BEST PROBIOTICS FOR WOMEN

7 BEST PROBIOTICS FOR WOMEN IN 2024

Aii of the best probiotics for women are made up of healthy bacteria and yeast and support important functions of your gut microbiome, including nutrient absorption and immunity. They may also be useful for a range of digestive conditions. Probiotics are well known for protecting against harmful bacteria in the gut and supporting immune function. In addition, they have shown promise in reducing the risk of heart disease, improving constipation, and reducing symptoms of depression. (10,14,22)

We’ve researched many of the best probiotics on the market today and compiled the 7 best probiotics for women. Whether you want to support your gut health or reduce common symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this informative guide will assist you in finding the best probiotics for women in 2024..

How we chose the best probiotics for women

Has it been reviewed by an expert?: Each product on this list of best probiotics for women was reviewed by registered dietitians.

Does it contain the important probiotic strains: All of the best probiotics for women include products that contain probiotic strains that can offer support for bloating and UTIs, among other benefits for women.

Quality ingredients: All products are made with high quality ingredients and are free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

Storage friendly: Probiotics have various storage requirements. We included mostly shelf-stable probiotics for extra convenience.

Third-party testing: Many of the products included are tested by independent labs to verify purity and potency.

What should I look for in a women’s probiotic?

There are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for the best probiotics for women supplement:

Certain types of strains: not all probiotics behave the same way, so consider what is included in the product. For example, if you want to improve digestion, you can look for a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bacillus coagulans. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about gut health, look for strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and/or Lactobacillus rhamnosus. These and other supplements can also help with bloating issues, or reduce the frequency of UTIs. Learn more about the best probiotics for women below.

Alternative ingredients: Some probiotics will include additional ingredients like prebiotic fiber, postbiotics, or cranberry extract. These may offer additional benefits but could also cause problems for some people.  For instance, prebiotic fiber could actually aggravate your digestive symptoms in individuals with IBS. Alternatively, a probiotic that includes cranberry extract might further aid you in vaginal health.

Quality and Transparency: Prioritize probiotic brands that are forthcoming about their sourcing, manufacturing, and quality control processes. This transparency indicates a product’s efficacy and safety, providing you with peace of mind.

Health Conditions: Women should look for probiotic strains that are specifically tailored to address their unique health concerns, such as promoting vaginal and urinary tract health or supporting hormonal balance.

The CFU count: The CFU count in a probiotic supplement refers to the number of live bacteria it contains. Most supplements provide 1 to 10 billion CFU per serving, though this can vary. Look for a product that contains at least 100 million to 1 billion CFUT, which is the minimum effective daily dose for probiotics.

Storage needs: Most probiotics are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature, while others require refrigeration because they are more heat and moisture sensitive.

Has it been third-party tested: Selecting a probiotic that has been tested by an independent lab or certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF International, can asisst you in verifying its safety, quality, and strength.

Dietary limitations: Some products may be certified gluten-free or vegan, which is a key consideration for those with strict dietary considerations.

The most important probiotic strains for women are:

• Bifidobacterium longum: Bifidobacterium longum is known for supporting a healthy gut, bifidobacterium longum assists in breaking down carbohydrates and fighting off harmful bacteria.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: Lactobacillus acidophilus is common in yogurt and fermented foods, this strain supports vaginal health by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and may aid in digestion.
• Lactobacillus plantarum: Lactobacillus plantarum is present in fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut and may be beneficial for heart health and decreasing the risk of heart disease. It also has antimicrobial properties and may help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which could help prevent yeast infections.
• Bacillus coagulans: Bacillus coagulans is often found in fermented foods, this strain may alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Bifidobacterium lactis: Bifidobacterium lactis is naturally present in dairy products and may help strengthen the gut barrier and improve bowel movement frequency in adults looking for a probiotic for constipation.
• Lactobacillus reuteri:Lactobacillus reuteri is naturally occurring in the gut and breast milk, this strain may protect against vaginitis and support overall vaginal health, but more research is needed.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Lactobacillus rhamnosus is naturally present in the intestine and can help ease digestive discomfort and support a balanced microbiome

How do probiotics benefit women?

If you do not consume many probiotic foods and experience chronic vaginitis or UTIs, you may consider a probiotic. While probiotics in general can be helpful for supporting the gut microbiome — which may in turn strengthen immunity and support mental health, among other things — they can be particularly impactful for women’s bodies.

Probiotics offer a range of potential benefits specifically for women, including:

• Possibly helping balance the vaginal microbiome.
• Helping restore gut bacteria after a round of antibiotics and they may prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.
• Alleviating symptoms related to IBS, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions
• supporting heart health.
• Some probiotics also contain prebiotics to support digestive health. Prebiotics provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Below are the best probiotics for women

THE 7 BEST PROBIOTICS FOR WOMEN IN 2024

BEST OVERALL

NOW FOODS, Probiotic-10, 100 Vcaps at HerbsPro (27.97)

Best for those interested in a highly tested product for general immune and intestinal health who do not have IBS.

Now-Probiotic 10 contains a blend of 10 probiotic strains that have been clinically identified as helpful for a healthy immune system; some of these strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum. These probiotics may help with intestinal lining integrity as well as the ability of food to move through the gut.

Why this made the cut:  NOW prioritizes quality standards and third-party testing for safety, as it is both GMP and UL-certified. They also use DNA fingerprinting technology to verify the identity and potency of the probiotics before production. This is also very affordable, as some probiotics can run upwards of $1 per serving, whereas NOW’s probiotic is less than a quarter per serving.

Things To Bear In Mind

Keep in mind that this probiotic contains 25 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units), and while 10–20 billion CFUs have been shown to be sufficient, higher CFUs may be beneficial for those who have had major alterations to the gut microbiome. NOW offers 20-billion, 50-billion and 100-billion CFU products, but speaking to a healthcare provider is best for deciding dosage.

BEST FOR WOMEN

GARGEN OF LIFE, Dr. Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women’s, at HerbsPro (32.19)

Garden of Life Women’s Probiotic gets the vote for best overall probiotic because it’s formulated specifically to support women’s health, with 16 strains of probiotics and 50 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per serving, in addition to prebiotics.

Why this made the cut: Because it contains strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may be helpful in treating and preventing infections such as bacterial vaginosis.

It also contains a blend of prebiotic fiber, though this may not be appropriate for everyone as they may intensify digestive symptoms in some people, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though the research on this is mixed.  This product also contains a greater variety of strains than other products on our list.

While some studies suggest that having multiple strains of probiotics in a supplement could enhance the biological activity of the probiotics, other research has found that multistrain supplements are not significantly more effective than single-strain probiotics. Therefore, more studies are needed.

BEST FOR HEART HEALTH

NOW FOODS, Probiotic-10, 100 Vcaps at HerbsPro (15.43).

Now Foods, Heart Health Probiotic get the vote for best heart healthy probiotic because it includes a strain–Lactobacillus reuteri–that’s been shown to support your heart by lowering cholesterol levels. “Cardiovascular disease is the number one risk to women’s health, so keeping your heart healthy should be something all women should keep a close eye on,” says a top registered dietician.

Why this made the cut: Because they’re third-party tested and the company conducts rigorous testing on its products to ensure what’s in the bottle is safe.

BEST FOR GI ISSUES

CULTURELLE, Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic Capsules, at HerbsPro (33.20)

This daily formulation–made by Culturelle, a reputable probiotic brand–may help clamp down on GI issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea,  explains a top dietician. She actually had to take Culturelle to help prevent a UTI, and has enjoyed them ever since for all the reasons MDs note. They’re easy on the stomach, easy to swallow, no funny after taste and for the most part, they help regulate your bodily functions.

Why this made the cut: It’s made with Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a commonly used strain that’s been proven to help prevent and treat GI infections and diarrhea. Plus, it’s non-GMO and free of major allergens.  Culturelle has a big line of other probiotic products, including those specifically designed for women, for men, and for certain health objevtives like immune system and metabolism support.

BEST BUDGET FRIENDLY

NOW FOODS,Foods, Acidophilus, 2 Billion, 100 Capsules at HerbsPro (6.61)

Now Food;s Acidophilus Probiotic keeps things really easy with one probiotic strain—Lactobacillus acidophilus. Because it is one of the more researched strains, it is included in many probiotic supplements. While further research is still necessary, some studies show that it may help reduce and prevent diarrhea. It’s also shown to help lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol potentially.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that’s commonly used in the production process of yogurt. Yogurt is created by fermenting cow’s milk with bacteria; you then eat this bacteria, which is why yogurt is considered a good probiotic food.

Why this made the cut: In addition to their own in-house testing, they  also submit their products for third-party testing to provide an extra level of assurance to their customers and as potentially as little as 7 cents per day! (cost per serving) makes this an affordable option for men or women on a tight budget. 

Most people who’ve been taking these for years get the best results by taking 2 of them per day. The recommended usage is 1 to 4 capsules per day. Taking these twice daily seems to be the “sweet spot” for the majority of the long-time users. You can take these at different times during the day, but mostly in the mornings seems to work best. With 100 capsules per bottle, at two times per day would make this a little under 14 cents per serving when purchased at Herb Pro!  

According to one customer, on top of being affordable these capsules can be taken on an empty stomach, and are an excellent source of good gut bacteria. She also loved the fact that they are Dairy, soy and gluten Free as well. 

BEST DRUGSTORE

CULTURELLE Daily Probiotic Capsules For Men & Women at HerbsPro (33.20)

Culturelle Daily Probiotic is your best bet if you want to buy a probiotic supplement at the drugstore, as it is widely available and affordable. Culturelle keeps things simple by including just one strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been researched in hundreds of studies.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus can survive the acidic conditions of your stomach to make it to the large intestine, where it best benefits you. It can help restore the gut after you use antibiotics, prevent diarrhea, and potentially improve symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as it strengthens the gut barrier.

This product also contains inulin, a plant fiber that is considered a prebiotic. You can find inulin in foods like artichokes, bananas, oats, and wheat. Inulin helps keep things moving in your stomach and can help keep you fuller for longer as it is a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers form a gel-like consistency as they pass through fluids in the digestive tract, giving you that full feeling.

Why this made the cut: This Culturelle product is certified through NSF, a third-party certification organization, meaning that this  probiotic has been tested and reviewed under specific safety and quality standards. 

BEST GUMMY

OLLY, Probiotic + Prebiotic Peach, 30 Count At Herbspro (13.

For those who dislike swallowing pills, OLLY Probiotic and Prebiotic gummies are a tasty, easy to take alternative. They contain a blend of prebiotics along with effective strains of probiotics like Bacillus coagulans, which has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with IBS. What’s more, OLLY products are third-party tested by NSF to ensure purity and potency. They’re also easy to find in stores and online.

This product provides you with one billion colony-forming units of Bacillus coagulans and 1.5 grams of a prebiotic blend to promote a healthy gut flora and a strong immune system, this product is an excellent choice for women or men looking for options that are not in pill/capsule form. 

Why this made the cut: Olly does not use artificial colorings, flavors, or sweeteners in its products. This product also has an NSF certification, a symbol to show that products have been independently tested and evaluated against a rigorous set of quality and material safety requirements. Third-party testing is ideal when purchasing supplements, as the supplement industry is not regulated.

Olly, Probiotic + Prebiotic Peach, 30 Count

Product Description

Probiotic + Prebiotic delivers a powerful combination of live probiotics and prebiotic fiber which work together to help keep your natural flora and digestion balance.* This gummy doubles down with a boost of the good guy bacteria plus a healthy dose of prebiotic fiber to help keep things balanced and moving in the right direction*. Click here to order this delicious gummy today!

Product Benefits

A Blend Of Active Probiotics With Prebiotic Fiber. To Support A Healthy Digestive Tract And Immune System.* This Perfect Partner Nourishes Good Bacteria So It Can Thrive And Work More Efficiently In Your Body.* Peachy Keen, Juicy Peach.

HERBS PRO
Olly, Probiotic + Prebiotic Peach, 30 Count
$11.56
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A note on probiotic supplements

• No two microbiomes are the same, and probiotics may affect people differently. For this reason, it could take some trial and error to find a supplement that works for you.

• Keep in mind that probiotics aren’t necessary or appropriate for everyone. Those who regularly consume probiotic-rich foods and are generally healthy may not require additional supplementation.

• Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if probiotics could be beneficial for you, particularly if you’re considering them for medical reasons or experience side effectsTrusted Source from their use.

In a Nutshell

Some women may benefit from taking probiotic supplements for maintaining digestive health and digestion and boosting immunity. Some women may not need them at all. Since the benefits of probiotics vary depending on the particular strain or strains, it is important to talk to a health professional about probiotic products that may be suitable for your health needs.

CONCLUSION

We hope you enjoyed our article , about the “7 best probiotics for women In 2024” . I feel it’s my mission to point people in the right direction as far as what some of the best options are, when it comes to choosing amongst the best probiotics for women supplement. And If you can save money while doing it, Why Not! By the way, please let me know If you find that particular best probiotic that will suit your needs after you’ve in fact ordered it in the comments below, Thanks!