Probiotics and risk of yeast infection
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Probiotics and Yeast Infection Risk: Overview
Research shows that probiotics, including both bacterial and yeast strains, can help reduce the risk of yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida species. These benefits have been observed in various populations, including the elderly, preterm infants, and women with vaginal candidiasis 156.
Probiotics and Oral Candida Infections
Studies in elderly populations have demonstrated that consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as cheese containing probiotic bacteria, can significantly lower the prevalence of high oral yeast counts. In one study, the prevalence of high salivary yeast counts decreased by 32% in the probiotic group, while it increased in the control group. The risk of high yeast counts was reduced by 75% with probiotic intervention .
Probiotics and Vaginal Yeast Infections
Probiotic yeasts, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have shown promise in treating and preventing vaginal candidiasis. Vaginal administration of live probiotic yeast accelerated the clearance of Candida albicans and protected epithelial cells from damage. The live yeast was more effective than inactivated yeast, likely due to its ability to suppress Candida’s virulence factors and inhibit its adherence to epithelial cells . These findings support the use of probiotics as a therapeutic option for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Probiotics and Systemic Candida Infections in Vulnerable Populations
In preterm neonates, probiotic supplementation has been associated with a significantly lower risk of Candida colonization. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials found that probiotics reduced the risk of Candida colonization and showed a trend toward reducing invasive fungal sepsis, although the evidence for preventing sepsis was less robust and requires further study .
Mechanisms: How Probiotics Reduce Yeast Infection Risk
Probiotic yeasts and bacteria work through several mechanisms:
- They inhibit the adhesion, filamentation, and biofilm formation of Candida species, making it harder for the fungus to establish infections 2346.
- Probiotics can coaggregate with Candida, physically blocking its attachment to host cells .
- They secrete metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, that suppress Candida’s ability to switch to its more invasive forms 46.
- Probiotics can also act as a physical barrier and aggregate pathogens, rendering them less virulent .
Probiotic Yeasts Against Non-albicans Candida Species
Novel probiotic yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain KTP) and Issatchenkia occidentalis, have been shown to inhibit the virulence of several non-albicans Candida species, including drug-resistant strains like Candida auris. These yeasts prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their protective effects have been demonstrated in both laboratory and animal models 234.
Conclusion
Overall, current research supports the use of probiotics—both bacterial and yeast forms—as a promising strategy to reduce the risk of yeast infections, particularly those caused by Candida species. Probiotics can lower colonization rates, inhibit fungal virulence, and may offer a safe alternative or adjunct to traditional antifungal therapies, especially in vulnerable populations. However, more high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm these benefits across different groups and infection types 123456.
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