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6 Best Probiotic For Women 2024, According To Dietitians
Updated on
- Written by Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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Ritual Synbiotic+
- Contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic
- Vegan-friendly
- Free of gluten, and major allergens
1MD Nutrition
- 11 potent probiotic strains
- Delayed-release capsules
- Doctor recommended
- Dairy-Free, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Preservative-Free
Persona Daily Probiotic
- Personalized formula, tailored to you and your health needs
- Free consultation with their nutrition team
- Convenient to take with other supplements in their range of products
Keeping a healthy diet is important for overall health and well-being, but smart supplementation is that extra push we all need to support a healthy immune and digestive system.
Probiotics are one of the most sought-after dietary supplements that optimize your gut and feed your microbiome, but it may be hard to know how to choose the best ones to fit your specific health goals.
The best probiotics are those supported by peer-reviewed studies and recommended by a health professional such as a registered dietitian. The best probiotics for women are those that balance out female hormones and help replenish their gut flora without any artificial additives, thickening agents, or unnecessary fillers.
Best Probiotics For Women On The Market In (April. 2024)
- Ritual Synbiotic+ – Editor’s Choice
- 1MD Complete Probiotics – Best Option
- Persona Daily Probiotic – Best Personalized
- Life Extension’s Florassist GI with Phage Technology – Best Innovative Formula
- HUM Gut Instinct – Best For Skin and Gut Health
- Ora Lady Bugs Probiotics – Best for Vaginal and Urinary Tract Health
6 Best Probiotics For Women 2024
Ritual Synbiotic+
Ritual Synbiotic+ includes prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic, which can improve bloating and support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
- Contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic
- Vegan-friendly
- Free of gluten, and major allergens
- Subscription required
Ritual Synbiotic+ is a three-in-one gut health supplement that includes prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic to support a healthy, balanced gut microbiome.
Each vegan capsule contains 11 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), guaranteed until expiration. It also features the well-studied probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. (subspecies) Lactis (BB-12®) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®).
One 2015 study[1] looked at the effectiveness of BB-12® on healthy individuals with infrequent bowel movements and abdominal discomfort. Researchers found that four weeks’ supplementation with BB-12® improved bowel regularity.
Another 2022 review of studies[2] explored the combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis may improve bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and constipation by as much as 30% in individuals with inflammatory diseases that are characterized by complex GI symptoms.
Synbiotic+ features PreforPro®, a blend of prebiotics that stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Studies[3] suggest that PreforPro® may improve unpleasant GI symptoms and enhance the effectiveness of probiotics.
Lastly, Synbiotic+ includes the postbiotic[4] butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports immune and gut health.
Synbiotic+ is third-party tested for contaminants, but it is not certified by a well-respected third-party organization, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which tests for potency, purity, and performance. Many other products sold by Ritual are USP-certified, though.
1MD Complete Probiotics
Scientifically formulated and doctor-recommended formula with 11 potent probiotic strains designed to support your immune system and optimize gut health.
- 11 potent probiotic strains
- Delayed-release capsules
- Doctor recommended
- Dairy-Free, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Preservative-Free
- High price point
1MD Complete Probiotics for Women features 11 potent probiotic strains for broad-spectrum digestive health in only one daily capsule. Thousands of satisfied customers report significant reductions in gas production, bloating, and overall digestive discomfort.
This probiotic supplement featuring Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains helps increase nutrient absorption and digestion without any artificial fillers, additives, thickening agents, or ingredients made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It’s soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for any type of dietary preference.
1MD Complete Probiotics also contain NutraFlora® Prebiotic, a blend of fructooligosaccharides that feed your probiotics and help ensure the probiotics arrive alive and healthy in your gut.
Persona Daily Probiotic
Persona Nutrition offers a personalized supplement formula for you and your health needs, optimizing your gut microbiome to perform at its best.
- Personalized formula, tailored to you and your health needs
- Free consultation with their nutrition team
- Convenient to take with other supplements in their range of products
- Not third-party tested
- It may be more expensive when added to other products
Persona Nutrition Daily Probiotic is a personalized probiotic supplement that contains a blend of live and active strains of bacteria to support digestive health, boost immune function, and improve the absorption of nutrients you intake through food.
It’s created as an add-on to their supplement formula, which is a combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other micronutrients your body needs to thrive.
After an online assessment, Persona’s expert team creates a customized formula that’s unique to you and your health goals. A daily probiotic supplement can be added to the micronutrient pack, making it more comprehensive.
Micronutrients taken in supplement form are designed to help optimize your overall health and well-being, and when they’re personalized, they’re able to tackle your specific deficiencies and health needs in a much more effective way.
Persona’s Daily Probiotic features a proprietary blend of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria, designed to soothe many of your ailments, from bloating and irritable bowel syndrome to fatigue and a sensitive immune system.
Life Extension’s Florassist GI with Phage Technology
Just one capsule daily delivers a novel bacteriophage blend and seven different probiotic strains with 15 billion CFU that support your gut health and immune system.
- Features a unique bacteriophage blend that targets unwanted bacteria
- Dual-encapsulated design to reach intestines intact
- Seven different probiotic strains with 15 billion colony-forming units (CFU)
- Potential side effects since the formula are pretty potent
Life Extension’s Florassist GI probiotic is a unique, innovative, and potent blend of beneficial bacteria that support a healthy microbiome, boost immune support, and improve the health of your digestive system.
It features a novel bacteriophage blend of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains along with a proprietary Tetraphage blend that targets unwanted intestinal bacteria without impacting the beneficial strains.
One capsule features a combination of an innovative bacteriophage blend and a powerful formula of seven different probiotic strains with 15 billion colony units tackling everything, from digestive discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome to urinary tract infections and vaginal flora dysbiosis.
Finding a way to promote healthy bacteria in your digestive tract can have a highly positive impact on overall health and well-being, and Life Extension Florassist GI is suitable for practically anyone.
The capsule is vegetarian, non-GMO, and poses no allergy concerns, making it a viable option no matter what type of diet you follow.
HUM Gut Instinct
Ten potent and beneficial bacteria with 25 billion CFU for a healthy gut microbiome and immune system.
- Verified by independent labs for potency
- Triple-tested for purity
- Made in good manufacturing practices (GMP) approved facility
- Known to create potential side effects due to high potency
HUM Nutrition is known for its high-quality supplements, and its Gut Instinct probiotic is no different.
Verified by independent labs for potency and triple-tested to ensure the highest level of purity, the Gut Instinct formula is designed to support gut health, boost immune health, and provide a plethora of other health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving skin complexion.
The Gut Instinct probiotic contains ten strains of beneficial bacteria with 25 billion CFU, primarily from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, and it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with no artificial sweeteners or colors. Streptococcus thermophilus is a unique probiotic strain included in this formulation.
It helps break down food, feign off foreign organisms, and absorb nutrients, similar to the other two probiotics. In addition, this strain exhibits a high degree[5] of anti-inflammatory activity and an enhanced resistance to gastrointestinal stressors.
Ora Lady Bugs Probiotics
5% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL5
A plant-based probiotic that’s specifically designed for women’s reproductive and urinary health issues, especially those trying to prevent urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections.
- Supports vaginal and urinary tract health
- Six research-backed strains of Lactobacillus probiotics
- Plant-based and organic
- On the pricier side
While most probiotics focus on digestive health and immune support, Ora Lady Bugs Probiotics for women are specifically formulated to support vaginal health and the health of your urinary tract.
It features six research-backed strains of Lactobacillus probiotics with 16 billion colony-forming units that are resistant to stomach acid, which allows them to colonize the vagina and urinary tract.
Ora Lady Bugs Probiotics also contains 725 milligrams (mg) of prebiotics from Jerusalem artichoke inulin, feeding the bacteria and helping it stay alive and nourish your urinary and reproductive tract.
This potent blend of six strains of Lactobacillus bacteria will, over time, take up residence in your vaginal microbiome and urinary tract, contributing to a balanced microbiome and a healthy pH.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are dietary[6] supplements that are a combination of live microorganisms and yeasts which are beneficial for your gut flora.
When they enter your body, they balance out the “harmful bacteria” in your gut, helping optimize your overall health by reducing inflammation, increasing nutrient absorption, and helping you fight off infections, toxins, and other potential pathogens.
Probiotic supplements may contain a variety of different microorganisms, with the most common being bacteria that belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. They all have different effects on the body and, when combined, create powerful immune-boosting support all stemming from the gastrointestinal tract.
Lactobacillus
This group of good bacteria is usually helpful with specific digestive problems[7] such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colic, and excess gas production. In addition to that, bacteria that belong to this group help break down food, especially carbohydrates, increase nutrient absorption, and fight off inflammatory agents and infection.
Some of the most popular Lactobacillus bacteria found in probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus acidophilus, plantarum, bulgaricus, casei, salivarius, and gasseri.
Bifidobacterium
Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium are usually beneficial[8] for treating digestive discomfort and constipation, fighting off colds and viral infections, improving vaginal health, and preventing urinary tract infections. There have also been studies[8] that investigated the potential of Bifidobacteria to prevent or even treat colorectal cancer.
The most common Bifidobacterium strains in probiotic supplements are Bifidobacterium longum, lactis, and bifidum.
How To Choose The Best Probiotics?
The best probiotics for women’s health include a potent, high-quality formula that tackles all women’s health concerns, from digestive health and the gut microbiome to vaginal health and urinary tract health. Some of the most important qualities to look for include:
A High CFU Count
Your own microbiome is made with trillions and trillions of bacteria, and having a probiotic with a high number of colony-forming units[9] or CFU will have a much greater impact on the growth of beneficial bacteria within your gut. Most agencies define a probiotic as containing at least one billion CFUs.
Clinically Studied And Proven Strains
There is a very large amount of different strains of bacteria that could potentially bring on health benefits and influence your microbiome. Unfortunately, a large majority of them have never been proven to actually be beneficial.
Choose a probiotic that contains clinically studied and proven strains that will actually have a greater chance of making a positive impact on the health of your gut microbiome.
Third-Party Tested And Made In A GMP Facility
Since supplements still aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), getting approved by GMP standards[10] is the second-best way to ensure the high quality and potency of micronutrients and probiotics. Choose those probiotics you can vet and ensure yourself in their strength and quality.
Personalization
If possible, look for those brands that can create customized formulas that will tackle and solve your specific health problems.
Final Thought
Women’s probiotics are a blend of beneficial bacterial strains that support a healthy immune system, promote gastrointestinal health, optimize vaginal and urinary tract health, and help improve your energy levels and mood. Choose brands that ensure quality, potency, and a high number of CFUs so you can trust in their efficacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best probiotics help support a healthy immune system, promote digestive health, fight bacterial infections, and contain certain probiotic strains that tackle specific health issues women struggle with.
Women’s probiotics are good for tackling all of their health concerns, from gastrointestinal and respiratory health to fighting off urinary and reproductive infections.
Everyone may benefit from taking probiotics, but women need different than just generic formulas, as they need to focus on optimizing their unique reproductive and urinary tract systems, preventing urinary and vaginal infections, ensuring a balance of healthy bacteria in their vaginal flora, and thus improving their overall health and wellbeing.
+ 10 sources
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- Eskesen, D., Jespersen, L., Michelsen, B., Whorwell, P.J., S Müller-Lissner and Morberg, C.M. (2015). Effect of the probiotic strainBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. British Journal of Nutrition, [online] 114(10), pp.1638–1646. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114515003347.
- Ceccherini, C., Daniotti, S., Bearzi, C. and Re, I. (2022). Evaluating the Efficacy of Probiotics in IBS Treatment Using a Systematic Review of Clinical Trials and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Nutrients, [online] 14(13), pp.2689–2689. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132689.
- Grubb, D.S., Wrigley, S.D., Freedman, K.E., Wei, Y., Vazquez, A.R., Trotter, R.E., Wallace, T.C., Johnson, S.A. and Weir, T.L. (2020). PHAGE-2 Study: Supplemental Bacteriophages Extend Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL04 Benefits on Gut Health and Microbiota in Healthy Adults. Nutrients, [online] 12(8), pp.2474–2474. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082474.
- Jakub Żółkiewicz, Marzec, A., Marek Ruszczyński and Wojciech Feleszko (2020). Postbiotics—A Step Beyond Pre- and Probiotics. Nutrients, [online] 12(8), pp.2189–2189. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082189.
- Junjua, M., Noura Kechaou, Chain, F., Ahoefa Ablavi Awussi, Roussel, Y., Perrin, C., Roux, É., Langella, P., Bermúdez‐Humarán, L.G., Yves Le Roux, Chatel, J. and Dary-Mourot, A. (2016). A large scale in vitro screening of Streptococcus thermophilus strains revealed strains with a high anti-inflammatory potential. LWT, [online] 70, pp.78–87. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2016.02.006.
- NCCIH. (2016). Probiotics: What You Need To Know. [online] Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know.
- Jain, A., Swadesh Kishore Shrivastava and Joy, L. (2022). Cervicovaginal microbiota and HPV-induced cervical cancer. Elsevier eBooks, [online] pp.81–97. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-91797-1.00010-7.
- O’Callaghan, A. and Douwe van Sinderen (2016). Bifidobacteria and Their Role as Members of the Human Gut Microbiota. Frontiers in Microbiology, [online] 7. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00925.
- Lye Huey Shi, Balakrishnan Kunasundari, Kokila Thiagarajah, Nor and Ooi Shao Yin (2016). Beneficial Properties of Probiotics. tropical life sciences research, [online] 27(2), pp.73–90. doi:https://doi.org/10.21315/tlsr2016.27.2.6.
- Center (2023). Facts About the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP). [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutical-quality-resources/facts-about-current-good-manufacturing-practices-cgmp.
Written by:
Karla Tafra, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
