Top 15 Best probiotics for women
Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance Probiotic for Women
Probiotic for women with a formula based on species of microorganisms of the genus Lactobacillus which are the majority of the vaginal microbiota.
It has a total of 15 billion microorganisms from the strains:
- Lactobacillus crispatus LBV 88
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV 96
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Lactobacillus gasseri LBV 150N
- Lactobacillus jensenii LBV 116.
These strains are common in the microbiota or vaginal flora and have demonstrated their effectiveness in recovering and maintaining its balance as well as in the treatment of different types of bacterial vaginosis (BV) with a decrease in the Nugent index.
In this formula stands out the presence of Lactobacillus crispatus, one of the most common species in the vaginal microbiome and that many other probiotic supplements do not contain.
The strains of this probiotic are identified within the DSMZ catalog of the Leibniz Institute, which gives the product added quality.
The presence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG ®) in its formula stands out. It is a well known strain and one of the most studied, with about 1000 studies conducted on it and about 200 clinical trials. It has beneficial properties for the gut microbime, favoring its protection and creating a hostile environment for pathogenic microorganisms. Also, this species Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG® stimulates the immune system.
Culturelle is a brand belonging to i-Health, Inc, a global consumer health and wellness American company.
PROS
- Trusted brand with proprietary strains
- Targeted for vaginal health
- The formula has LGG, a strain with many clinical studies
CONS
- Not as strong as other products on the market
AZO Complete Feminine Balance Daily Probiotics for Women
Like the previous Culturelle probiotic, AZO Complete Feminine Balance is owned by the same company, i-Health, Inc.
Its formula is a probiotic blend, called IntellifloraTM a registered trademark of DSM. This formula contains the following strains of bacteria:
- Lactobacillus crispatus LBV-88
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV-96
- Lactobacillus gasseri LBV-150N
- Lactobacillus jensenii LBV-116
It is a very similar formula to the previous one, but in this case it has 5 billion microorganisms, making Azo Complete feminine balance one of the best probiotics for bv.
It also has fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic that promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria.
The properties of the product are similar to the previous one although, as it has a lower probiotic load, it is more recommendable if you have never tried a probiotic and this is the first time you are taking it.
PROS
- Its formula is a proprietary blend patented by DSM.
- Product with many positive reviews
- Ideal if you are taking a probiotic for the first time
CONS
- Low concentration of probiotics compared to other similar products
Renew Life #1 Women’s Probiotics
Renew Life has a range of several probiotic products specially designed for women. They all have the same formula, but differ in the amount of probiotic strains each has. The concentrations of probiotic strains vary between 25, 50 and 90 billion CFU.
The formula consists primarily of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species with proprietary CHR Hansen strains.
The presence of both genera is beneficial not only for vaginal microbiome, but also for intestinal health and the immune system.
Formula composition:
- Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04
- Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 15954
- Bifidobacterium infantis BI-26
- Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
- Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Lactobacillus casei Lc-11
- Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14
- Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35
On the other hand, it has a great variety of Lactobacillus strains, very suitable for the female vagina, but we miss the presence of L. crispatus, L. gasseri or L. jensenii which are the predominant species in the female intimate area.
However, the presence of Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 support the female genitourinary system by balancing its microbiome and lowering the pH, especially in adolescent, premenopausal and postmenopausal women (1)
They can be found on the market in different presentations and strengths, but with the same formula:
25 billion probiotic strains: (13 billion cfu Bifidobacterium + 12 billion cfu Lactobacillus)
50 billion probiotic strains: (26 billion cfu Bifidobacterium + 24 billion cfu Lactobacillus)
90 billion probiotic strains: (46 billion cfu Bifidobacterium + 44 billion cfu Lactobacillus)
PROS
- Formula with strains patented by CHR Hansen
- Third party verified
- Supported by clinical studies
CONS
- Slightly more expensive price
Garden of Life – Raw Probiotics Vaginal Care
Probiotic of the well-known brand Garden of Life, from the Canadian company Atrium Innovations, a company with more than 20 years as a leader in food supplements, vitamins, minerals and probiotics in the American continent.
Perhaps the best feminine probiotic that provides a total of 50 billion cfu of 8 strains of probiotics.
- Bifidobacterium lactis BL818
- Lactobacillus acidophilus SD-5212
- Lactobacillus reuteri SD-1357
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD-5217
- Lactobacillus fermentum SD-2468
- Lactobacillus paracasei SD-5218
- Lactobacillus salivarius SD-5208
- Lactobacillus gasseri SD-5685
In addition to these 8 strains clinically studied for vaginal health and care, this Garden of Life probiotic is also made with Bulgarian yogurt concentrate and European wild kefir grains and scobies providing an additional 30 probiotic strains for a total of 38 strains ideal for women's vaginal and urinary tract health.
Raw Probiotics Vaginal Care promotes a balanced vaginal and urinary tract microbiome and helps maintain the proper pH to prevent the growth of pathogenic species.
The difference of this probiotic with respect to other products - and which in fact is the reference that characterizes this Garden of Life brand - is the use of other ferments derived from natural probiotics. It is considered by many specialists as the best probiotic.
This product also has enzymes (lipase, protease, cellulase) that help to break down the cell wall of pathogenic microorganisms, thus improving their antibacterial and antifungal capacity.
PROS
- Well known and trusted brand.
- Strong. High concentration of probiotics.
- Wide range of probiotics in a single product.
CONS
- Somewhat expensive
Purely Optimal – Probiotics for Women
Very complete product with 10 probiotic strains, of which 7 belong to the Lactobacillus genus and 3 to the Bifidobacterium genus.
The formula contains a total of 60 billion cfu of probiotic microorganisms CU for women:
- Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB-87
- Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14
- Lactobacillus casei LC-11
- Lactobacillus salivariusi LS-33
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37
- Bifidobacterium longum BL-05
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-02
Thanks to the Lactobacillus strains, women are protected from urinary tract infections and help maintain proper vaginal health, but in addition, the presence of strains of the genus Bifidobacterium also helps maintain proper digestive health.
This product also has enzymes (lipase, protease and cellulase) that help to break down the cell wall of pathogenic microorganisms, thus improving their antibacterial and antifungal capacity.
On the other hand, this probiotic for women also has prebiotics, specifically a Jerusalem Artichoke root, which contains inulin, a very common prebiotic that stimulates the growth of the native flora, as well as fructooligosaccharides from Agave, another prebiotic with a similar function to inulin.
In order to prevent infections in the urinary tract, this product also contains D-mannose, cranberry extract and uva-ursi leaf extract which contains compounds such as arbutin, with antiseptic properties for the urinary tract.
Other components of this product: Pau D’arco bark, Black Walnut Hull and oregano leaf for their antiseptic functions of urinary tract.
Very complete product to maintain a vaginal and intestinal balance, eliminate discomfort and prevent infections.
PROS
- Very complete and powerful product.
- In addition to probiotics, it has prebiotics.
- It also has D-mannose and cranberry, with antiseptic function.
CONS
- Contains lnulin, a prebiotic that may create some intolerances in sensitive patients.
Vitamin Bounty Probiotic & Prebiotic for Women
Product with 10 billion species of 5 probiotics of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that promote a balance of the microbiota not only vaginal but also intestinal.
Its formula contains the following probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Bifidobacterium lactis
It also has fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as a prebiotic component.
This product stands out for the presence of other components in addition to probiotics such as Ashwagandha root, Cranberry powder and Black Cohosh root, all of which have additional properties for women’s health.
In particular, Cranberry has a urinary tract aseptic function, Colosh has properties related to menstruation and in particular to the reduction of menopausal symptoms(2), and Ashwagandha root, related to well-being and stress reduction.
PROS
- In addition to probiotics, it contains other components such as Cranberry, Black Cohosh root and Ashwagandha.
CONS
- It does not specify the probiotic strains in the product.
Balance Complex Vaginal Health Dietary Supplement
This product has only one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus acidophilus, but at a much higher concentration than the rest of the products as it has 100 billion cfu. This species, Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most studied species and with more clinical trials carried out. It enhances the balance of both vaginal microbiome and the digestive health.
What really differentiates this product is the presence of a wide variety of components that are not probiotics but have many beneficial properties for women’s health.
Thus, we find oregano leaf (antioxidant, antiseptic), caprylic acid (antiseptic), we also have digestive enzymes such as protease and cellulase, on the other hand, we find Aloe Vera and arabinogalactan that act as a prebiotic, enhancing the growth of Lactobacilli.
It also has Anise seeds, with properties, among others, antifungal, Black Walnut Hulls powder, an antioxidant, the Reishi mushrooms with anti-inflammatory properties and immune response enhancer. We also have Cranberry and Mannose, both acting as antiseptics.
In summary, this is a very complete product because of all the beneficial properties it has, not only because of the presence of Lactobacillus acidophilus but also because of the rest of the compounds with various antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
PROS
- Highly valued by its consumers
- 100 billion cfu. Strong. Powerful.
- High variety of additional components
- Third party tested
CONS
- Only one strain probiotic
Flora Bloom Feminine Probiotic
Manufactured by Intimate Rose, an American company dedicated to the commercialization of all kinds of products for women's health care.
It is a Probiotic with 10 billion cfu of 4 strains, all of them of the Lactobacillus genus, predominant in the vaginal microbiome:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
This composition makes it ideal for improving the balance and equilibrium of the vaginal microbiota, although its composition also favors the balance of the intestinal microbiota.
This probiotic for women also has Cranberry with antiseptic properties, as well as D-Mannose that prevents the adherence of pathogenic microorganisms to the mucosa of the urinary tract.
It therefore has antiseptic properties and a simple probiotic formula, but with the necessary probiotics for adequate vaginal and intestinal health.
PROS
- In addition to probiotics, it contains antiseptic components.
- Third party tested
CONS
- Does not specify bacterial strains
Women’s Probiotic Delayed Release
Probiotic for women with 10 probiotic strains, of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium providing a total of 50 billion cfu.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacilus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Streptococcus thermophilus
It is therefore a product that promotes the balance of the vaginal and intestinal microbiota. It is a simple product, without prebiotics or other components that add more properties.
One of the differences with respect to other products is the presence of Streptococcus thermophilus which aids in the digestion of lactose. In this case it is more important as this product may contain traces of dairy products.
PROS
- Variety of probiotics in its formula
- May contain traces of dairy products
CONS
- Expensive
Physioflor suppositories
We can also find Physioflor, manufactured by the French laboratory Iprad. This probiotic has in its composition a single species of Lactobacillius, specifically Lactobacillus crispatus at a concentration of 1 billion cfu/capsule. This species of Lactobacillus is the predominant one in the vagina compared to the rest of species of this same genus, and in fact we can find it in other probiotic supplements that we can consider equivalent to this one.
Suitable for the relief of discomfort in case of imbalances in the vaginal flora: itching, bad odor, excessive vaginal discharge, etc. The administration of this probiotic restores the pH to its physiological value, around 4, thus reducing the risk of colonization of pathogenic species.
Physioflor specifically contains the strain Lactobacillus crispatus IP 174178. Its efficacy on bacterial vaginosis was demonstrated in a study conducted in France and coordinated by the Fournier Institute in Paris(3), being one of the best probiotics for bv.
PROS
- Contains Lactobacillus crispatus, the predominant strain in the female vagina.
- Backed by clinical studies
CONS
- Expensive
Optibac
OptiBac, manufactured in UK by Wren. They are capsules with 2.3 billion of Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 ® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 ®. That is, they are the same microorganisms that we have already seen in other products on this same page and at a lower price.
Like other probiotics with the same composition, they are suitable for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTI) as well as vaginal candidiasis. It is also one of the best probiotics for yeast infection or thrush.
As mentioned above, these Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 ® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 ® strains are registered by CHR HANSEN. They are two of the strains on which most studies have been carried out both in vitro and in vivo. They have the security of being within the QPS list and being recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) microorganisms by the FDA, that is to say, safe and innocuous strains.
PROS
- Its strains are among those with the most clinical studies.
- Formula with patented strains
CONS
- 2.5 billion cfu. Not very strong.
Women’s Probiotic 20 Billion
This product contains 3 probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001
- Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14®
There are several studies that demonstrate the beneficial properties of these bacteria – in combination or separately – on women’s health.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 improves immunity in pregnant women (4). Studies have also been done together with Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 comparing its activity against a placebo and showing its protective immune effects (5).
Other studies have shown how the combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA14 promotes the growth of these Lactobacilli in the vagina (6) and, in cases of candidiasis, yeast infection or thrush it inhibits the growth of Candida albicans, also reducing the symptoms and probability of recurrence when administered together with antifungal treatment (7).
PROS
- Formula with patented probiotic strains
- Supported by numerous clinical studies
CONS
- Not very strong.
Innate Vitality Probiotics for Women
In this case, this probiotic for women contains 50 billion cfu of 17 different species of microorganisms beneficial to both vaginal and intestinal health.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus crispatus
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Lactobacillus casei
- Pediococcus acidilactici
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Bifidobacterium adolescentis
- Bifidobacterium longum
Of the 17 strains, 10 belong to the genus Lactobacillus, the majority in the vaginal microbiota. Among them is L. Crispatus, one of the species with the highest presence in the female vagina.
It also has Cranberry, with antiseptic properties of the urinary tract to prevent possible infections (UTI) and also contains a prebiotic, specifically, xyloligasaccharides (XOS), a fiber that acts by promoting the growth of native species of the vaginal and intestinal microbiota.
PROS
- Great variety of probiotics in the formula
- Value for money
- Third party tested
CONS
- Contains prebiotics, which may cause some intolerances
- Does not specify the strains in the for
Vaginal Suppositories
All the products we have seen so far are administered orally but there is also the option of administering probiotics through suppositories that are inserted directly into the vagina.
It is important not to confuse this type of probiotics with other vaginal suppositories which, although effective and indicated for reducing the pH of the vagina and lubricating its epithelium, do not contain microorganisms in their formula, i.e. they are not probiotics.
Some of the best probiotic suppositories are:
VagiBiom Probiotic Suppositories
Vaginal suppositories each containing 10 billion cfu of the following strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus Bi14
- Lactobacillus crispatus Bi16
- Lactobacillus gasseri Bi19
- Bacillus coagulans Bi34
The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing agents that facilitate the application of the suppository in the vagina.
In addition to probiotics, this product also has a mixture called Biomsify® which is a series of prebiotics, basically fiber, from various vegetables (peas, broccoli, beets, blueberries, resistant starch, etc).
This formula allows us to have a preventive care of the vaginal area through the use of a suppository a week, which will allow us to have the vaginal pH in its natural value and balanced vaginal flora while reducing the risk of infection. Vagibiom suppositories can be administered for cases of BV or yeast infections and, like most probiotics, have no side effects.
But if we are already with an infection, and we are treating it with antibiotics, we can apply a daily suppository for three days to reduce the negative impact of antibiotics on the "good bacteria".
The advantage of administering this type of suppository is that the action of the probiotics is very fast since they are not capsules that have to pass through the entire gastrointestinal tract.
PROS
- Rapid absorption via vaginal route
- Contains the strains of Lactobacillus that are most frequent in the vagina of women.
- Contains moisturizing agents
- No preservatives
CONS
- Vaginal route of administration may be uncomfortable for some women.
FloraFemme - pH Balanced Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories
Probiotics in suppositories to be administered directly into the vagina.
It has a total of 72 billion "good" bacteria, with a total of 11 different species, most of which are of the genus Lactobacillus, making it one of the best probiotics for women's ph balance.
It also contains Aloe Socotrina HPUS 4X, which as a derivative of Aloe, exerts an antiseptic function reducing the chances of suffering infections in the urinary tract (UTI) such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
It can be administered to maintain the pH at normal values and prevent infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
It's one of the best probiotic for vaginal odor, as its rapid dissolution makes it disappear quickly.
PROS
- 72 billion cfu. Very complete and powerful.
CONS
- May have traces of dairy derivatives
- Vaginal route of administration may be uncomfortable for some women.
All bibliographic references to scientific articles ----> Here
We have seen the benefits of probiotic administration with both probiotic ovules and orally administered capsules. Probiotics play an enormously beneficial role in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment, in preventing infectious conditions and in the impact that a healthy state has on a woman's reproductive health.
