Probiotics for women
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Probiotics for Women: A Comprehensive Overview
Probiotics for Urogenital Health
Prevention and Treatment of Urogenital Infections
Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus species, have shown promise in the prevention and treatment of urogenital infections in women. A systematic review of 20 studies found that probiotic interventions were effective in treating bacterial vaginosis (BV), preventing recurrences of vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even clearing human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions 1. The studies reviewed varied in quality, but the overall evidence supports the use of probiotics as a complementary therapy for urogenital health.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Recurrent UTIs are a common issue among women, and probiotics, especially lactobacilli, have been considered for their prevention. Research indicates that specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 are particularly effective in preventing UTIs by restoring the urogenital flora 6. These findings suggest that probiotics can be a beneficial and safe option for women suffering from recurrent UTIs.
Probiotics During Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
The role of probiotics in managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been explored in several studies. A randomized controlled trial found that probiotics did not prevent GDM in overweight and obese pregnant women, although they did reduce excessive weight gain and the incidence of small-for-gestational-age infants 2. Another study showed that while probiotics did not significantly impact fasting glucose levels, they did attenuate the rise in total and LDL cholesterol during late pregnancy 4. A meta-analysis also highlighted that probiotics significantly reduced insulin resistance in women with GDM, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic management 8.
Mental Health and Infant Microbiota
Probiotics have also been studied for their effects on the mental health of pregnant and lactating women, as well as the microbiota of their infants. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that probiotics reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnant and lactating women and improved the gut microbiota of newborns, reducing issues like colic and diarrhea 3. These findings underscore the potential of probiotics to support both maternal mental health and infant gut health.
Probiotics for Metabolic Health
Pre-Conception and Reproductive Age
The impact of probiotics on metabolic health in healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age has been less conclusive. A systematic review found no strong evidence that probiotic supplementation had positive effects on metabolic and immune markers in this population 5. However, the potential benefits during the pre-conception period warrant further investigation.
Post-Gestational Diabetes
For women who have recently experienced GDM, probiotics may offer metabolic benefits. A study involving post-GDM women found that probiotic supplementation significantly improved fasting blood glucose levels and other metabolic markers, suggesting that probiotics could help mitigate the risk of developing glucose intolerance in the future 7.
Probiotics and Menopausal Health
Hormonal Balance and Body Mass
Probiotics may also play a role in managing menopausal symptoms. A randomized controlled trial found that probiotic supplementation significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and decreased body mass in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women 10. These findings suggest that probiotics could be a non-invasive strategy to support hormonal balance and cardiometabolic health during menopause.
Conclusion
Probiotics offer a range of potential health benefits for women, from preventing urogenital infections to managing metabolic health during and after pregnancy. While the evidence is promising, further high-quality research is needed to fully understand the optimal strains, dosages, and long-term effects of probiotic supplementation in various female populations.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotics for Treatment and Prevention of Urogenital Infections in Women: A Systematic Review.
Probiotics are effective in treating and preventing urogenital infections in women, with mixed results from various studies.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedProbiotics for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Women: Findings From the SPRING Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Probiotics administered during pregnancy did not prevent gestational diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese pregnant women.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedImpact of probiotic on anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnant and lactating women and microbiota of infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Probiotics effectively reduce anxiety and depression in pregnant and lactating women, and improve gut microbiota in newborns, with no significant side effects.
Meta-AnalysisImpact of probiotics in women with gestational diabetes mellitus on metabolic health: a randomized controlled trial.
Probiotic capsule intervention in women with gestational diabetes had no impact on glycemic control, but may attenuate the normal pregnancy-induced rise in total and LDL cholesterol.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe impact of probiotic supplementation on metabolic health in healthy women of reproductive age: a systematic review.
Probiotic capsule supplementation showed no conclusive positive effects on metabolic and immune health in healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
Systematic ReviewProbiotics for Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women
Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, show potential in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women with a good safety profile.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe Roles of Probiotics in the Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Outcomes in Asymptomatic Post-Gestational Diabetes Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Probiotics improve metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in post-GDM women by modulating gut dysbiosis, highlighting the need for a comprehensive postpartum treatment strategy including probiotics.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffect of Probiotics on Metabolic Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotic supplementation for 6-8 weeks significantly reduced insulin resistance in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, but did not significantly affect fasting plasma glucose or LDL-cholesterol levels.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPregnancy outcomes in women taking probiotics or prebiotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Taking probiotics or prebiotics during pregnancy does not increase or decrease the risk of preterm birth or other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedEffects of probiotics supplementation on the hormone and body mass index in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women using the standardized diet. A 5-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized clinical study.
Probiotics can affect FSH levels in perimenopausal women and potentially impact hormonal homeostasis and cardiometabolic health.
RCT