Probiotics have become a buzzword in the wellness world, but they’re more than just hype. These live microorganisms can play a vital role in women’s health, supporting everything from digestion and immunity to vaginal health and even heart health.
“The main purpose of probiotic supplements is to help you maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is key for good digestion, immune function, women’s health, and overall well-being,” explains registered dietitian Taylor Johnson of Top Nutrition Coaching.
However, the world of probiotics can be overwhelming. With countless brands and strains available, it’s hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Vogue consulted top doctors and registered dietitians to bring you the best probiotics for women, addressing a range of concerns.
Important Note: Always consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
The Best Probiotics for Women, At a Glance
- Best for Overall Health: Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic
- Best for Heart Health: Now Foods Clinical Heart Health Probiotic Veg Capsule
- Best for Women 50+: Garden of Life: Raw Probiotic Women Over 50 & Wiser
- Best for GI Issues: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules
- Best for Regularity: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
- Best for Vaginal Health: Bonafide Clarivee Vaginal Probiotic
Understanding the Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics offer a wealth of potential benefits for women:
- Digestive Health: “They can possibly help ward off sickness, too. A healthy balance of gut bacteria is closely linked to a stronger, boosted immune system,” says Johnson.
- Immune Support: Probiotics may enhance immune function, reducing the risk of infections.
- Vaginal Health: “[Probiotics with] strains of Lactobacillus… can also be beneficial for women who are going through menopause,” says board-certified OB/GYN Erica Montes, MD.
- Heart Health: Some probiotics, like the Lactobacillus reuteri strain, have been linked to improved heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
Choosing the Right Probiotic for You
Navigating the world of probiotics can feel daunting, so here are some key factors to consider:
- Strain Specificity: “Specifically, pay attention to which strain, or strains, a probiotic contains to make sure it’s appropriate for the issue you’re trying to solve,” advises physician nutrition specialist Melina Jampolis, MD.
- Quality and Safety: “Look for supplements that have been produced under Good Manufacturing Practice, or GMP… and that are third-party tested for transparency,” adds Dr. Jampolis.
- Potency: The CFU (colony-forming units) count indicates the number of live bacteria in each dose.
1. Best Probiotic for Overall Health
Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic
This probiotic from Thorne is specifically designed for women’s overall health, containing strains that support vaginal, urinary, and gut health.
Key Features:
- Clinically studied strains
- Free of common allergens
- GMP compliant
2. Best Probiotic for Heart Health
Now Foods Clinical Heart Health Probiotic Veg Capsule
This probiotic features the strain Lactobacillus reuteri, which has been shown to support heart health by helping lower cholesterol levels.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus reuteri
- Non-GMO
- Third-party tested
3. Best Probiotic for Women 50+
Garden of Life: Raw Probiotic Women Over 50 & Wiser
This probiotic is formulated to address the unique needs of women over 50, including supporting gut, immune, heart, and thyroid health.
Key Features:
- 33 probiotic strains
- Dairy-digesting enzymes
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
4. Best Probiotic for GI Issues
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic Capsules
If you experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea, this daily probiotic may help soothe your digestive system.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Non-GMO
- Free of major allergens
5. Best Probiotic for Regularity
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
This synbiotic (combining probiotics and prebiotics) is designed to promote digestive regularity and overall gut health.
Key Features:
- 24 probiotic strains
- GMP compliant
- Free of common allergens
6. Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health
Bonafide Clarivee Vaginal Probiotic
This probiotic is recommended by OB/GYNs for improving vaginal pH, odor, and dryness.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Addresses vaginal discomfort
- Taken for 15 days per month
7. Best Budget Probiotic
Renew Life Women’s Probiotic Capsules
This affordable probiotic supports vaginal, urinary, digestive, and immune health with 12 different bacterial strains.
Key Features:
- 12 bacterial strains
- Non-GMO certified
- Free of soy, gluten, and dairy
8. Best Probiotic for Body Composition
Xymogen ProbioMax Lean DF
While not a magic weight-loss solution, this probiotic contains a strain that may aid in weight management by reducing inflammation.
Key Features:
- Contains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420
- GMP compliant
- Third-party verified
9. Best Probiotic for pH Balance
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement
This probiotic helps restore vaginal pH balance and may reduce the recurrence of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri
- Clinically tested strains
- Gluten- and soy-free
10. Best Probiotic for Bloating
Optibac Probiotics Every Day Extra
This probiotic contains strains that may help alleviate bloating, pain, and cramps associated with IBS.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07
- Vegetable-based capsules
- Vegan and shelf-stable
11. Best Probiotic for IBS
Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Pro IBS Relief
This probiotic is formulated to target IBS symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian
- Shelf-stable
12. Best Probiotic for Constipation
Mega SporeBiotic by Microbiome Labs
This spore-based probiotic is designed to survive the digestive tract and deliver its benefits directly to the large intestine.
Key Features:
- 100% spore-based
- Vegetarian and gluten-free
- Suitable for adults and teens
Probiotics: A Key to Better Health
Probiotics can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine, supporting a range of health needs. By understanding the different strains and choosing a high-quality supplement, you can find the best probiotic to help you achieve your specific health goals.
Which probiotic are you most interested in trying? Share your experiences with probiotics in the comments!
This article was originally published on Glamour.com and has been adapted for Rebelsandrunways.com. Special thanks to the Glamour editors and expert contributors for their valuable insights. All quotes and recommendations have been attributed to their original sources.
