research observed participants taking probiotics containing L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus GR-1 , and L. fermentum RC-14 strains at a dose of 10 CFU/day over two months. The researchers found this inhibits bacterial growth associated with vaginosis, reducing the risk of vaginal infections. Shazadi K, et al. (2021). In vivo prophylactic efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri MT180537 against aerobic vaginitis. A 2018 meta-analysis states that some specific Lactobacillus strains may ease adult antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

The company states the capsules are free from most common allergens, including egg, fish, milk, and peanuts. Additionally, the probiotics are gluten-, GMO-, and additive-free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Probiotics are live microorganisms—such as bacteria and yeasts—present in fermented foods, supplements (both over-the-counter and prescription) and even beauty products. They help the body digest food, destroy bad bacteria and provide vitamins, among other benefits, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Probiotics work mainly by impacting microorganisms found in the microbiome of the large intestine, which houses trillions of bacteria, fungi and microbes (small living things). Superti F, et al. (2020). Warding off recurrent yeast and bacterial vaginal infections: Lactoferrin and lactobacilli. The National Institutes of Health states there is no official recommendation for probiotic use. People should speak with a healthcare professional to choose the correct probiotic and dosage, and how long to use the product. What food is highest in probiotics? Research shows that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria, for example, may help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults.McFarland LV. (2021). Efficacy of single-strain probiotics versus multi-strain mixtures: Systematic review of strain and disease specificity. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. This product has 8 billion CFU and contains Bifidobacterium, L. rhamnosus, and L. acidophilus. It comes in a form of a capsule. Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications. Foods. Accessed 3/13/2023.

It’s important to note, however, that prebiotics can have side effects, including bloating and diarrhea, so probiotics that contain large doses of prebiotics may not work well for everyone.

When to contact your vet

Most probiotic manufacturers measure bacteria count according to colony-forming units, or CFU. A higher CFU number means the product contains more bacteria.

Sánchez B, et al. (2017). Probiotics, gut microbiota, and their influence on host health and disease. Wang Z, et al. (2022). The mechanisms of the potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum against cardiovascular disease and the recent developments in its fermented foods. Some supplements might also contain prebiotics to support digestive health. The best prebiotics for women are often sourced from high fiber ingredients, such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides. Third-party testing: Selecting a probiotic that has been tested by an independent lab or certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF International, can help verify its safety, quality, and strength.Kothari D, et al. (2018). Probiotic supplements might not be universally-effective and safe: A review. Connell M, et al . (2018) Systematic review and meta-analysis: Efficacy of patented probiotic, VSL#3, in irritable bowel syndrome [Abstract]. It’s also formulated with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, which may help support regularity and strengthen the gut barrier. What probiotic do doctors recommend? Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Further research suggests probiotics may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and improve ulcerative colitis and gum disease symptoms.