The 18 Best Probiotics for Women to Improve Gut and Vaginal Health

In terms of ingredient quality, diversity in probiotic strains and price, Garden of Life’s Once Daily Women’s Probiotic is the winner. This vegetarian, shelf-stable formula includes 50 billion CFU, or colony-forming units (a measurement that indicates the amount of viable bacteria in the capsule). It also contains 16 different probiotics — 11 of which are Lactobacillus strains and five of which are Bifidobacterium strains.

As mentioned above, Lactobacillus is important for the health of the gut and vaginal microbiomes. Bifidobacterium may help improve immunity, reduce constipation and bloating, plus lower inflammation in the intestines. If you regularly eat probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir, the Garden of Life formula may have too much potency. In addition, it contains a prebiotic fiber blend (to help feed gut bacteria) which some buyers may want to avoid.

Discover the Bio-Kult Advanced Probiotics Supplement for Adults. As a powerhouse in digestive wellness and immune support, this supplement is packed with carefully selected and beneficial bacterial strains. This multi-strain formula is designed to replenish and maintain a diverse gut microbiome for optimal health. The high potency of live bacteria ensures that a substantial number of probiotics reach the intestinal tract. When they get there, they can work synergistically to enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. This supplement helps to foster a resilient immune system. What sets this probiotic supplement apart from the rest is its commitment to gentleness. This advanced probiotic supplement is formulated to be well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive stomachs, making it an inclusive choice for adults seeking digestive balance without compromising comfort. Elevate your gut health with this precision-engineered probiotic blend. It will provide comprehensive support to help you achieve a flourishing digestive system.  

Hoping to spend a lot less on your daily probiotic? The California Gold Nutrition LactoBif formula is an excellent choice. Each pack holds 60 vegetarian-friendly capsules for $10, which comes out to 17 cents per serving. The formula contains eight active and well-researched probiotic strains, all of which are Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium variants. At 5 billion CFU, this product is significantly less potent than the Garden of Life probiotic. However, that may be a plus for some buyers that want a weaker formula. If you prefer a higher CFU count, California Gold Nutrition LactoBif also comes in a 30-billion CFU option for $20.

Looking for a probiotic with research behind it? The Designs for Health ProbioMed 50 capsules contain an impressive 50 billion CFU of highly-researched probiotic strains. Transparency is key, and Designs for Health independently tests this product and lists the quantity of each strain on the side of the bottle. The two largest strains include: Bifidobacterium lactis (17.8 billion CFU), a powerful bacteria that aids absorption of vitamins and minerals and may improve immunity, and six different strains of Lactobacillus, which improve digestion and vaginal health. (Some strains, like Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei, may also help restore the balance of the microbiome after a stomach bug.)

At $57.99 for 30 capsules ($1.93 per capsule), this is one of our most expensive recommendations. In addition, this probiotic is highly potent. Gas and bloating can occur during the first few days, but if symptoms persist, you may need a less-potent formula.

My pharmacist recommended Florajen the last time I needed an antibiotic, and I’m so grateful he did. As someone who never tolerates antibiotics well, I was surprised to have no side effects when taking these capsules at least two hours before my antibiotic. Plus, this probiotic costs only $34.99 for 60 capsules, which comes out to $0.58 per capsule. It is also vegan friendly and contains 15 billion cultures per serving.

The primary strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Lactis. This formula does not contain prebiotics, which may cause discomfort in an already-upset stomach. Note that this product requires refrigeration for maximum potency, which isn’t ideal for someone on the go. Still, it is effective for up to two weeks at room temperature.

If you’d prefer a shelf-stable probiotic, we recommend Culturelle’s Ultimate Balance for Antibiotics Capsules. This formula is designed specifically to counteract the effects of antibiotics and replenish the gut and vaginal microbiomes. The key strain is Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a well-researched probiotic which helps prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea.

Unlike Florajen, Culturelle’s formula contains chicory root fiber. This is a mild prebiotic that helps feed good bacteria in the gut, but may cause discomfort in an already upset stomach. In addition, some reviewers dislike that the formula contains only one strain.

KAL Saccharomyces Boulardii capsules are designed to ease gastrointestinal distress caused by stomach viruses and food poisoning. Studies have shown that S. boulardii adheres itself to harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, which helps the body eliminate those pathogens. (This is different from other probiotic strains which colonize the intestines.) Some buyers report that S. boulardii also helps during recovery from urinary tract infections, though it’s important to consult with a doctor before trying.

To make things easy on the stomach, KAL’s shelf-stable formula contains just 8 billion CFU of S. boulardii, and no other probiotic strains. As a result, it may be best to pair this product with an additional probiotic (after your stomach flu is over) to help repair the gut microbiome.

For a supplement that does it all, we recommend RitualSynbiotic+. It’s a three-in-one formula which includes prebiotics (“food” for probiotics), probiotics and postbiotics — the “waste” created when your body digests pre- and probiotics. Healthy postbiotics include B and K vitamins, amino acids and short-chain fatty acids, or molecules that encourage the growth of healthy bacteria.

Each capsule holds 11 billion CFU of just two, well-researched strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis. These strains may help relieve bloating and gas while supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Some reviews note that the product is overly minty which contributed to their heartburn, and others said it gave them bloating, gas and burps.

If your main concern is your vaginal microbiome, consider the HPD Rx Pro-Fem #1 Vaginal Health Probiotic. The company claims that its formula is clinically proven to promote yeast and pH balance, thanks to Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri.

Though this product contains only 5 billion CFU, many reviewers believe that it helps them get rid of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections and keep future infections at bay. However, some buyers wish it had greater potency.

Poor gut health is linked to poor immune health, so finding the right probiotic could help boost your immunity. The Align Gut Health and Immunity Probiotic is an excellent pick because it contains Bifidobacterium lactis, a key strain which helps create a healthy gut and immune system. Reviewers note that this formula helps reduce gastrointestinal distress.

At just 5 billion CFU, some reviewers think this product is not potent enough. Others argue that it is a good potency level, especially when paired with a pre- and probiotic-rich diet. In addition, the ingredients are not as “clean” as those of other brands.

Though most consumers don’t like the idea of using a refrigerated probiotic, they have their advantages. For instance, Garden of Life Raw Probiotics stay potent for a long time because the bacteria are less likely to die at cold temperatures. As a result, the formula remains incredibly strong, and contains 100 billion CFU and 34 different probiotic strains per serving.

As with all highly potent probiotics, this product may be too strong for some users. In addition, it contains potential allergens like plum, cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Note that it is not entirely vegan, either, as some ingredients are sourced from dairy.

Many products are vegan friendly but not vegan certified, which makes Hyperbiotics stand above the rest. This supplement contains just 5 billion CFUs but 15 different probiotic strains. (Indeed, one scientific review notes that the diversity of a product’s strains may be more important than the CFUs.) This may be the winning combination for buyers who want a low-potency formula that still contains diverse strains. Plus, the timed-release pearl tablets are shelf stable, gluten free and non-GMO.

Like many modern probiotics, this product also contains prebiotics — which may be a downside for some buyers. In addition, the amount of each probiotic strain is not listed on the label. Some reviewers note that this product causes gas and bloating during the first few weeks, but symptoms simmer down after a month.

Ready for our most potent product recommendation? One serving of the Garden of Life Organic Probiotic Powder contains a whopping 400 billion CFU with 34 different probiotic strains. Designed for short-term use, this powdered probiotic can be added to a smoothie or water.

The big downside: One package contains just five servings, which makes this one of our most expensive picks ($14 per ounce). In addition, the formula may be too strong for some users and could cause gastrointestinal distress.

If you don’t like to swallow pills and want to customize your daily probiotic levels, a liquid formula may be just what you need. The suggested dose of Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic is 60 drops or four pumps, but you may find that a half dose (two pumps) works better for your needs.

Whether you take it straight or mix it into fruit juice or a smoothie, this probiotic is one of the easiest formulas to consume. (Some parents give this formula to their babies to ease constipation.) However, the CFU count is unclear because it is in liquid form.

If you’re looking for a well balanced pre- and probiotic, consider Live Conscious PRO-45. This product contains over 45 billion CFU, 11 probiotic strains and fructo-oligosaccharides — natural prebiotics that feed healthy gut bacteria. The capsules are slow release, so they should survive stomach acid.

The downsides: This product is slightly more expensive than other products in our guide, as each capsule costs $1.11. Also, the exact amount of each probiotic strain is not listed on the bottle, though they are listed in order of most abundant to least.

Designed to support women during menopause, the Bonafide Clairvee probiotic contains folic acid (which helps reduce the risk of certain diseases), lactoferrin (a nutrient that helps balance iron levels) and 5 billion CFU of two well-researched probiotic strains.

According to the brand, a study showed that 88 percent of women who took Clairvee remained free of vaginal itching and discharge after four months. The Bonafide Clairvee probiotics are expensive, and come out to $3.80 per serving. Also the exact amount of each probiotic strain is not listed on the label.

Want a probiotic that will help reduce bloating? Though HUM Gut Instinct probiotics (and many other products) may cause bloat during the first few weeks, with time they help reduce it. That’s because HUM probiotics contain 25 billion CFU and 10 diverse probiotic strains, which are known to combat digestive distress.

A few downsides: The brand recommends that you take this product on an empty stomach, which may not be ideal for your schedule. In addition, the label does not list the exact amount of each probiotic strain.

Did you know that probiotics may improve the appearance and texture of your skin? In a blog post, Optibac Probiotics notes that strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria help reduce inflammation and inhibit “bad” bacteria on the skin, which may result in less acne. In addition, a good balance of bacteria in the gut correlates with reduced rosacea.

The company’s every-day, extra-high strength formula may therefore be exactly what you need to achieve clear, healthy skin. However, many factors can cause acne and rosacea, so this formula may not improve your symptoms.

Though probiotic pills, powders and gummies are convenient and easy on the stomach, food-based probiotics like kefir are an excellent, natural way to maintain gut health. Kefir is a fermented probiotic drink made from cow or goat milk. It is similar to yogurt in taste and texture, but contains a more diverse array of gut-friendly bacteria.

Kefir correlates with numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced blood pressure. It may also help reduce inflammation and carcinogenic activity (carcinogens are substances capable of causing cancer), though more research is needed to support these findings. A word of caution: Some store-bought kefirs are very high in sugar. And while this food is easy to digest, it may still cause bloating, gas or nausea in people with severe lactose intolerance.