10 of the Best Probiotics for Women in 2023 According to a Dietitian

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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).

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.

A quick look at the best probiotics 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

How we chose

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.

Healthline’s picks of the best probiotics for women’s health

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 (4, 5).

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 (6).

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 (7, 8).

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 (9).

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.

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 (10).

It also contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which can reduce several symptoms of IBS, including bloating and stomach pain (11).

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 (6).

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.

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 (12).

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 (13, 14).

Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegan, and tested by an independent lab to verify its potency.

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 (9, 15).

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.

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 (16).

Plus, research suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus could promote vaginal health and protect against conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (4, 5).

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.

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 (17).

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.

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 (18, 19, 20).

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 (21).

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.

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 (22, 23).

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.

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 (24, 25).

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.

A comparison of the best probiotics for women

Here’s a closer look at how these products compare.

How to choose a probiotic

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.

When to see a healthcare professional

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 (26, 27, 28).

If these symptoms are severe or do not improve after several days, you should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

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 (29).

Probiotics may also support reproductive health by balancing the vaginal microbiome, which could be beneficial for conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (30).

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 (4, 5, 9, 11).

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 (31).

Additionally, probiotics could be useful for the treatment of IBS, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions (32).

Are probiotics safe during pregnancy?

Studies suggest that probiotics are likely safe during pregnancy and associated with few adverse side effects (33).

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 (34, 35, 36).

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 (37).

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 (38).

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 (40).

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 (41).

The bottom line

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.