Probiotics for Vaginal Health: Best Strains, the Science, and What Actually Works
A peer-reviewed look at how oral probiotics influence the vaginal microbiome — and which strains have the most evidence behind them
Most women have experienced at least one episode of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a yeast infection. Many have experienced both — repeatedly. What's less well known is that these aren't random misfortunes. They're closely tied to the balance of microorganisms in the vaginal environment, and that balance is far more connected to your gut than most people realize.
In recent years, research on vaginal probiotics has moved from niche clinical interest to a genuine area of evidence-based gynecology. Lactobacillus species dominate the healthy vaginal microbiome — and when their populations decline, the result is often infection, odor, elevated pH, and discomfort. The question isn't whether these bacteria matter. It's which probiotic strains most effectively support them, and whether oral supplementation can reliably shift the vaginal ecosystem.
This article examines the clinical research on the probiotic strains with the most clinical evidence specifically for vaginal health — including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, L. salivarius, and several others — and what the peer-reviewed literature says about their relevance to vaginal health specifically.
Key Takeaways
- The vaginal microbiome is Lactobacillus-dependent. In healthy reproductive-age women, lactobacilli comprise over 70% of vaginal microbiota and maintain a protective acidic pH of 3.5–4.5 through lactic acid production.[1]
- Oral probiotics can shift the vaginal ecosystem. A growing body of evidence shows that orally administered Lactobacillus strains — particularly L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri — can reach the urogenital tract via the gut-perineal-vaginal pathway and influence vaginal flora.[2]
- Probiotics reduce BV recurrence by 45%. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials found probiotic supplementation reduced bacterial vaginosis recurrence by 45% compared to placebo or antibiotic therapy alone.[3]
- Probiotic therapy cut vulvovaginal candidiasis relapse by 66% at one month in a meta-analysis of RCTs, with significantly improved cure rates when combined with antifungal treatment.[4]
- Multi-strain formulas outperform single-strain products for coverage — the strains most studied for vaginal health include L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, and L. salivarius, all present in MicroBiome Restore.[5]
- Formulation quality matters. Fillers like microcrystalline cellulose and flow agents don't belong in a probiotic you're taking specifically to support microbial balance — especially when vaginal health is a goal.
The Vaginal Microbiome: What a Healthy Balance Looks Like
The human vaginal microbiome is one of the most unusual ecosystems in the body. Unlike the gut — where diversity is generally considered a marker of health — the vagina thrives under a relatively narrow, Lactobacillus-dominant community. In healthy premenopausal women, lactobacilli typically comprise more than 70% of vaginal microbiota, with a median pH below 4.5.[1]
Research using DNA sequencing has identified five distinct vaginal microbial community state types (CSTs). Four of the five are each dominated by a single Lactobacillus species: L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, or L. jensenii. The fifth (CST IV) is notable for low Lactobacillus abundance and higher levels of anaerobic bacteria — and it's consistently associated with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, elevated infection risk, and adverse reproductive outcomes.[6]
Beyond the dominant native species, studies of healthy vaginal microbiota consistently identify additional species at lower abundance that nonetheless play protective roles. These include L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. delbrueckii, L. salivarius, L. reuteri, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus.[7] This list maps directly onto many of the strains in MicroBiome Restore.
What Disrupts Vaginal Flora?
The Lactobacillus-dominant state is not a fixed condition — it's actively maintained and easily disrupted. Common triggers include antibiotic use (which depletes the very lactobacilli protecting the vaginal mucosa), hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, sexual activity, vaginal douching, stress, and the microbiome disruptions that follow childbirth or perimenopause. Menopause in particular is associated with a sharp decline in vaginal lactobacilli as estrogen levels fall, leaving many women vulnerable to recurrent infections and genitourinary symptoms.
How Lactobacilli Protect the Vaginal Environment
Vaginal lactobacilli defend the mucosa through several mechanisms simultaneously. They produce D- and L-lactic acid isomers that maintain pH between 3.5 and 4.5 — a range that inhibits the growth of most pathogens. They generate hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins that directly suppress Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans, and other opportunistic organisms. They also produce biosurfactants that disrupt pathogen adhesion to epithelial cells, and they outcompete pathogens for binding sites on vaginal epithelium through co-aggregation.[8] The result is a self-reinforcing defensive ecosystem — and a compelling rationale for probiotic support when that system falters.
The Gut-Vagina Axis: How Oral Probiotics Reach the Vagina
The most common question about vaginal probiotics is straightforward: if you swallow them, how do they get to the vagina? The answer involves a biological pathway called the gut-perineal-vaginal route. Lactobacillus species consumed orally can survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract, colonize the rectum, and migrate to the perineal area — from which they can then establish residence in the vaginal environment.[2]
In a landmark study by Reid et al., healthy women given daily oral capsules of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 showed a significant increase in vaginal lactobacilli compared to controls — confirming that orally administered strains can translate into measurable changes in vaginal flora.[9] A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in postmenopausal women (a group with characteristically low vaginal Lactobacillus) found that oral administration of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 for just 14 days significantly improved Nugent scores — a validated measure of vaginal microbiota health — compared to placebo.[10]
A systematic review published in 2025 examining 16 RCTs identified L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. gasseri, and L. reuteri as the most commonly and successfully studied strains for vaginal outcomes, with treatment durations ranging from 6 days to 4 months and doses from 1×10⁸ to 3×10¹⁰ CFU/day.[5]
It's worth being transparent: the evidence is not uniformly positive. Some trials — particularly those using L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 in Chinese populations — found less robust colonization, suggesting that ethnicity, baseline flora, and other host factors influence outcomes.[12] The broader body of evidence, however, is sufficiently consistent to support oral probiotics as a meaningful adjunct strategy, particularly following antibiotic treatment and in women with recurrent infections. For more on how gut dysbiosis relates to downstream mucosal imbalances, including vaginal ones, our dedicated article covers the mechanisms in depth.
Key Probiotic Strains for Vaginal Health — and What the Research Says
The strains below are all present in MicroBiome Restore and represent the species with the strongest peer-reviewed evidence specifically for vaginal microbiome support. Note that we only discuss strains in our formula — we're not going to recommend strains we don't include just to pad out this article.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus — The Most Studied Vaginal Probiotic
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is consistently identified as the most frequently studied probiotic species for vaginal infections, appearing across more RCTs than any other single strain.[5] In a double-blind RCT augmenting metronidazole therapy with oral L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, the probiotic group achieved an 88% BV cure rate at day 30 versus 40% in controls.[11] In a separate study of 50 women with bacterial vaginitis or BV, oral administration of L. rhamnosus GR-1 (alongside L. reuteri RC-14) following antibiotic therapy was found to significantly re-establish the vaginal ecosystem and prevent relapse.[13]
L. rhamnosus works through several mechanisms: it generates hydrogen peroxide, produces lactic acid and other organic acids, and demonstrates broad antagonistic activity against urogenital pathogens including E. faecalis, E. coli, C. albicans, and G. vaginalis.[14] You can read more about the full spectrum of Lactobacillus rhamnosus benefits in our dedicated article.
Lactobacillus reuteri — pH Regulation and Biofilm Disruption
Lactobacillus reuteri is found naturally in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women, and its inclusion alongside L. rhamnosus has been shown to produce synergistic effects across multiple trials.[11] The RC-14 strain in particular produces antimicrobial compounds — including reuterin — that disrupt Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms, which are the persistent polymicrobial structures at the core of recurrent BV.[7] In the postmenopausal RCT above, the combination of L. rhamnosus GR-1 + L. reuteri RC-14 administered orally for 14 days significantly improved Nugent scores compared to placebo — demonstrating meaningful vaginal microbiome impact from an oral route in a population with naturally depleted lactobacilli.[10] Learn more about the broader clinical evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri.
Lactobacillus acidophilus — The Resident Defender
Lactobacillus acidophilus is among the most prevalent species naturally isolated from the healthy vaginal microbiome, where it is considered a foundational resident colonizer.[7] Its clinical relevance to vaginal health spans multiple fronts: it inhibits Candida albicans adhesion to cervical epithelial cells, suppresses key G. vaginalis growth, and generates lactic acid and bacteriocins that maintain the protective vaginal pH.[15]
Two commercially available strains — L. acidophilus GLA-14 and L. rhamnosus HN001 — tested together in co-culture assays showed strong antagonistic activity against all four major vaginal pathogens responsible for BV and aerobic vaginitis.[14] A clinical trial pairing L. fermentum LF10 with L. acidophilus LA02 in vaginal tablet form demonstrated significant reduction in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis over a prophylactic period — with a combination approach reducing recurrence meaningfully over 20+ weeks.[16] The full evidence base for Lactobacillus acidophilus benefits extends well beyond vaginal health to immune function, lactose metabolism, and digestive support.
Lactobacillus fermentum — Antimicrobial and Anti-Candida Activity
Lactobacillus fermentum is one of the species most frequently isolated from the healthy vaginal microbiota and has strong in vitro evidence for antimicrobial activity, including production of bacteriocin L23 — which directly inhibits Candida albicans growth.[17] A combination oral formula of L. fermentum 57A, L. gasseri 57C, and L. plantarum 57B administered alongside metronidazole was found to extend the relapse-free period from BV by 51% and from aerobic vaginitis by 71%, while maintaining vaginal pH in the healthy range.[18] This combination study is directly relevant because it highlights the synergistic potential of multi-strain formulas — precisely the approach MicroBiome Restore takes across its 26-strain blend.
Lactobacillus gasseri — A Native Vaginal Resident
L. gasseri is one of the four dominant Lactobacillus species that define healthy vaginal community state types.[6] It is frequently identified in healthy vaginal swabs, produces D-lactic acid that inhibits Chlamydia infection through pH-dependent mechanisms, and has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Candida species in animal models.[8] It's also been explicitly included in multi-strain vaginal probiotic formulas as a core component of restoration therapy.[18] You can explore the broader clinical research on Lactobacillus gasseri in our dedicated guide.
Lactobacillus plantarum — Biofilm Disruptor and pH Restorer
L. plantarum strains 57B, MG989, and PBS067 have all demonstrated significant reductions in vaginal pH and enhancement of native Lactobacillus populations in RCTs for BV treatment.[5] A vaginal tablet combining L. fermentum LF15 and L. plantarum LP01 was shown to restore vaginal pH acidity and bring Nugent scores below 7 (the threshold for balanced vaginal microbiota) through targeted inhibition of G. vaginalis.[18] L. plantarum's lipoteichoic acid (LTA) has additionally been shown to disrupt pathogenic biofilm formation on epithelial surfaces — a mechanism relevant to BV's notoriously resistant polymicrobial communities.[18] The breadth of clinical research on Lactobacillus plantarum makes it one of the most versatile strains in MicroBiome Restore.
Lactobacillus salivarius — Bacteriocin Producer and Vaginal Candidate
L. salivarius is found in the vaginal ecosystem of healthy women and is emerging as a clinically promising probiotic for urogenital health.[7] Screening studies of Lactobacillus isolated from vaginal swabs of healthy Italian women identified L. salivarius as one of the top candidate species for probiotic applications — meeting criteria for acid tolerance, pathogen antagonism, and vaginal epithelial adhesion.[19] A study examining L. salivarius PS11610 in infertile couples with urogenital dysbiosis found that supplementation resolved bacterial dysbiosis in the majority of participants while increasing the proportional abundance of Lactobacillus versus pathogenic species.[20]
| Strain | Vaginal Relevance | Key Mechanism / Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| L. rhamnosus | BV treatment & prevention, yeast suppression | 88% BV cure rate in RCT; H₂O₂, lactic acid, organic acid production[11] |
| L. reuteri | BV recurrence prevention, biofilm disruption | Reuterin production; disrupts G. vaginalis biofilm; Nugent score improvement in RCT[10] |
| L. acidophilus | Native vaginal colonizer, anti-Candida, anti-BV | Inhibits Candida adhesion; antagonistic vs. G. vaginalis; lactic acid production[15] |
| L. fermentum | Anti-Candida, anti-BV, antimicrobial | Bacteriocin L23 inhibits C. albicans; 51% BV relapse extension in RCT[18] |
| L. gasseri | Native dominant species, D-lactic acid, anti-Candida | D-lactic acid inhibits Chlamydia; included in restoration therapy RCTs[8] |
| L. plantarum | pH restoration, biofilm disruption, BV prevention | Restores Nugent score; LTA disrupts pathogen biofilms[18] |
| L. salivarius | Emerging vaginal colonizer, bacteriocin production | Top vaginal probiotic candidate in screening; resolved dysbiosis in clinical study[19] |
| L. paracasei | Candida competition, immune modulation | Demonstrated Candida co-culture inhibition; immune-modulating properties[14] |
All 8 of These Strains. One Filler-Free Formula.
MicroBiome Restore contains every strain listed above — plus 18 more evidence-backed species — with 15 billion CFU per serving. No microcrystalline cellulose. No magnesium stearate. Just clean, multi-strain support.
Probiotics and Bacterial Vaginosis
BV is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive-age women, and it's also the most prone to recurrence — roughly 40–50% of cases return within three months of antibiotic treatment. The reason is straightforward: metronidazole and clindamycin clear the infection, but they don't restore the Lactobacillus populations that would prevent it from coming back.[21] This is precisely where probiotics have the strongest clinical rationale. A 2022 meta-analysis of 10 RCTs found that probiotic supplementation reduced the risk of BV recurrence by 45% compared to placebo or antibiotic-only treatment.[3] The strains with the most consistent evidence — L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, and L. plantarum — are all present in MicroBiome Restore.
For a full breakdown of the clinical evidence, strain-specific dosing data, and how to sequence probiotics alongside antibiotic treatment, see our dedicated guide on probiotics for bacterial vaginosis.
Probiotics for Yeast Infections: Clinical Trial Data
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) — commonly called a yeast infection — affects approximately 75% of women at least once in their lifetime, with recurrence (≥4 episodes per year) affecting roughly 8%. Like BV, it involves an imbalance in vaginal microbiota: when Lactobacillus populations decline, Candida albicans can transition from a commensal state to an invasive hyphal form that causes the characteristic burning, itching, and discharge.[23]
The mechanisms by which Lactobacillus species suppress Candida are well-characterized. Lactic acid and acetic acid disrupt Candida membrane structures, reducing fungal viability and impairing azole uptake. Bacteriocins — including bacteriocin L23 specifically produced by L. fermentum — directly inhibit Candida growth. And Lactobacillus species compete with Candida for adhesion sites on vaginal epithelial cells, reducing the fungus's ability to establish infection.[17]
A 2017 Cochrane-reviewed meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n = 695) found that adding Lactobacillus-containing probiotics to antifungal regimens increased the short-term clinical cure rate by 14% and reduced one-month relapse rates by 66%.[4] The included Lactobacillus species across these trials included L. delbrueckii, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, and L. acidophilus — each of which is present in MicroBiome Restore.
A separate meta-analysis of 30 studies including 1,788 non-pregnant women found that probiotic interventions were associated with an odds ratio of 0.27 for recurrence (95% CI: 0.18–0.41; p < 0.001) and an odds ratio of 2.28 for cure or remission at one month — highly significant results favoring probiotic therapy as an adjunct to antifungal treatment.[24]
Among studies specifically relevant to the strains in MicroBiome Restore: a clinical trial of L. fermentum LF10 and L. acidophilus LA02 in women with recurrent VVC found that the probiotic formulation, used prophylactically after fluconazole induction, meaningfully reduced recurrence through a structured maintenance phase.[16] The connection between gut-derived Candida and vaginal yeast infections is also discussed in our dedicated article on probiotics for Candida and yeast overgrowth.
The Gut-Vaginal Candida Connection
The gut is the primary reservoir for Candida albicans. When gut dysbiosis allows Candida to proliferate in the intestinal environment, it can migrate to the vaginal mucosa and seed recurrent infections. This is one reason a comprehensive gut probiotic — rather than a vaginal-specific supplement alone — may be a more durable long-term strategy. MicroBiome Restore's 26-strain formula addresses gut ecology broadly, while including the specific Lactobacillus species with the strongest anti-Candida evidence.
What to Look for in a Probiotic for Vaginal Health
Not all probiotics are meaningful for vaginal health — and the marketing landscape around "women's probiotics" is crowded with formulas that rely more on packaging than evidence. Here's how to evaluate what you're actually taking.
Strain Specificity Is Non-Negotiable
The evidence base for vaginal health probiotics is fundamentally strain-specific. A general probiotic with Lactobacillus acidophilus listed somewhere on the label is not the same as one that actually contains the strains studied for vaginal outcomes. When evaluating a probiotic for vaginal health, confirm that it contains documented species — at minimum, L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, and L. fermentum. These are the strains with the most consistent RCT-level evidence. If you want to understand how to read probiotic labels accurately, our article on Lactobacillus deficiency signs and strains is a useful starting point.
Multi-Strain Formulas Offer Broader Coverage
The 2025 systematic review noted that different strains excel in different aspects of vaginal health — some are better at biofilm disruption (L. reuteri), others at pH restoration (L. plantarum), and others at anti-Candida activity (L. fermentum, L. acidophilus). A multi-strain formula captures these complementary effects rather than betting on a single mechanism.[5] Research from the RCT showing a combination of L. fermentum + L. gasseri + L. plantarum extended BV relapse-free intervals by 51% is a direct example of multi-strain synergy in action.[18]
Fillers and Flow Agents Undermine What You're Trying to Accomplish
There's an irony in taking a probiotic to restore microbial balance while inadvertently delivering compounds that may disrupt it. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and other manufacturing aids are standard in the industry but offer no benefit to you — and some carry documented concerns. For a supplement specifically targeted at mucosal microbiome support, a clean formulation matters more, not less. You should be able to read the label and recognize every ingredient.
Capsule Quality Affects Delivery
Most probiotics use hypromellose (HPMC) capsules — a synthetic polymer that does nothing for your microbiome. MicroBiome Restore uses pullulan capsules — fermented from tapioca, with prebiotic properties — as part of the 7 certified organic prebiotics in the formula. The capsule itself feeds beneficial bacteria rather than simply holding them in.
Prebiotic Support Extends Colonization
Probiotic bacteria need fuel to colonize and persist. MicroBiome Restore includes Jerusalem artichoke (a concentrated source of inulin that selectively feeds Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species), acacia fiber (a low-FODMAP prebiotic with strong clinical evidence for supporting gut Lactobacillus populations), maitake mushroom (beta-glucan prebiotic with immune-modulating properties), fig fruit, bladderwrack, Norwegian kelp, oarweed, and maltodextrin (used as a cryoprotectant for lyophilized strain stability — not a filler). The prebiotic matrix ensures that the Lactobacillus strains you're introducing have the conditions to thrive.
What to Look for vs. What to Avoid
Look for: Named Lactobacillus species with published vaginal health research (L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, L. salivarius); multi-strain formula; accompanying prebiotic support; filler-free formulation; pullulan or vegetarian capsule; clearly listed CFU count (≥1 billion per relevant strain).
Avoid: Formulas with microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, or titanium dioxide as inactive ingredients; proprietary blends that hide individual strain doses; single-strain vaginal-only products with minimal clinical evidence for your specific concern; supplements from brands that don't disclose strain-level detail on their labels.
Vaginal Health Beyond BV and Yeast: The Broader Picture
The connection between vaginal microbiome quality and women's reproductive health extends well beyond infection management. Research has documented that a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal environment is associated with improved IVF implantation rates, lower risk of preterm birth, better HPV clearance rates, and reduced susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections including HIV and herpes.[6][14]
The relationship with HPV is particularly noteworthy. Lactobacillus species — including L. casei, which is present in MicroBiome Restore — have been shown to suppress expression of HPV oncogenes e6/e7 (the primary drivers of cervical cancer progression) in cell models, and to stimulate IL-2 production with established anti-cervical cancer effects.[14] Our dedicated article on probiotics for HPV and cervical health explores this emerging research in depth.
The connection to fertility is also significant. A Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiome is consistently associated with higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in IVF patients, and probiotic supplementation with vaginal Lactobacillus species — including L. acidophilus, L. salivarius, and L. fermentum — has been shown in multiple studies to shift vaginal flora toward this favorable profile.[20]
26 Strains. 7 Certified Organic Prebiotics. Zero Fillers.
MicroBiome Restore was formulated around one principle: every ingredient earns its place through biological function. The result is a 26-strain, filler-free synbiotic that supports gut and vaginal health from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can probiotics cure bacterial vaginosis on their own?
Probiotics are not a replacement for antibiotic treatment when BV is confirmed. The strongest evidence positions them as an adjunct — started alongside or immediately after your antibiotic course — and as a long-term recurrence-prevention strategy. The real value of probiotics in a BV context is restoring what antibiotics cannot: the protective Lactobacillus populations that stop BV from coming back. For a detailed breakdown of the evidence and how to sequence probiotics with treatment, see our dedicated guide on probiotics for bacterial vaginosis.
How long does it take for oral probiotics to affect vaginal microbiota?
RCT data suggests measurable changes can occur within 14 days of consistent oral supplementation. The postmenopausal trial using L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 showed significant Nugent score improvement within a two-week intervention window.[10] For colonization and recurrence prevention, longer supplementation durations of one to three months are generally associated with better outcomes, particularly when paired with antibiotic therapy.
What's better — oral or vaginal probiotics?
Both routes have clinical support. Vaginal suppositories deliver strains more directly to the site, but oral probiotics influence the broader gut-vaginal ecosystem through the gut-perineal-vaginal pathway and tend to suit sustained daily use better. The evidence doesn't conclusively favor one route over the other for long-term outcomes — and oral supplementation has the added advantage of supporting gut microbiome health at the same time. For women specifically managing BV, our dedicated guide on probiotics for bacterial vaginosis covers the delivery route question in more detail.
Are probiotics safe to take for vaginal health during pregnancy?
Lactobacillus-based probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy, and several studies have specifically examined their use in pregnant populations. That said, pregnancy involves unique considerations and you should discuss any supplement — including probiotics — with your OB or midwife before starting. Our article on probiotics for breastfeeding covers maternal probiotic safety in the perinatal period in more detail.
Do I need a probiotic specifically marketed for "vaginal health"?
Not necessarily. The key is whether the probiotic contains the strains with evidence for vaginal outcomes — L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, and L. salivarius — at meaningful CFU levels, without fillers that undermine their function. A comprehensive multi-strain probiotic that includes these species will support vaginal health through the gut-vaginal axis while also providing broader microbiome benefits. Products labeled "vaginal probiotic" often contain only one or two strains at lower doses.
How does vaginal health connect to women's health broadly?
The vaginal microbiome intersects with immune function, fertility, STI susceptibility, HPV clearance, menopausal health, and cervical cancer risk. Women dealing with hormonal changes — particularly perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen-driven lactobacilli decline steeply — often notice a direct impact on vaginal health alongside other systemic symptoms. Probiotic support across the full Lactobacillus spectrum is part of a broader strategy for women's health at every life stage. Our article on best probiotic strains for women over 40 covers this in detail.
References
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- Reid, G., Charbonneau, D., Erb, J., Kochanowski, B., Beuerman, D., Poehner, R., & Bruce, A. W. (2003). Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 64 healthy women. FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 35(2), 131–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0928-8244(02)00465-0
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- Swidsinski, A., Loening-Baucke, V., Swidsinski, S., & Verstraelen, H. (2020). Probiotics to augment antifungal treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. American Family Physician, 101(7), 432. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0401/p432
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- France, M. T., & Forney, L. J. (2018). The vaginal microenvironment: The physiologic role of Lactobacilli. Frontiers in Medicine, 5, 181. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2018.00181
- Reid, G., Charbonneau, D., Erb, J., Kochanowski, B., Beuerman, D., Poehner, R., & Bruce, A. W. (2003). Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora. FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 35(2), 131–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0928-8244(02)00465-0
- Petricevic, L., Unger, F. M., Viernstein, H., & Kiss, H. (2008). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral lactobacilli to improve the vaginal flora of postmenopausal women. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 141(1), 54–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2008.06.003
- Anukam, K. C., Osazuwa, E., Ahonkhai, I., Ngwu, M., Osemene, G., Bruce, A. W., & Reid, G. (2006). Augmentation of antimicrobial metronidazole therapy of bacterial vaginosis with oral probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Microbes and Infection, 8(6), 1450–1454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micinf.2006.01.003
- Zhang, Y., Lyu, J., Ge, L., Huang, L., Peng, Z., Liang, Y., Zhang, X., & Fan, S. (2021). Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14 as an adjunctive treatment for bacterial vaginosis do not increase the cure rate in a Chinese cohort: A prospective, parallel-group, randomized, controlled study. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 11, 669901. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.669901
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- Martinez, R. C. R., De Martinis, E. C. P., Reid, G., & Franceschini, S. A. (2023). Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1153894. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1153894
- Chee, W. J. Y., Chew, S. Y., & Than, L. T. L. (2020). Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. Microbial Cell Factories, 19(1), 203. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7648308/
- Murina, F., Graziottin, A., Vicariotto, F., & De Seta, F. (2014). Can Lactobacillus fermentum LF10 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA02 in a slow-release vaginal product be useful for prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis? A clinical study. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 48(Suppl 1), S102–S105. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0000000000000225
- Parolin, C., Schito, A. M., Gueye, S. A., Magri, G., Laghi, L., & Marangoni, A. (2017). Antimicrobial compounds produced by vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus are able to strongly inhibit Candida albicans growth, hyphal formation and regulate virulence-related gene expressions. Frontiers in Microbiology, 8, 564. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5378977/
- Chee, W. J. Y., Chew, S. Y., & Than, L. T. L. (2020). Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. Microbial Cell Factories, 19(1), 203 (citing Vicariotto et al., 2014; Parma et al., 2014). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7648308/
- Barbuti, G., Campisciano, G., Ura, B., Lenzi, M., Comar, M., & Del Piano, M. (2019). Detection of vaginal lactobacilli as probiotic candidates. Scientific Reports, 9, 3355. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-40304-3
- Barrenetxea, G., Soria, M., & Aparicio-Ruiz, B. (2024). Female genital tract microbiome: The influence of probiotics on assisted reproduction. Einstein, 22, eRW0637. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11637451/
- Liu, H., & Yi, X. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of probiotics for bacterial vaginosis. European Journal of Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35049024/
- Huang, H., Song, L., & Zhao, W. (2019). Probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(20), 3859. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6848925/
- Zahedifard, T., Khadivzadeh, T., & Rakhshkhorshid, M. (2023). The role of probiotics in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 33(5), 881–890. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11111202/
- Jeng, H. S., Yan, T. R., & Chen, J. Y. (2020). Treating vaginitis with probiotics in non-pregnant females: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 20(4), 3749–3765. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7444381/
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MicroBiome Restore delivers 26 probiotic strains — including every key Lactobacillus species discussed in this article — alongside 7 certified organic prebiotics that feed and sustain them. Formulated without fillers. Built around what the research actually supports.
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