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Bio Complete 3 Review: A Unique Probiotic for Gut Health
Last Updated on April 28, 2023
Medically Reviewed by Natalie Olsen, MS, RDN
Bio Complete 3 offers a unique formulation of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support digestive health and energy levels. Its ingredients are backed by research, and the brand offers a great money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Bio Complete 3 contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, making it a fairly unique probiotic supplement.
- Its ingredients have a good amount of scientific evidence (especially Baccillus Coagulans) showing their benefit in improving gut health and supporting energy levels.
- Although this product may promote weight management, it should not be considered a solution for that goal.
- The ingredients in this product are generally considered safe for healthy people. (See safety section for exceptions.)
- Bio Complete 3 may be an excellent option for your daily regimen if you find yourself struggling to eat a balanced diet and need support managing a healthy gut.
- To see results, it is best to take this product consistently. Evidence suggests that taking your probiotic for at least a few months will yield the most benefits, as it takes some time for the healthy bacteria to build up in your body.
- If you’re unsatisfied, you can return Bio Complete 3 for a refund through the company’s 90-day money-back guarantee.
What Bio Complete 3 Gets Right
- Offers probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in one supplement.
- The supplement contains ingredients that have been clinically studied and shown to be effective in improving gut health.
- Has a 90-day money-back guarantee, even on opened products.
Important Considerations
- The brand does not list probiotic CFUs per serving, making it impossible to know if the product contains an effective dose.
- Other key ingredients have promising benefits but are in smaller amounts than what was studied, so they may be underdosed.
- You must use this product consistently to see results, so consider the ongoing monthly costs.
- Bio Complete 3 is more expensive than its competitors. But if using the subscription service and buying in bulk, the cost is similar to alternative products.
- Having to take four capsules a day may not be appealing to some.
Bio Complete 3 at a Glance
Bio Complete 3 from GundryMD is a probiotic supplement created by Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiac surgeon with over 30 years of experience. It is uniquely designed to support gut health by providing a blend of research-backed probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics.
One of the keys to optimal health lives in our gut. Research shows that the microbes living in our intestines interact significantly with our mind, heart, and overall wellness. Ensuring optimal gut health is essential for anyone wanting to take steps towards improving their overall health.
Bio Complete 3 aims to promote total body wellness by offering a comprehensive product to improve your gut health.
How to Take It
The recommended dosage for Bio Complete 3 is two capsules twice per day, taken before meals. For optimal benefits, it is recommended to take this product daily.
Tip: Combine Bio Complete 3 with a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Include plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Add probiotic-containing foods such as kefir, Greek yogurt, and fermented vegetables to help maintain optimal gut health.
Click to View Supplement Facts
Bio Complete 3’s nutrition information per serving (4 capsules) includes:
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 1 gram
- Saturated: 1 gram
- CoreBiome (Standardized to 30% Tributyrin): 1000 mg
- SunFiber™: 200 mg
- ProDURA (Baccillus Coagulans): 16 mg
Other ingredients include Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sunflower Oil, Fatty Acids Esterfied with Glycerol, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Maltodextrin.
The Cost Is Not Cheap
Bio Complete 3 is not sold in stores and must be purchased directly online from the Gundry MD brand.
|
One-Time Purchase |
Subscription |
---|---|---|
1 Bottle (30-day supply) |
$69.95 |
$49.95 |
3 Bottles (90-day supply) |
$188.85 ($62.95 per bottle) |
$134.85 ($44.95 per bottle) |
6 Bottles (180-day supply) |
$353.70 ($58.95 per bottle) |
$254.85 ($42.48 per bottle) |
Supplements containing prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are typically more expensive than products that only offer probiotics. Still, the one-time purchase price of Bio Complete 3 is more expensive than its competitors. However, buying it through a subscription makes a meaningful difference and makes the price comparable to alternatives.
The brand offers a friendly 90-day money-back guarantee, including for opened products. If you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, you may request a refund minus the shipping cost.
Research Behind the Benefits of Bio Complete 3
Although Bio Complete 3 has not been tested as a whole, the supplement contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics that may help support your gut health and overall wellness. However, it’s important to remember that while certain ingredients produced some early promising results, they are used in smaller amounts in this supplement.
Additionally, the brand does not disclose how many CFUs are available per serving for Bacillus coagulans, which would be helpful considering there is solid research behind this probiotic strain.
Note: CFU stands for Colony Forming Units, representing the number of live and active microorganisms in one serving of a probiotic supplement.
Below we’ll break down the research behind ingredients and their possible roles in providing potential benefits.
Gut Health
Probiotic supplementation in healthy adults may improve the concentration of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to improved digestion, better bowel movements, and less gas and bloating. (1)
Research has found that the probiotic bacillus coagulans can withstand the stomach’s acidic environment to reach the intestine where it grows. Once B. coagulans is active in the small intestine, it will improve the groups of beneficial bacteria, resulting in better digestion, less abdominal pain, and less bloat. (2)
Bio Complete 3 also includes SunFiber, a prebiotic that positively affects digestive health and promotes better stool frequency and consistency. However, studies show that while it is promising, the amount of SunFiber in this supplement is significantly smaller than what was researched. (3)
Energy Support
Studies show that healthy bacteria in the gut are correlated with improved energy. Specifically, the probiotic B. coagulans used in Bio Complete 3 has been shown to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates and protein, allowing the body to utilize nutrients better, which may lead to improved energy. (4, 5)
Food Cravings
Studies have shown that having a positive balance of gut bacteria may lead to fewer cravings and food addictions. (6, 7)
Specifically, SunFiber™ is a soluble dietary fiber made from hydrolyzed guar gum that provides a feeling of fullness, possibly reducing cravings. However, the amount in Bio Complete 3 appears smaller than what was studied. (8)
Weight Management
Research has shown B. coagulans may play a role in the digestion of carbohydrates and protein, maximizing the benefits of protein supplementation. Optimal protein intake and absorption are necessary for weight loss. (5, 9)
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, SubFiber, a soluble fiber, may increase feelings of fullness by improving the good bacteria in your gut and overall digestion, resulting in healthy weight support. (7)
Finally, this supplement also contains Tributyrin, which studies show may play a small role in improving fat metabolism. However, more human research is needed as some studies have been done on animals. (10, 11)
Consider Safety Before Taking This Supplement
Probiotics such as Bio Complete 3 are generally safe for healthy adults.
While not widely reported, some people may deal with mild side effects from most probiotic supplements, such as diarrhea and bloat, especially when you first start taking them.
However, caution should be used with taking probiotics if:
- You have a weakened immune system, a critical illness, or have recently had surgery. This is due to a possible risk of infection in certain people. (12, 13)
- You suffer from GI conditions. Before beginning supplementation, you should review with your physician, as some probiotics may worsen your condition.
- You are pregnant or nursing. Bio Complete 3 is not intended for pregnant or nursing individuals without doctor supervision.
Bio Complete 3 is gluten-free, vegetarian, and free of added sugars. It has also been third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
How Bio Complete 3 Compares to Alternatives
Bio Complete 3 is unique by containing prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in its formula. Not many brands offer this combination of ingredients.
The more common ones are synbiotics, which refer to products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics. Seed Daily Synbiotic and Ritual Synbiotic+ are the two best brands we evaluated. Here’s how Bio Complete 3 compares to them.
Bio Complete 3 |
Seed Daily Synbiotic |
Ritual Synbiotic+ |
|
---|---|---|---|
3-in-1 (prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic) |
✔ |
✘ |
✔ |
Probiotic Strains |
1 |
24 |
2 |
Clinical Studies |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Third-Party Tested |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Form & Daily Dosage |
4 Capsules |
2 Capsules |
1 Capsule |
Vegan |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Subscription Price (30-day supply) |
$49.95 |
$49.99 |
$54.00 |
Money-Back Guarantee |
90 days |
30 days |
30 days |
Expand to See How This Supplement Compares to These Brands
Vs. Seed Daily Synbiotic
If you are looking for a comprehensive probiotic supplement, Seed Daily Synbiotic is a solid choice.
It contains a blend of 24 clinically-studied probiotic strains and a prebiotic and has been shown to support the following:
- Digestive health
- Skin health
- Nutrient synthesis
- Heart health
Compared to Bio Complete 3, Seed clearly discloses the probiotic amounts, has undergone more thorough testing, and includes a broader range of probiotic strains for additional health benefits. However, Seed does not contain postbiotics.
Unlike Bio Complete 3, Seed also has a “capsule within a capsule” design to ensure the probiotics are alive when they arrive in your large intestine, so they’re most effective.
Read Our Full Seed Review
Vs. Ritual Synbiotic+
Just like Bio Complete 3, Ritual Synbiotic+ provides a blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to support gut health similarly.
It includes two strains of probiotics with amounts disclosed and has clinical trials to support their benefits.
Ritual also offers a delayed-release capsule to ensure the probiotics reach your intestines, which Bio Complete 3 lacks.
Read Our Full Ritual Synbiotic+ Review
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- A review of probiotic supplementation in healthy adults: helpful or hype? | European Journal of Clinical Nutrition:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-018-0135-9 - Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 Improves Protein Absorption and Utilization - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208742/ - Prebiotic Effects of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on the Composition and Function of the Human Microbiota-Results from the PAGODA Trial - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32354152/ - Trait Energy and Fatigue May Be Connected to Gut Bacteria among Young Physically Active Adults: An Exploratory Study - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35276824/ - Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 Improves Protein Absorption and Utilization - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29196920/ - Is eating behavior manipulated by the gastrointestinal microbiota? Evolutionary pressures and potential mechanisms - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270213/ - Decoding the Role of Gut-Microbiome in the Food Addiction Paradigm - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8297196/ - Post-meal perceivable satiety and subsequent energy intake with intake of partially hydrolysed guar gum - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25851425/ - The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25926512/ - The Protective Role of Butyrate against Obesity and Obesity-Related Diseases - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7865491/ - Tributyrin Attenuates Metabolic and Inflammatory Changes Associated with Obesity through a GPR109A-Dependent Mechanism - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32882837/ - Probiotics: What is it, Benefits, Side Effects, Food & Types:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14598-probiotics - Probiotic supplements might not be universally-effective and safe: A review – ScienceDirect:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218345657