Top 5 Leaky Gut Supplements

On a hunt for some solid leaky gut supplements to help restore your gut health? You’ve landed on the right page. We’ve eliminated the hard work that goes into searching through endless lists of products for which you’re not even sure they’ll be able to help.  

SimplyNutrients has stuck long enough in the health and wellness niche to be able to tell a good supplement from a bad one. Suffice to say only high-quality supplements made it on our roundup list.

So, how do you identify from a host of supplements for leaky gut those that will work best for you?

Hint: Trying everything under the sun in desperate attempts to heal your gut is not the wisest idea (and it can be counterproductive too). Ideally, you should choose a few high-quality supplements that are more likely to improve your symptoms.

That said, leaky gut supplements that are worth your attention must have one of these three healing functions. They should:

  1. Rebalance your good and bad bacteria
  2. Restore your gut lining
  3. Curb the GI tract inflammation (which is a main driver of a leaky gut syndrome)

Before diving into our list of best leaky gut supplements, though, let’s see what leaky gut is all about and whether it’s your ailment or not. This will help you do a reality check before you start taking supplements. 

What Is a Leaky Gut or a Leaky Gut Syndrome? 

Leaky gut is a condition affected by what is known as “intestinal permeability” which is a sign of a disturbed intestinal lining. Now, the intestinal lining covers 4,000 square feet of surface area throughout the entire human intestinal tract. And as if that’s not as impressive in and of itself, it functions as a tight barrier that controls what gets into the bloodstream. 

When it’s not functioning properly, harmful microorganisms, toxins, or undigested food particles can get through the junctions of the intestinal epithelium, or “leak” into your blood

This may trigger inflammation and dysbiosis (unfavorable changes in the gut flora) which can further lead to a host of problems extending beyond just the digestive tract. Researchers so far have identified several health conditions that are linked to leaky gut, including but not limited to respiratory, immune, nervous, hormonal, and reproductive issues. [1]    

So, how do you know if you’re suffering from leaky gut syndrome? The following section dives deeper into the symptoms.

What Are the 5 Warning Signs of a Leaky Gut?

The five warning signs of a leaky gut may vary according to your underlying medical and digestive issues. However, it’s safe to say the list of symptoms featured below is commonly identified by experts as leaky gut symptoms. 

  • Sudden or ongoing constipation or diarrhea (followed by stomach pain)
  • Excessive fatigue (from the reduced ability to draw energy from your food)
  • New food sensitivities or intolerance
  • Gas
  • Bloating

Also, other digestive conditions can have overlapping symptoms often leaving the leaky gut syndrome undiagnosed and untreated. With that in mind, consult a doctor who’ll take time to run tests and diagnose you properly. 

Our Top 5 Leaky Gut Supplements Roundup 

When the junctions between the cells in your small intestine loosen, your doctor will recommend a balanced diet complete with all the major micronutrients and macronutrients. However, leaky gut supplements can also help in fortifying your gut and relieving your symptoms.  

We used a research-based approach to find the best leaky gut supplements to support your 

gut. From l-glutamine and herbs, to vitamins, and probiotics our top selection of best supplements for leaky gut will help you reduce inflammation and repair your gut lining.

See the table below for the brief outline of shortlisted leaky gut supplements.   

Best Supplements for Leaky GutHow They Work
L-GlutamineImproves intestinal stability by fortifying intestinal lining.
Vitamin A and Vitamin DVitamin A decreases intestinal permeability and improves the gut lining function. Whereas, vitamin D affects the gut immune system and helps restore the gut microbiome.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)Can reduce inflammation and increase mucus production
CurcuminBenefits the digestive tract lining by reducing inflammation
Probiotics & FibersProbiotics have great treatment potential in restoring the gut mucous layer and treating dysbiosis. 
Prebiotics are special types of plant fibers that serve as food for a healthy gut flora.

1. L-Glutamine

Glutamine is your first option. It’s good to opt for when looking for gut support supplements as this important amino acid is among the most cited remedies known for repairing the intestinal lining. That aside, l-glutamine also plays a major role in tissue repair when your body is under metabolic stress and it also helps boost your immune system. [2, 3

L-glutamine is a chemical that naturally occurs in the body and it works to protect the intestine. Thus, it makes sense to consider supplements containing l-glutamine to help fortify your gut. 

Specifically, it’s a go-to leaky gut supplement for those suffering from chronic inflammation. When your intestinal lining is fortified, this greatly decreases inflammation in the body. This decrease, in turn, gives your immune system time to recover.

L-glutamine protects the intestine by enhancing its protective mucosal lining. Researchers found this is due to its ability to improve the growth and survival of enterocytes, or intestinal cells. [4]

Another study suggests that even the smallest doses of oral glutamine could enhance intestinal permeability after exhaustive exercise. [5]


GI Armor capsules can help heal your leaky gut by restoring your mucosal lining and supporting the healthy functioning of your gastrointestinal tract. They not only contain L-Glutamine, but a complete micronutrient profile to nourish your body. Get your GI Armor supplements here

2. Vitamins A and D

Vitamins for healing leaky gut, really? You bet. And indeed, the best vitamins for gut health are vitamins A and D and this claim is supported by some major rationale. 

First and foremost, vitamins A and D have a trifold effect on maintaining the mucosal barrier health. More specifically, they work by supporting epithelial integrity, immune system, and gut microbiota. [6]

As far as research goes, some human studies confirm the presence of a more diverse microbiome in vitamin A-sufficient children when compared to vitamin A-deficient children. [7

Further on, the synergistic effect of vitamin A and vitamin D is found to improve the tight junctions in several in vitro studies. [8,9]

Supplementing with vitamins A and D can particularly help with restoring mucosal lining. This is supported by various studies which found that restored levels of these important vitamins can decrease intestinal permeability. [10, 11]


Ready to purchase vitamin A? Get it here.  

Ready to purchase vitamin D? Get it here.  

3. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Other supplements to improve gut health can be based on herbal ingredients like those extracted from deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Its active compounds, the flavonoids, can not only soothe any irritations present in the intestines but they can also create a protective coating to the intestinal lining. [12

Although larger clinical trials may be needed to take the justification of the therapeutic DGL licorice root use beyond anecdotal evidence alone, some studies on rats present suggestive evidence of its beneficial workings on the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). 

Namely, an animal study examining the effects of DGL on aspirin-induced GI bleeding in rats has confirmed a healing effect of DGL on intestinal mucosa. A large oral dose of DGL coadministered with aspirin showed a reduction in aspirin-induced gastric lesions in rat subjects.  [13]

No less importantly, successful trials with DGL administered intraperitoneally indicate DGL’s possible future systemic therapeutic use. 


Take Pure Encapsulations DGL as herbal support for your GI tract. Order here

4. Curcumin

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, a spice widely popular for its anti-inflammatory effects, is the culprit behind the much-cited health benefits of this spice. [14] Moreover, this potent ingredient has been found to have some restorative effects on your gut health as well.


The problem with curcumin is its poor bioavailability, which means that it’s not easily absorbed by the body. This is why considering supplementation makes more sense than ingesting the spice orally. 

However, researchers found that when curcumin does get absorbed, it tends to concentrate in the GI tract. [15] Not only that, curcumin has been reported to decrease intestinal permeability by inhibiting several protein kinases (protein kinase C and myosin light-chain kinase). [16


Our Tumeric Curcumin softgels are a revolutionary supplement that can supply your body with sufficient levels of this gut-healing compound. Order here

5. Probiotics & Dietary Fibers

Taking prebiotics and probiotics for a leaky gut is the single best thing you can do for your gut health as they support it in more ways than one. Probiotics, specifically, not only help heal leaky gut but they also target the underlying cause of the leaky gut syndrome. These include dysbiosis, inflammation, bacteria overgrowth, and infection.

But let’s get back to the basics. Probiotics are colonies of different good bacteria that naturally live in your gut and keep watch of your natural microbiota homeostasis. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are dietary fibers mainly taken in via fiber-rich carbohydrate foods. 

Now get this: probiotics ferment dietary fibers producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionate, butyrate, and acetate. The SCFAs, in turn, constitute the primary energy source for the epithelial cells that line your colon. [17] We can also say prebiotics or dietary fibers feed probiotic bacterial cultures in your gut creating SCFAs which ultimately feed your gut lining cells. Sounds neat, right?

According to research, a healthy gut microbiome is critical in maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier. Conversely, an overgrowth of bad gut bacteria is shown to increase intestinal permeability. [18

So, which probiotic is best for a leaky gut? It’s one containing spore-based, broad-spectrum probiotic strains that can survive digestion and colonize your gut.  


Looking for a step-by-step approach to restore your gut health? Total Gut Restoration Kit contains probiotics, prebiotics, and the right mucosal support to help you recondition, reinforce, and rebuild a healthy gut. Buy leaky gut supplements here

Best Leaky Gut Supplements On Demand 

As symptoms of leaky gut often overlap with those of other gut health issues, it can go undiagnosed for years. This means you’re stuck with symptoms such as diarrhea, food sensitivities,  indigestion, and bloating. 

The supplements for leaky gut listed above are one of the most researched ones and they may as well be the answer to your intestinal problems. Consult your doctor, decide on the course of treatment, then let us help.

Simply Nutrients is a doctor-owned nutritional supplement supplier and we hold only reliable top brand supplements. This means that once diagnosed, you can confidently look for the leaky gut treatment you need. 

We’ll help you find the best leaky gut supplements that work for you. Just contact us and we’ll be happy to help you research available options.

NOTHING IN THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED AS, OR SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS, MEDICAL ADVICE. ANY HEALTHCARE AND/OR NUTRITIONAL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS FOR CONSUMER INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. SUCH MATERIAL IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE FOR CONDITIONS OR TREATMENT, NOR IS IT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A MEDICAL EXAMINATION BY A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. CONSUMERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FOR INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9862683/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10175630/

[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622145943

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24965526

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694515/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9862683/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27698538/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17962355/

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26137304/

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30747184

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28105083

[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2750414/

[13] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/493863/

[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5407015/

[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553098/

[16] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26983836/

[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9862683/

[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22992437/

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamy Antoine, D.C. — by Chris Bowman — On November 30, 2023

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Chris Bowman

Chris Bowman is the CEO and Co-Founder of SimplyNutrients.com and has over 15 years of experience in nutritional sciences and wellness. Simply Nutrients is a part of Dr. Jamy Antoine's Select Health Practice in Edina, Minnesota. Chris is passionate about helping people live healthier lives by using the best practices of nature, nutrition, and medicine.