Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus gasseri
For the body system: Vagina

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lactobacillus gasseri is a species of lactic acid bacteria naturally found in the human vaginal microbiota. Its use to support vaginal health is primarily justified by scientific evidence, though the overall strength of evidence is moderate. Lactobacilli, including L. gasseri, play a crucial role in maintaining the acidic environment of the vagina (pH ~3.8-4.5), which inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms. There are several studies indicating that L. gasseri can adhere to vaginal epithelial cells, produce lactic acid and bacteriocins, and outcompete pathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida species.

Randomized controlled trials and in vitro studies have shown that supplementation with L. gasseri (often in combination with other lactobacilli) may help restore normal vaginal flora after antibiotic treatment or in cases of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. However, while the genus Lactobacillus as a whole is well-established for vaginal health, data specific to L. gasseri is less robust compared to more common strains like L. crispatus or L. rhamnosus. Nonetheless, a number of small clinical studies and meta-analyses support its beneficial effects.

In summary, there is scientific evidence supporting the use of L. gasseri for vaginal health, particularly in maintaining or restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome, but the volume and quality of evidence do not yet reach the highest levels of clinical validation.

More about Lactobacillus gasseri
More about Vagina