Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus (various species)
For the body system: Vagina

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Lactobacillus species are widely used to support vaginal health, with substantial scientific evidence supporting their role. The vagina is naturally colonized by various Lactobacillus species—such as L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri—which help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiota by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins. This creates an acidic environment (pH < 4.5) that inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast, thereby reducing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that oral and intravaginal administration of certain Lactobacillus strains can help restore and maintain a healthy vaginal flora, particularly after disturbances such as antibiotic use or infections. For example, a 2014 Cochrane review concluded that probiotics containing Lactobacillus are beneficial as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy for BV, improving cure rates and reducing recurrence. Specific strains (e.g., L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14) have been studied for their ability to colonize the vagina and competitively exclude pathogens.

While not all commercial probiotic products contain strains proven to colonize the vagina effectively, the overall body of scientific evidence justifies the use of well-chosen Lactobacillus strains for supporting vaginal health.

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