Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus acidophilus
For the body system: Vagina
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most extensively studied probiotic species for supporting vaginal health. The scientific rationale is based on the fact that a healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species, which help to maintain an acidic environment (low pH) through the production of lactic acid. This acidic environment inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast, such as Gardnerella vaginalis (associated with bacterial vaginosis) and Candida albicans (associated with yeast infections).
Several clinical studies have demonstrated that oral or intravaginal administration of L. acidophilus can help restore normal vaginal flora and reduce the recurrence of both bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, especially when used alongside standard antimicrobial therapies. For example, a 2014 meta-analysis (Huang et al., 2014) found that probiotic supplementation, including L. acidophilus, significantly improved cure rates of bacterial vaginosis compared to placebo.
However, while the evidence is strong for some strains and formulations, results can vary, and not all studies show benefit. The greatest support is for multi-strain Lactobacillus probiotics and use as an adjunct to antibiotics or antifungals. Still, the use of L. acidophilus for vaginal health is grounded in modern scientific research rather than just tradition.
Other ingredients that support Vagina
AlchemillaAletris
Aloe vera
bacteria
bayberry
black cohosh
blue cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
cohosh
cranberry
daidzein
damiana
dong quai
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fennel
fenugreek
genistein
giant trillium
golden ragwort
isoflavones
Labisia pumila
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lady's Mantle
licorice root
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Phytoestrogens
probiotics
red clover
rose
rose oil
sage
Sanguisorba
Shataverins
Soy
soy isoflavones
soybean
squawvine
Tea Tree Oil
vitamin D
Vitex Agnus-Castus
White Dead Nettle Flower
Wild yam
Other body systems supported by Lactobacillus acidophilus
Digestive SystemFemale Reproductive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Peyer’s patches
Small Intestines
Vagina
Products containing Lactobacillus acidophilus
Vitabase
7 Day Colon Cleanse
Vitabase
Acidophilus
Integrative Therapeutics
Blue Heron
Integrative Therapeutics
Enterogenic Intensive 100
Thorne
FloraSport 20B NSF
Klean Athlete
Klean Probiotic ™
Metagenics
MetaKids Probiotic
Metagenics
MetaKids Probiotic
Douglas Laboratories
Multi-Probiotic ® 15 Billion
Douglas Laboratories
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Douglas Laboratories
Multi-Probiotic ® 40 Billion
Douglas Laboratories
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Integrative Therapeutics
Nutrivitamin No-Iron
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PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Integrative Therapeutics
Pro-Biome 50B
Integrative Therapeutics
Pro-Flora Concentrate
Designs For Health
ProbioMed™ 100
Designs For Health
ProbioMed™ 250
Designs For Health
ProbioMed™ 50
Designs For Health
ProbioMed™ Women
Designs For Health
Probiophage DF™
Designs For Health
Probiophage DF™
Pure Encapsulations
Probiotic 123
Pure Encapsulations
Probiotic-5
Pure Encapsulations
Probiotic 50B
Vitabase
Probiotic Blend
Pure Encapsulations
Probiotic G.I.
Pure Encapsulations
Probiotic IMM
Integrative Therapeutics
Probiotic Pearls
Integrative Therapeutics
Probiotic Pearls
Integrative Therapeutics
Probiotic Pearls Advantage
Designs For Health
Probiotic Supreme DF™
Designs For Health
Probiotic Synergy™ spheres
Pure Encapsulations
PureBi•Ome™ G.I.
Pure Encapsulations
PureBi•Ome™ Intensive
Pure Encapsulations
PureProbiotic™
Vitabase
Suprema Dophilus Multi Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora Balance Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora Balance Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora BiomePro Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora Complete Women's Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora IB Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora Restore Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora Spectrum
Metagenics
UltraFlora Spectrum Probiotic
Metagenics
UltraFlora Synergy Probiotic Powder
Vitabase
Vidophilus 35 Billion
Thorne
Women's Daily Probiotic
Vitabase
Women's Suprema Probiotic
