Best Probiotics in Malta: How to Choose the Right One
Probiotics are one of the most searched supplements in Malta, and one of the most confusing to buy: strains, billions, fridge or shelf, capsules or sachets. Our first choice, and the one we import ourselves as the official Malta distributor, is Vivomixx neo® 9. Below you will find it first, then a plain guide to what the words on any probiotic box mean, so you can compare for yourself. Ready to shop? See all probiotics available in Malta at Prime Health Shop.
Our first choice: Vivomixx neo® 9 – imported by us, official Malta distributor
If you want one simple answer, this is it. Vivomixx neo® 9 is a high-concentration, multi-strain probiotic with nine named strains. Prime Health Shop is the official distributor for Malta: we import it directly and keep it refrigerated at 2–8°C from the moment it arrives until it leaves the shop, so the number of live bacteria on the label is the number you get. It is free from gluten, lactose, milk protein, GMO and artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives, and the pack states it is suitable for adults and children.
Which one? The capsules are the simple daily format. The sachets are the highest concentration we stock and the easier format for children or anyone who prefers not to swallow capsules. Both are kept in the fridge at our shop and sent out the same day.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are food supplements that contain live micro-organisms – usually lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, sometimes the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Each product lists its strains and the number of live organisms per dose, counted in CFU (colony-forming units) and usually written as "billions".
One honest note before we go on. In the EU, no health effect may be claimed for probiotics on a label or a website, because none has been approved on the official list of health claims. So you will not read on our site what a probiotic "does". What we can do is explain the facts on the pack and help you compare products properly. If you have a specific health question, your doctor or pharmacist is the right person to ask.
How to choose a probiotic – four things to check
A good label lists each strain in full (for example Lactobacillus plantarum), not just "probiotic blend". More strains is not automatically better, but you should be able to see what is inside.
Everyday products range from about 2 billion to 50 billion per dose. Vivomixx neo 9 is a high-concentration product: 115 billion per capsule and 460 billion per sachet.
Live bacteria die off with heat. Some products must stay in the fridge (2–8°C) to keep the number on the label; others are shelf-stable. Buying locally matters for fridge products, because a parcel from abroad is not refrigerated.
Capsules for adults, sachets or drops for children and anyone who cannot swallow capsules. Check the age guidance and whether it is free from gluten, lactose and soy if that matters to you.
Other probiotics we stock in Malta
Vivomixx is our first recommendation, but it is not the only option. For people who want a shelf-stable product, a yeast-based one, or something made for babies, we also stock:
- Bio-Kult Everyday Advanced – 14 named strains in a shelf-stable capsule, from €12.95.
- Bio-Kult S. Boulardii – the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii in capsules.
- Bio-Kult Infantis – a powder sachet made for babies and young children (when in stock).
- Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan – live bacteria with cranberry extract and vitamin A.
- Bio-Kult Candea – live bacteria with garlic and grapefruit seed extract.
- Bio-Kult Migrea – live bacteria with magnesium and vitamin B6.
- Purasana Transit – a powder with live cultures and plant fibre.
- Inulin from organic agave – not a probiotic but a prebiotic fibre, often taken alongside.
Prices and stock are always current on the probiotics collection page.
How to take a probiotic
Follow the dose and timing on the pack – some say with a meal, some on an empty stomach, and they differ. Take it at the same time each day so you do not forget. Keep fridge products in the fridge, including after opening. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, ask your pharmacist how to space the two; they will usually suggest a gap of a few hours. Probiotics are food supplements, not medicines, and they are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Do probiotics need to be kept in the fridge?
It depends on the product. Vivomixx neo 9 must be kept at 2–8°C to keep its declared number of live bacteria, which is why we store it refrigerated from import to sale. Many Bio-Kult products are shelf-stable. Always follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Can I take probiotics every day?
Most probiotic food supplements are designed for daily use. Follow the dose on the pack. If you have a medical condition, a weakened immune system, are pregnant or are taking medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can children take probiotics?
Some products are labelled as suitable for children, for example Vivomixx neo 9 and Bio-Kult Infantis. Check the age guidance on the pack and ask your paediatrician or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Should I take probiotics with food?
This varies by product. Some labels say with a meal, others say on an empty stomach. Follow the instructions on the specific product you are using.
Why are probiotics cheaper on some foreign websites?
Often because they are shelf-stable products with a lower count, or because a fridge product is being posted without refrigeration. For a product like Vivomixx, the cold chain is part of what you pay for.
Compare all probiotics in Malta
Vivomixx neo® 9, Bio-Kult and Purasana, in stock at our shop in Tarxien and online. Order by 12:45 for next day delivery in Malta, fast delivery to Gozo – fridge items are packed cold.
Vivomixx capsules – €11.21 Vivomixx sachets – €22.70 All probioticsFood supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This article is general information, not medical advice.