Best Probiotic for Women (2024): Expert-Tested and Curated Picks for Gut, Vaginal, and Overall Health

Bacteria often get a bad reputation, but did you know there are good bacteria, called probiotics, that can significantly boost your health? It’s true! These beneficial microorganisms support a robust digestive system and play vital roles in immune health, disease prevention, brain function, and overall well-being.

While the best probiotic supplements can benefit most people, a 2024 review¹ supports they can be a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to support cis women’s health in many ways—like treating vaginal infection, managing polycystic ovary syndrome², and alleviating menstrual pain, among other health benefits. Plus, the power of probiotics can even extend to their children, making them useful for generations to come. 

As a registered dietitian, I collaborated with expert product testers to identify the best probiotic for women. Here are a few of the things we looked for:

• Formulation: Does the product prioritize beneficial bacteria strains? 
• Third-party testing: Is the label accurate? Can we trust the product’s purity?
• Price per serving: Does the cost align with market standards, offering good value?

Let’s dive into our top picks and find the perfect match for your health needs!

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

NOTE: We intend the term “women” to include all women, including trans women. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis women (i.e., women who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis women.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

Best Probiotic for Women

• Best Probiotic for Women Overall: Transparent Labs Probiotic
• Best Pre- and Probiotic for Women: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Onnit Total Gut Health
• Best Probiotic for Women Over 50: Nutricost Probotic
• Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Sports Research Daily Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for IBS: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
• Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health: HUM Private Party
• Best Probiotic for Urinary Support: Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic
• Best Daily Probiotic for Women: Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic
• Best Liquid Probiotic: Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic

Best Probiotic for Women Overall: Transparent Labs Probiotic

Good for: Those seeking complete probiotic support for gut, vaginal, and overall health

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Probiotic-Advanced Gut Health

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Made with 10 different probiotic strains
• Can be bought on a subscription basis
• Has 100 billion CFUs per serving
• 2 capsules is 1 serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made to promote a healthy gut and strengthened immune system
• No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
• Has more than 1,000 five-star reviews

Cons

• Transparent Labs recommends that the capsules be taken on an empty stomach

Bottom Line

The Transparent Labs Gut Health Series Probiotic aims to aid immune support, overall gut health, and more.

Transparent Labs stands out for its transparent and potent formula to support gut and overall women’s health. It boasts 100 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) featuring 10 clinically studied probiotic strains of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococci, as well as prebiotics to nourish the probiotics and enhance their effects. These highlights merely scratch the surface, so let’s dive into the details.

A 2022 review³ highlights that Lactobacillus strains are particularly beneficial for vaginal health. Bifidobacterium⁴, including B. bifidum and B. breve, also support vaginal and gut health and may transfer to the baby’s microbiota when present during pregnancy. Streptococcus thermophilus⁵ rounds out the blend, ultimately supporting digestive health with growing interest in its anti-inflammatory properties. 

The formula also includes a prebiotic to enhance the probiotics’ benefits and is encased in a vegan-friendly, resilient hypromellose capsule (HPMC). The use of hypromellose⁶ may deliver contents with more control and better protect the probiotics during storage and as they pass through an acidic stomach environment. 

We also appreciate Transparent Labs’ commitment to transparency and third-party testing. The probiotic is Informed-Choice Certified to ensure its potency and purity. 

GGR Performance Editor and certified nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly tested Transparent Labs Gut Health and reported no noticeable or positive side effects, but noted the pills are easy to swallow. O’Reilly mentioned, “I eat a lot of pickled and fermented products [rich sources of probiotics] in my everyday diet, so I’m not sure I’m the best test subject for these supplements. In any event, I haven’t noticed much in the first few days.”

Best Pre- and Probiotic for Women: Ritual Synbiotic+

Good for: Folks searching for comprehensive synbiotic support for full-body benefits

Best Pre- and Probiotic

Ritual Synbiotic+

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• Filled with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
• Clinically studied 
• Supports gut barrier function
• Delayed-release capsule designed so bacteria reaches the colon

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Traceable ingredients
• Supports gut lining and gut barrier function
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Delayed-release capsule

Cons

• Expensive
• Automatically signs you up for subscription
• There can be uncomfortable side effects at first

Bottom Line

The Ritual Synbiotic+ is a clinically backed probiotic with clean, traceable ingredients designed to support overall digestive health.

Ritual is a subscription-based company renowned for its high-quality supplements, and its Synbiotic+ is no different. We awarded it the best pre- and probiotic for women, but it offers a little something extra to promote optimal gut health. Let’s start at the beginning:

Synbiotic+ contains 15 milligrams of PreforPro, a patented prebiotic that enhances probiotic species like Lactobacillus⁷ and Bifidobacterium⁸, both in Ritual’s formula. These probiotics can positively impact gut microbiota, support digestive and immune health, and alleviate conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome⁹ (IBS), and respiratory infections. Additionally, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG¹⁰ in Synbiotic+ may play a role in weight management and disease prevention in cis women.

Synbiotic+ includes 300 milligrams of the postbiotic tributyrin¹¹, a beneficial byproduct of prebiotic fermentation that supports gut health, immune function, and inflammatory responses. Findings from a 2021 pilot study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics¹² support this clinically studied dose.

GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, tested this synbiotic formulation and shared an overall positive impression. “I’ve only been taking it for a few days, but I think it’s been having a positive effect,” she says. She noted a minor drawback, rating side effects at 3 out of 5, mentioning “a little gas, won’t lie, but not unbearable,” indicating that minor side effects like gas, bloating, and nausea are manageable.

Nicole scored Synbiotic+ a perfect 5 for taste, exclaiming, “Mint! It’s quite refreshing. I also think the capsule looks cool.” The capsule’s delayed-release technology also ensures the synbiotic blend survives stomach acid and reaches the colon, where probiotics can thrive, and the moisture-controlled bottle technology keeps the probiotics viable without refrigeration.

Ritual’s Synbiotic+ is made with high-quality, traceable ingredients and is free from gluten, sugar, GMOs, major allergens, and artificial additives. It undergoes rigorous third-party testing for purity and effectiveness and comes with a money-back guarantee.

Check out our full Ritual Synbiotic Review for more details.

Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Onnit Total Gut Health

Good for: Those desiring probiotic benefits and weight loss support

Best

Onnit Total Gut Health

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Gut health dietary supplement
• Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and betaine HCI
• Includes digestive enzymes
• May help digest nutrients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• May support immune system
• Promotes healthy gut flora
• Subscribe and save options
• Vegan-friendly

Cons

• Expensive price per serving
• 7 pills per serving
• Directed to take with largest meal of the day

Bottom Line

Total Gut Health from Onnit offers a unique blend of probiotics, prebiotics, betaine HCI, and digestive enzymes. The brand claims Total Gut Health is designed to promote a healthy gut microbiome, help digest macronutrients and micronutrients, and support your normal digestive functions.

While probiotics alone may not lead to weight loss, they may help, and certain strains in Onnit Total Gut Health are backed by research. Adding prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and betaine HCl can enhance these benefits and support overall gut health.

A recent 2024 study¹³ suggests that a hypocaloric diet rich in protein and prebiotic fiber, combined with probiotic supplements and regular exercise, can effectively aid weight reduction. (The best prebiotic foods would be a great accompaniment!) A 2021 study¹⁴ found that the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii might help manage obesity.

Then there’s this 2021 systematic review¹⁵: It highlights that probiotics and synbiotics can significantly reduce weight over 12 weeks, especially with a balanced lifestyle or increased physical activity. Strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera showed the most promise. In one study¹⁶, cis women taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus lost 50% more weight over three months than those on a placebo, continuing to lose weight during the maintenance phase.

Onnit’s digestive enzyme¹⁷ blend—including amylase, protease, and lactase, among others—may enhance nutrient absorption and help with digestive issues like lactose intolerance, and betaine HCl¹⁸ may offer additional digestive benefits. Prebiotics like organic Jerusalem artichoke and organic dandelion can support gut health, and extracts of Jerusalem artichoke¹⁹ with inulin may reduce postprandial glycemia.

One drawback of Onnit Total Gut Health is its large serving size. Each serving comes in a packet containing seven capsules: two capsules for the prebiotic and digestive enzyme blend and one capsule each for the probiotic, betaine HCl, and Saccharomyces boulardii. But don’t worry about keeping track of them—just take one convenient packet a day.

Cost is another consideration, as Onnit Total Gut Health is relatively pricey. Without the subscribe and save option for a 25% discount, each serving costs $2.53.

Best Probiotic for Women Over 50: Nutricost Priobotic

Good for: Those looking to support their gut and vaginal health as they age

Best for Women Over 50

Nutricost Probiotic Complex Capsules

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Vegetarian probiotic complex capsules
• Listed benefits: Add to the healthy bacteria in your body

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Third-party tested
• Affordable at less than $0.50 per serving

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Only available in 60-count container

Bottom Line

Nutricost Probiotic Complex Capsules contain 10 different probiotics within a vegetarian capsule. They’re available in two dosages, 10 billion and 50 billion CFU. This supplement has very limited customer reviews but they are mostly positive.

Nutricost Probiotics is an excellent choice for women over 50, providing proven benefits for gut health and overall aging. Each capsule contains 10 billion CFUs from 10 different probiotic and yeast cultures, including well-studied strains of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces.

RELATED: Strength Training for Women Over 50

Probiotics offer numerous health benefits for women, especially as they age. A review on microorganisms²⁰ with claimed probiotic properties highlights that Lactobacillus strains help prevent and manage bacterial vaginosis. Lactobacillus casei may reduce the duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in older adults, underscoring its role in supporting healthy aging²⁰.

GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, tested Nutricost Probiotics and shared her experience. “I haven’t noticed any major changes, but I’ve also been taking probiotics every day for years,” she says. “For what it’s worth, though, I have noticed that I’ve stayed pretty regular since switching to this one for testing.” She gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for side effects, as she didn’t experience any.

In terms of taste, Amanda rated it a solid 4.5 out of 5, noting, “I noticed a very slight medicinal kind of smell from the bottle, and you can taste something if it sits on your tongue for too long, but it wasn’t off-putting.” Its swallowability received a perfect 5, as it was “very easy” to take without any issues. Amanda added, “I was even able to swallow it without water, though I mainly just did that for testing purposes and wouldn’t do it regularly. It’s about the size of a penny.”

Speaking of pennies… Regarding value, Nutricost Probiotics shines with a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for price, costing just $0.25 per serving.

Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Sports Research Daily Probiotic

Good for: Those aiming to improve gut health and digestion

Best for Gut Health

Sports Research Daily Probiotics

GGR Score: 3.97

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Product Highlights

• Delayed-release veggie capsule probiotic supplement
• 12 lacto and bifidobacteria probiotic strains
• Listed benefits: replenish good bacteria in the gut and support gut health
• Certified vegan

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 15%
• Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
• Third-party tested
• Satisfaction guaranteed when purchasing directly from Sports Research

Cons

• Mixed reviews on effectiveness
• Only available in one dosage: 60 billion CFU
• Some customers experienced cramps and bloating
• Refrigeration recommended (not required)

Bottom Line

Sports Research Daily Probiotics use a delayed-release veggie capsule to deliver 60 billion CFU of probiotics. There are 12 different probiotic strains. There are mixed reviews on effectiveness. Some customers experience stomach issues such as cramps and bloating. Other customers found the probiotic decreased their stomach issues.

Sports Research Daily Probiotic is a top choice for supporting and restoring gut health, packing 60 billion CFUs from 12 strains of probiotics into each capsule. These vegan-friendly capsules feature a delayed-release mechanism to deliver active cultures and a 60-milligram inulin fiber blend, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Let’s explore what this “Good bacteria in, bad bacteria out” formulation is all about.

While the exact amounts of each strain aren’t specified, the blend emphasizes Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Research²⁰ shows Bifidobacterium species, along with other probiotics, effectively manage various gastrointestinal issues, ranging from constipation to traveler’s and antibiotic-associated diarrhea to gut inflammation. 

Lactobacilli are renowned for their health benefits beyond gut health. Combining Lactobacilli with antibiotics shows promise in treating bacterial vaginosis and may safely and effectively prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in cis women²⁰.

Kate Meier, GGR Senior Director of Content and expert tester, reported no negative side effects after several weeks of taking these probiotics. She notes, “These are very slim and the serving size is only one pill, which I appreciate.” Overall, Kate awarded Sports Research Daily Probiotic a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for its side effects and swallowability.

Sports Research Daily Probiotics are vegan, cGMP compliant, and third-party tested, ensuring purity and reliability. 

RELATED: Best Workout App for Women

Best Probiotic for IBS: Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

Good for: People seeking a specialized probiotic blend for IBS relief

Best for IBS

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

GGR Score: 3.4

Check Price 20% Off Your First Purchase with code 20GGR

Product Highlights

• Contains both probiotics and prebiotics
• Capsule design features two layers of protection
• 24 active strains
• 53.6 billion AFU
• Allergen-friendly

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains both prebiotics and probiotics
• 2-layer capsule to protect probiotics
• Contains 24 active strains
• 53.6 billion AFU

Cons

• Expensive
• Some users report an upset stomach

Bottom Line

Seed Daily Synbiotic is a two-in-one capsule that contains both probiotics and prebiotic fibers. The capsule features two layers, designed to protect the active probiotics from harsh environments. It contains a wider variety of probiotics than many other brands, but is an expensive product.

Seed Daily Synbiotic is a robust supplement combining prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion, gut barrier function, and overall health, including immune, skin, and heart health. Its 24 probiotic strains are particularly beneficial for those with IBS⁹, which is characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. 

A 2022 review⁹ of 104 clinical studies (dated from 2011 to 2021) found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus are highly effective in managing IBS symptoms and improving quality of life. The review showed that 78% of trials reported an average 55% improvement in symptoms, while 22% found no significant improvement.

Unlike most probiotics measured in CFUs, Seed uses AFUs, offering a potentially more precise measurement of viable microbes. While this doesn’t directly indicate its impact, our tester rated Seed a perfect 5 for side effects, noting it helped their sensitive stomach without any negative experiences.

Seed’s 2-in-1 capsule technology releases the prebiotic from the outer layer and the probiotic from the inner layer. Our tester rated its swallowability 4 out of 5, mentioning that, although the pill is about the length of a quarter, they sometimes needed to eat something to help it go down.

In terms of cost, we rate Seed a 2 out of 5, as it is on the higher end at over $1.50 per serving.

Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health: HUM Private Party

Good for: Those pursuing enhanced vaginal health

Best for Vaginal Health

HUM Private Party Probiotic

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Vegan vaginal probiotic and cranberry supplement
• Listed benefits: improve urinary tract function
• Features 3 active probiotic strains

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested for quality and purity
• No artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives
• Clean Label Project Certified
• Affordable at less than $1 per serving
• Made in an FDA-approved cGMP facility

Cons

• Limited and mixed reviews
• Some customers experienced no changes or worsened health

Bottom Line

HUM Private Party contains 3 strains of probiotics and cranberry PACs designed to improve vaginal health. This supplement has mixed reviews, with many customers experiencing no changes, some seeing improved vaginal health, and some even had worse health.

Hum Nutrition’s Private Party provides 100 milligrams of three probiotic strains—Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri—along with 90 milligrams of cranberry extract. This formulation claims to support vaginal and urinary tract health, so let’s dig deeper into it.

A 2022 review³ highlights that lactobacilli can restore and maintain normal vaginal flora, boost immunity, and potentially protect against cervical cancer. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus help treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis²⁰. Additionally, lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri may alleviate Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) symptoms like vaginal dryness³.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus³ and cranberry extract also support urinary tract health. A 2021 review²¹ indicates that cranberry supplementation significantly reduces UTIs, particularly in cis women with recurrent UTIs, who are pregnant, or who are older.

GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis tested HUM Private Party. She rated it a perfect 5 out of 5 for side effects, mentioning no noticeable positive or negative effects after using it for one week. She mentions, “I am going to stick with it though because post-pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, you need all the vaginal health support you can get. In one of the customer review responses, they said it takes 4-6 weeks to see results, so we’ll see.”

Nicole rated it 4 out of 5 for taste and a perfect 5 for swallowability. She says, “It smells a little weird and tastes like a typical vitamin, but it’s easy to swallow. I appreciate that it’s only one capsule per serving and can be taken without food.”

Costing less than $1 per serving, Private Party earns a 5-out-of-5 rating for value. It features non-GMO verified, Clean Label Project-certified, and vegan-friendly ingredients backed by clinical research.

Best Probiotic for Urinary Support: Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic

Good for: Those seeking urinary support from a probiotic 

Best for Urinary Support

Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic

GGR Score: 3.83

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Product Highlights

• Daily probiotic designed for women’s health
• 8 probiotic strains and 10 billion cultures
• Listed benefits: supports immune, cardiovascular, metabolic, gut, skin, vaginal and urinary tract health
• Thorne is official partners with Major League Rugby, UFC, and 12 U.S Olympic teams

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Shelf-stable—no refrigeration required
• Made in the United States
• Gluten-free
• Features clinically studied probiotic strains
• Positive customer reviews
• Thorne works with over 100 pro sports teams and 10,000 pro athletes

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Features proprietary blends
• More expensive than competitors at more than $1 per serving

Bottom Line

Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic has 10 billion CFUs and 8 probiotic strains. It is designed to improve women’s health including immune, cardiovascular, metabolic, gut, skin, and vaginal health. There are very limited customer reviews but they are largely positive, customers found the probiotic effective.

Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic is thoughtfully designed with women’s health in mind, offering comprehensive support for the microbiome beyond gut health. This probiotic not only promotes a healthy microbial balance in the gut but also specifically targets the vaginal and urinary tracts, making it an excellent choice for urinary support.

Thorne’s formula features two proprietary blends, strongly emphasizing Lactobacillus strains. These strains, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, are known for effectively preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult cis women²⁰. These strains may also reduce frequent urination in postmenopausal women with GSM¹.

GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, reviewed Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic and shared, “I haven’t noticed any significant changes, but I’ve been taking probiotics daily for years. Someone new to probiotics might see more noticeable effects.” Despite this, she experienced no side effects and gave it a perfect 5 in that category.

Amanda’s high marks continued, with her scoring it a 5 out of 5 for swallowability. She says, “No issues swallowing it! It’s about the length of a quarter but not too thick.” The taste received a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, with Amanda commenting, “It has a very slight medicinal smell in the bottle and a mild taste if left on the tongue too long, but it’s still tolerable.”

Best Daily Probiotic for Women: Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic

Good for: Women searching for a simple and effective probiotic regimen

Best Daily Probiotic

Garden of Life One Daily Women's Probiotics

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Women’s probiotic for overall health
• Gluten- and dairy-free
• No refrigeration required
• 50 billion CFUs guaranteed per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Doctor-formulated probiotic
• 16 different probiotic strains
• Made to help support digestion
• Only one capsule per day needed
• Vegetarian-friendly
• No refrigeration required

Cons

• Some reviews claim it didn’t help their indigestion
• Can cause gas, bloating, and an upset stomach

Bottom Line

The Garden of Life Probiotics For Women contain 50 billion CFUs per serving, comprising 16 different probiotic strains, plus a whole food prebiotic fiber blend to aid in digestion and immune support.

Garden of Life Probiotics for Women is doctor-formulated with 50 billion CFUs and an organic prebiotic fiber blend to support vaginal, digestive, and immune health. Taking these probiotics is simple: just one capsule daily, which is shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it ultra-convenient.

Garden of Life offers 16 strains, with a particular emphasis on Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus fermentum. Research²² suggests that Lactobacilli, including the aforementioned strains, may help prevent and treat urogenital diseases and bacterial vaginosis in cis women. L. reuteri, in particular, may help restore normal vaginal flora in postmenopausal women.

Lauren Strong, CPT and GGR Senior Staff Writer, tested Garden of Life’s probiotic and experienced neutral effects, not noticing any significant positives or negatives. However, she gave its taste and swallowability a perfect 5 stars, noting that they are easy to swallow with a neutral flavor. We also appreciate that it’s third-party tested and gluten-free certified.

Best Liquid Probiotic: Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic

Good for: Those who find capsules hard or unenjoyable to swallow

Best Liquid Probiotic

Mary Ruth Organics Organic Liquid Probiotic

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Liquid probiotic drops
• Unflavored
• Made with 12 different probiotic strains
• USDA-certified
• Available in 4-oz and 2-oz bottles

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan formula
• Made in a GMP-certified facility
• Nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more
• Has more than 1,000 5-star reviews
• 12 probiotic strains
• Option to subscribe and save

Cons

• Some people may not like the liquid form
• Product has to be refrigerated
• Does not specify the amount of each probiotic strain

Bottom Line

The Mary Ruth Organics Organic Liquid Probiotic is made with 12 different strains of probiotics in a GMP facility and does not contain dairy, nuts, gluten, soy and more.

Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic stands out among the many probiotic supplements we’ve tested. Its unflavored liquid form makes it a great option for those who dislike swallowing pills and capsules.

GGR Senior Staff Writer Lauren Strong, CPT, sampled the liquid probiotic and gave it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for taste and swallowability. She remarked, “The liquid has literally no taste! I tasted it alone and then tried it in a small glass of water. Totally fine either way.” She added, “It’s easy to get down because you can drink the liquid itself or add it to water or any other drink.”

Now, let’s explore what this liquid probiotic offers.

Mary Ruth’s Organic Liquid Probiotic features a proprietary blend of 12 organic strains, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. This combination may support the immune system and gut health²⁰.

Interestingly, while the website states it contains 12 probiotic strains, Lauren notes, “Oddly enough, I can’t find the formulation on the website or the label! Not totally sure if they don’t disclose this…” This lack of transparency makes it puzzling to know what you’re actually getting.

To take it, adults should gently shake the bottle and then carefully drop four pumps directly into their mouth or mix it with a liquid. Avoid direct contact between the dropper and the mouth or skin to prevent contamination.

Other Probiotics for Women We Researched

Choosing the right probiotic from the many available options can be challenging. While we stand by our top picks, these alternatives are also worth considering:

• Renew Life Women’s Care Probiotic Capsules: Although we haven’t tested these yet, they are designed for comprehensive women’s health, have received high ratings on Amazon, and are budget-friendly.
• Culturelle Women’s 4-in-1 Protection: We haven’t tested it yet, but Culturelle is a trusted brand known for its quality, and this probiotic’s formulation supports women’s overall health.
• HUM Nutrition Gut Instinct: While we think this could be a reliable choice for gut health, we believe HUM’s Private Party is better suited for women’s health needs.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Probiotic for Women

As fitness and nutrition experts, we applied our rigorous GGR supplement testing methodology to find the best probiotics for women. Our selection was based on the following factors:

• Formulation: A probiotic’s effectiveness hinges on its formulation. We prioritized products with clinically proven strains and adequate CFUs that research supports for women’s health. 
• Swallowability: The ease of swallowing is essential to ensure users can take the probiotic effortlessly and consistently, so we evaluated how well each product went down.
• Cost: Our selection includes probiotics at various price points, ensuring high-quality options are accessible for every budget.
• Customer reviews and experience: In addition to our expert testing, we considered customer reviews from platforms like Amazon to understand each product’s real-world effectiveness and user satisfaction. We prioritized probiotics with consistently high ratings and positive feedback.
• Side effects: Potential probiotic side effects include bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort. Our testers assessed these side effects and favored products with minimal adverse effects, ensuring a comfortable and beneficial experience.
• Third-party testing: Given the variable quality in the supplement market, we prioritized products tested by independent labs for purity, potency, and quality.

Benefits of Probiotics for Women

Probiotics offer numerous benefits for women, including improved gut and vaginal health. Let’s take a look at the key advantages: 

Support Gut Health 

Probiotics are vital for a healthy gut microbiome²³, a community of bacteria and microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. In healthy individuals, beneficial and harmful bacteria coexist peacefully. When this balance becomes disrupted, known as dysbiosis, it can lead to chronic diseases and other health issues. Probiotics help restore this balance and promote overall gut health.

The benefits of supporting gut health extend beyond the digestive system. A 2022 review²⁴ highlights that probiotics can boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels, among other health benefits.

Support Vaginal Health 

Lactobacilli play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. They adhere to the vaginal epithelium, effectively blocking harmful pathogenic bacteria that can lead to serious conditions, including cervical cancer, while also bolstering the immune system³.

Certain strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, show promise for treating and preventing bacterial vaginosis²⁰. Additionally, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri can help alleviate GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women³.

Minimize Number of UTIs

Lactobacilli play a crucial role in protecting women from developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Specifically, strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum are highlighted for their effectiveness²⁴.

Support the Immune System

Probiotics enhance the immune system by stimulating lymphoid cells in the gastrointestinal tract, and their use to boost immunity and overall health is often recommended²⁴. Recent studies have shown that certain strains, such as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, also have anticancer properties³. 

Dosing and Interactions 

Typical doses of probiotics²⁵ for adults generally range from 10 to 20 billion CFUs per day. However, the World Gastroenterology Organisation²⁶ emphasizes that the necessary dosage varies widely based on the specific strain and product, and should be guided by human studies demonstrating health benefits.

Adverse effects of probiotics are rare, and there are no known interactions with medications²⁵. Nevertheless, certain individuals—such as those with short gut syndrome, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly—should consider potential side effects and consult with a medical professional before starting probiotics²⁷.

Third-Party Testing

The FDA doesn’t strictly regulate dietary supplements, so many manufacturers can sell products with unverified claims. To reduce such risks, we prioritize third-party tested probiotics, ensuring they meet high safety, quality, and performance standards.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Probiotics for Women

Selecting the right probiotic for women involves considering various factors. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose a probiotic that matches your health needs, dietary preferences, and lifestyle:

• Probiotic strain: Different probiotic strains offer different benefits, so align your health goals with the right evidence-based strain. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
• Form: Decide whether you prefer taking your probiotics in capsule or liquid form.
• Dietary factors: Ensure the probiotic fits your dietary preferences and needs, such as non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, or soy-free options.
• Storage: Choose between shelf-stable options or those that require refrigeration based on your convenience and lifestyle.
• Budget: Find an option that fits your budget for regular, consistent use.
• Third-party testing: Opt for third-party-tested products to guarantee safety, purity, and quality.
• Expiration date: Since probiotics are live bacteria, check the expiration date and if the viable count of each strain is identified at the end of its shelf-life²⁶.

FAQs About Probiotics for Women

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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Sydney Lappe, R.D.

Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.

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