We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Probiotics can benefit women in specific ways. Read on for a dietitian’s take on the best probiotics for women, with Garden of Life and Culturelle topping the list.
While you can increase your intake of probiotics by enjoying a balanced diet that’s rich in fermented foods, some people may benefit from taking a supplement with specific strains of probiotics.
Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best probiotic supplements for women.
The probiotic supplements featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
Probiotic strains: We included products that contain probiotic strains that can be beneficial specifically for women.
Ingredient quality: All products are made with high quality ingredients and are free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
Storage: Probiotics have various storage requirements, and we included both shelf-stable and refrigerated probiotics.
Third-party testing: Many of the products included are tested by independent labs to verify purity and potency.
Vetting: Each product and brand has been vetted to ensure that it meets Healthline’s medical and business standards. You can read more about our vetting process.
Dietitian review: Each product on this list was reviewed by registered dietitians Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, and Kelli McGrane, MS, RD.
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.62 to $2.26 per serving, or $18.49 to $95 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide:
$ = under $0.75 per serving
$$ = $0.75–$1.25 per serving
$$$ = over $1.25 per serving
Was this helpful?
Why you should trust us
Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
is manufactured in facilities that adhere to CGMPs established by the FDA
is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in a variety of fermented foods and supplements (1).
They are best known for their ability to enhance the health of the gut microbiome, which is involved in everything from boosting nutrient absorption to regulating mental health and immune function (2).
However, they also offer a range of benefits specifically for women. For example, some probiotics may help balance the vaginal microbiome to protect against infections like bacterial vaginosis (3).
There are a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a probiotic supplement:
Intended use: Probiotics are designed to address many health concerns. For example, some are specifically formulated to support digestive health, immune function, or reproductive health.
CFU count: The CFU count in a probiotic supplement refers to the amount of live bacteria it contains. Most supplements provide 1–10 billion CFU per serving, though this can vary.
Storage needs: Most probiotics are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature, while others require refrigeration because they are more sensitive to heat and moisture.
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.
Dietary restrictions: Some products may be certified gluten-free or vegan, which is a key consideration for those with strict dietary needs.
Remember that 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.
A healthcare professional can offer personalized recommendations based on your needs to help you find a product that’s right for you.
How many CFU should be in probiotics?
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics notes that the effective dose for probiotics can vary depending on the specific strains and desired benefits (26).
Though most supplements contain 1–10 billion CFU per dose, some may contain up to 50 billion CFU or even more. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, a higher CFU count does not necessarily indicate that a probiotic is more effective (27).
You might want to look for a product that contains at least 100 million to 1 billion CFU, which is the minimum effective daily dose for probiotics (28).
It’s best to talk with a trusted healthcare professional before taking probiotics, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
A doctor or other healthcare professional can help you find a product that’s right for you, based on your specific needs and goals.
While probiotics can be beneficial for several conditions, they should not be used as a substitute or replacement for medical treatment.
Additionally, keep in mind that probiotics are not suitable or necessary for most people and may cause digestive side effects like:
diarrhea
stomach cramps
gas
nausea, especially when you first start taking them (29, 30, 31)
If these symptoms are severe or do not improve after several days, it’s recommended to stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Probiotics can help enhance the health of your gut microbiome, which plays a key role in immune function and digestive health (32).
Probiotics may also support reproductive health by balancing the vaginal microbiome, which could be beneficial for conditions such as bacterial vaginosis. However, probiotics are not necessary for everyone and could make certain conditions worse. It’s always important to talk with a healthcare professional before taking probiotic supplements (33).
What is the best probiotic for a woman to take?
It’s best supplement that contains strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been shown to support:
Other beneficial strains found in many probiotic supplements include:
Bifidobacterium longum
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Ultimately, the best probiotic to take depends on your specific needs and goals.
While some women may prefer supplements that focus on improving vaginal health or supporting pH balance, others may prefer a probiotic with specific strains that can promote digestive health or boost immunity.
What are the signs you need probiotics?
Probiotics may be helpful for restoring gut bacteria after you’ve taken antibiotics, and they could prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. Additionally, probiotics could be useful for the treatment of:
However, it’s best to talk with a doctor before taking probiotics during pregnancy, as probiotics are not necessary for most people.
In addition to recommending products that are safe and effective, a healthcare professional can provide guidance on which strains may be most beneficial for your needs.
What is the best probiotic for women’s weight loss?
Certain probiotic strains have been shown to support weight loss, including:
Interestingly, one study even found that supplementing with Lactobacillusrhamnosus as part of a 12-week weight loss program increased weight loss and satiety while reducing food cravings and hunger in women (40).
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women contains all three of these strains and may be a good addition to a healthy weight loss regimen.
Ritual Synbiotic+ contains Lactobacillusrhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, another strain that may be beneficial for weight loss (41).
Some women may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement for purposes such as managing digestive and vaginal health and boosting immunity.
Because the benefits of probiotics vary greatly depending on the strain, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about which probiotic product might be best for your health needs.
Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
