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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.
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in a variety of fermented foods and supplements (
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 (
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 (
While you can increase your intake of probiotics by enjoying a balanced diet that’s rich in fermented foods, taking a supplement can be an easy and effective way to reap the many benefits that probiotics have to offer.
Still, with so many options available, figuring out exactly which probiotic supplements are right for you can be tricky.
Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best probiotic supplements for women.
- Best overall probiotic: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women
- Best probiotic for pH balance: Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance
- Best probiotic for digestive health: Ritual Synbiotic+
- Best probiotic for vaginal health: HUM Nutrition Private Party
- Best probiotic for immune health: Klean Athlete Klean Probiotic
- Best probiotic for urinary tract health: Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan
- Best refrigerated probiotic: Renew Life Women’s Probiotic Ultimate Flora
- Best vegan-friendly probiotic: Ora Organic Lady Bugs
- Best probiotic gummies: OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic
- Best probiotic with prebiotics: Seed Daily Synbiotic
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 safety, purity, and potency.
- Vetting: Each product and brand has been vetted to ensure that it meets Healthline’s medical and business standards.
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 current good manufacturing practices (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
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.62 to $2.26 per serving, or $18.49 to $95 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $0.75 per serving
- $$ = $0.75–$1.25 per serving
- $$$ = over $1.25 per serving
Best overall
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women
- Price: $$$
- Type: vegetarian capsules
Formulated specifically to support women’s health, this probiotic from Garden of Life features 16 strains of probiotics and 50 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per serving.
In particular, it contains strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may be beneficial to treat and prevent infections such as bacterial vaginosis (
This supplement is shelf-stable and certified gluten-free by NSF International. According to Garden of Life, it’s also tested by an independent lab to ensure safety, though the company doesn’t disclose details on the specific lab or organization.
However, keep in mind that this product contains a blend of prebiotic fiber. This may not be suitable for everyone. Prebiotics may worsen digestive symptoms in some people, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though the research 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 multi-strain supplements are not significantly more effective than single-strain probiotics. Therefore, more studies are needed (
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women at a glance
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum
CFU count: 50 billion
Certifications: certified gluten-free by NSF International, third-party tested
Pros:
- certified gluten-free
- third-party tested
- shelf-stable
- suitable for vegetarians
Cons:
- contains prebiotics, which some people may prefer to avoid
- expensive
Best probiotic for pH balance
Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance
- Price: $$
- Type: vegetarian capsules
The multi-strain probiotic blend in Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance works naturally with a woman’s body to promote vaginal, digestive, and immune health.
It also helps maintain an optimal balance of good bacteria in the body, thanks to the inclusion of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain (
For this reason, it’s one of the best probiotics for women’s pH balance, which can support multiple aspects of health.
The convenient once-daily capsules are gelatin-free, vegan-friendly, and made without gluten, sugar, dairy, or soy.
What’s more, Culturelle is certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and quality.
Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance at a glance
Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii
CFU count: 15 billion
Certifications: certified by NSF International
Pros:
- shelf-stable
- third-party tested
- vegan-friendly
Cons:
- none
20% off with code “guthealth”
Best probiotic for digestive health
Ritual Synbiotic+
- Price: $$$
- Type: vegan capsules
Packing a 3-in-1 blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, this supplement from Ritual is intended to promote the health of your gut microbiome.
In particular, it provides Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, a probiotic strain that has been shown to help strengthen the gut barrier and promote regularity (
It also contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which can reduce several symptoms of IBS, including bloating and stomach pain (
Thanks to the inclusion of these two specific strains and prebiotics — which can help provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract — this is one of the best probiotics available for maintaining gut health (
Plus, this product is shelf-stable and features a delayed-release capsule to optimize absorption.
It has been tested by an independent lab to ensure accuracy and is gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
Learn more about Ritual and Synbiotic+ in our comprehensive review.
Ritual Synbiotic+ at a glance
Strains: Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
CFU count: 11 billion
Certifications: third-party tested
Pros:
- suitable for vegans
- gluten-free
- third-party tested
- shelf-stable
- optional subscription
Cons:
- expensive
- contains prebiotics, which some people may need to limit or avoid
Best probiotic for vaginal health
HUM Nutrition Private Party
- Price: $$
- Type: vegetarian capsules
With three strains of probiotics and cranberry extract, HUM Nutrition Private Party is ideal for promoting pH balance and supporting the health of your vaginal microbiome.
Its star ingredient, Lactobacillus acidophilus, has been well studied for its ability to protect against vaginal pathogens to prevent issues like chronic vaginitis (
It also contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which may help reduce the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria in the vagina, according to some test-tube and animal studies (
Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegan, and tested by an independent lab to verify its potency.
HUM Nutrition Private Party at a glance
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri
CFU count: 10 billion
Certifications: third-party tested
Pros:
- third-party tested
- vegan
- gluten-free
- shelf-stable
Cons:
- contains cranberry extract, which may not be suitable for people taking certain medications, such as blood thinners
Best probiotic for immune health
Klean Athlete Klean Probiotic
- Price: $
- Type: vegetarian capsules
Klean Probiotic is a high quality supplement that features eight strains of probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health.
It may also improve immune function and reduce inflammation, thanks to the addition of strains like Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, though more research is needed (
This product is also gluten-free, vegetarian, and non-GMO.
What’s more, it’s NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has been tested to ensure that it’s free of substances that are banned for competitive athletes.
Klean Athlete Klean Probiotic at a glance
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum/lactis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Streptococcus thermophilus
CFU count: 15 billion
Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport
Pros:
- shelf-stable
- vegetarian-friendly
- gluten-free
- third-party tested
- free of substances banned in sports
Cons:
- contains prebiotics, which some people may need to limit or avoid
Best probiotic for urinary tract health
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan
- Price: $$
- Type: capsules
Made with two strains of probiotics, vitamin A, and cranberry extract, this supplement is designed to support the health of the urinary tract and protect against infections.
Specifically, it features Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, both of which have antimicrobial properties and could help block the growth of E. coli, a type of bacteria that often causes urinary tract infections (
Plus, research suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus could promote vaginal health and protect against conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and shelf-stable.
Bio-Kult products undergo in-house testing to ensure quality, and the total viable count is guaranteed for up to 2 years.
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan at a glance
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum
CFU count: 500 million
Certifications: none
Pros:
- gluten-free and non-GMO
- shelf-stable
- vegetarian-friendly
- viability guaranteed for up to 2 years
Cons:
- not third-party tested
- contains cranberry extract, which may not be suitable for people taking certain medications, such as blood thinners
Best refrigerated probiotic
Renew Life Women’s Probiotic Ultimate Flora
- Price: $
- Type: vegetarian capsules
This probiotic blend provides 12 strains chosen specifically to reflect the natural diversity in the gut and restore digestive harmony.
It also contains probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, that may help enhance the health of the vaginal microbiome (
Ideally, this product should be refrigerated to maximize its shelf life. It can also be stored in a cool, dry place at 77°F (25°C) or below.
Though this product is not third-party tested, Renew Life notes that its supplements are produced in facilities that adhere to CGMPs.
Renew Life Women’s Probiotic Ultimate Flora at a glance
Strains: Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactococcous lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis
CFU count: 25 billion
Certifications: none
Pros:
- cost-effective
- vegetarian-friendly
- features delayed-release capsules
Cons:
- not third-party tested
Best vegan-friendly probiotic
Ora Organic Lady Bugs
- Price: $$
- Type: vegetarian capsules
With six unique strains of probiotics and a blend of prebiotics, this supplement from Ora is intended to support digestive health and maintain a healthy vagina.
Several of the probiotic strains it contains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, have even been shown to reduce inflammation in human and animal studies (
What’s more, one study found that Lactobacillus plantarum may increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which could help prevent yeast infections (
Like all Ora supplements, Lady Bugs is vegan and free of dairy, gluten, soy, and GMOs.
This product is third-party tested, and Ora provides a certificate of analysis (COA) for each product, which shows detailed testing results.
Ora Organic Lady Bugs at a glance
Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
CFU count: 16 billion
Certifications: third-party tested
Pros:
- third-party tested
- COA available for each product
- vegan-friendly
- shelf-stable
Cons:
- contains prebiotics, which may worsen digestive issues for some people
Best probiotic gummies
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic
- Price: $
- Type: gummies
For an easy and effective way to bump up your intake of probiotics, these gummies from OLLY are definitely worth a try.
They contain a blend of prebiotics, along with Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic strain that has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with IBS (
They’re also naturally flavored, gluten-free, and certified by NSF International.
However, keep in mind that they contain gelatin, so they aren’t a good choice for vegetarians, vegans, and those who prefer to limit their consumption of animal products.
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic at a glance
Strains: Bacillus coagulans
CFU count: 500 million
Certifications: certified by NSF International
Pros:
- naturally flavored
- gluten-free
- third-party tested
Cons:
- not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
- contains prebiotics, which some people may want to limit
Best probiotic for heart health
Seed Daily Synbiotic
- Price: $$$
- Type: vegan capsules
Featuring a blend of 24 strains of probiotics and a prebiotic formulation sourced from Indian pomegranate, this high quality supplement from Seed is designed to offer benefits that go beyond gut health.
In fact, it features strains such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium lactis, which have been shown to promote heart health (
This makes Seed Daily Synbiotic one of the best probiotics for women over 50 or for anyone at risk for heart disease.
This supplement has an outer capsule that’s resistant to oxygen, heat, and moisture to maximize absorption, and it does not require refrigeration.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and third-party tested for a wide range of allergens and pesticide residues to ensure quality and safety.
Seed is a subscription-based service. Members receive a refillable glass jar and glass travel vial with their first order, plus sustainable monthly refills with a 30-day supply each month. Members can easily change or cancel their subscriptions online as needed.
Seed Daily Synbiotic at a glance
Strains: Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium adolescentis
CFU count: 53.6 billion
Certifications: third-party tested
Pros:
- third-party tested
- vegan-friendly
- shelf-stable
- free of gluten and major allergens
Cons:
- expensive
- requires subscription
- contains prebiotics, which might not be suitable for everyone
Here’s a closer look at how these products compare.
Price range | Intended use | CFU count | Certifications | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women | $$$ | • digestive health • immune health • vaginal health | 50 billion | • NSF gluten-free • third-party tested |
Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance | $$ | • digestive health • immune health • vaginal health | 15 billion | NSF-certified |
Ritual Synbiotic+ | $$$ | • digestive health • immune health | 11 billion | third-party tested |
HUM Nutrition Private Party | $$ | • vaginal health • urinary tract support | 10 billion | third-party tested |
Klean Athlete Klean Probiotic | $ | • digestive health • immunity | 15 billion | NSF Certified for Sport |
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan | $$ | • urinary tract support • vaginal health | 500 million | — |
Renew Life Women’s Probiotic Ultimate Flora | $ | • digestive health • immune health • vaginal health • urinary tract support | 25 billion | — |
Ora Organic Lady Bugs | $$ | • digestive health • vaginal health | 16 billion | third-party tested |
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies | $ | • digestive health • immune health | 500 million | NSF-certified |
Seed Daily Synbiotic | $$$ | • digestive health • immune health • skin health • heart health | 53.6 billion | third-party tested |
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.
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.
Your 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, and nausea, especially when you first start taking them (
If these symptoms are severe or do not improve after several days, you should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
What are probiotics good for?
Probiotics can help enhance the health of your gut microbiome, which plays a key role in immune function and digestive health (
Probiotics may also support reproductive health by balancing the vaginal microbiome, which could be beneficial for conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (
What is the best probiotic for a woman to take?
Look for a supplement that contains strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been shown to support vaginal health, promote immunity, and ease symptoms of IBS (
Other beneficial strains found in many probiotic supplements include Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and 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?
Most people don’t need a probiotic supplement. However, if you don’t regularly consume probiotic-containing foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or miso, a supplement may be beneficial.
Taking probiotics may also help restore your gut bacteria after you’ve taken antibiotics, and it could prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use (
Additionally, probiotics could be useful for the treatment of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions (
Are probiotics safe during pregnancy?
Studies suggest that probiotics are likely safe during pregnancy and associated with few adverse side effects (
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 Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus (
Interestingly, one study even found that supplementing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as part of a 12-week weight loss program increased weight loss and satiety while reducing food cravings and hunger in women (
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 Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, another strain that may be beneficial for weight loss (
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 (39).
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 (
Be sure to look for a product that contains at least 100 million to 1 billion CFU, which is the minimum effective daily dose for probiotics (
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.