It's smarter than you think.
Whether you’re looking for:
- A probiotic for women’s wellness.
- Something to help with digestive balance.
- A multi-strain formula for broader gut support.
…you deserve a solution that fits your body and your routine. Learn more about why everyone is obsessed with gut health? >>
The UltraFlora® line of advanced probiotics has a solution for anything your body needs. Brought to you by Metagenics—the #1 Doctor Recommended Professional Supplement Brand.★
Frequently Asked Questions
Will probiotics help with bloating and gas?
Certain strains (e.g., Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®) have been shown in clinical research to ease digestive complaints. Some people experience mild, transient gas in the first few days as the microbiome adjusts, so daily, steady dosing is key.
Product to try: UltraFlora® Spectrum Probiotic >>
What is CFU in probiotics?
CFU stands for Colony Forming Units—how many viable (live) cultures in each dose. Unlike many probiotic brands, Metagenics guarantees the stated CFU count through the product’s expiration date, not just at the time of manufacture.
Do probiotics have to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. Many Metagenics UltraFlora® probiotic formulas are shelf-stable at room temperature. Always follow the storage directions on the label.
Can a multivitamin and probiotic be taken together?
Probiotics do not interfere with vitamin or mineral absorption, and several Metagenics formulas combine both in one daily capsule. As always, those on prescription medications should confirm with their healthcare provider.
Product to try: UltraFlora® Probiotic + Multivitamin
How long do I need to take a probiotic?
Benefits persist only while the probiotic strains are present. For gut- or immune-related goals, ongoing daily use is recommended; for acute situations (e.g., post-antibiotic use), timing may vary. When in doubt, consult a healthcare practitioner.
References
- Corcoran BM et al. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005;71(6):3060-3067.
- Wendel U. Front Microbiol. 2022;12:818468.
- McFarland LV. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2011;25(2):67-82.
- Ouwehand AC et al. J Dairy Sci. 2009;92(1):30-34.
- Kullen MJ et al. J Nutr. 2010;140(2):325-331.