Should a woman take a probiotic daily
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Daily Probiotic Use for Women: Benefits and Considerations
Probiotic Benefits During Pregnancy and Lactation
Enhanced Breast Milk Composition
Daily probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can positively influence breast milk composition. Studies have shown that probiotics can increase beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in breast milk, which may enhance the infant's gut microbiota and immune system1 4. Additionally, probiotics can modulate cytokine profiles and increase secretory IgA (sIgA) levels in breast milk, potentially reducing gastrointestinal issues like colic and regurgitation in newborns1.
Impact on Gestational Diabetes
For pregnant women with gestational diabetes, probiotics may help manage metabolic parameters. Although some studies found no significant differences in fasting glucose levels between probiotic and placebo groups, probiotics did attenuate the rise in total and LDL cholesterol during late pregnancy2. Another study reported significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid profiles, including reductions in fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin, and triglycerides, following probiotic supplementation7.
Probiotics for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Mental Health and Hormonal Balance
Probiotic co-supplementation with vitamin D has shown promising results in improving mental health and hormonal balance in women with PCOS. This combination significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress scores, and also lowered serum testosterone and hirsutism levels3. Additionally, it improved inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, suggesting a comprehensive benefit for women with PCOS3.
Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women
Improved Cardiometabolic Profile
Probiotic supplementation can be particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, especially those who are obese. Studies have demonstrated that probiotics can improve cardiometabolic parameters such as waist circumference, fat mass, cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance5. These benefits are dose-dependent, with higher doses showing more significant improvements5.
Iron Metabolism
Probiotics may also influence iron metabolism in postmenopausal women. Supplementation has been associated with changes in serum zinc and ferritin levels, which are crucial for maintaining healthy iron levels8. This suggests that probiotics could help manage iron metabolism, which is often disrupted in obese individuals.
Probiotics and Hypertension
Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile
In hypertensive women, probiotics have been shown to reduce fasting glucose and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. Although the reduction in blood pressure was not statistically significant, there was an improvement in autonomic modulation, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits9.
Conclusion
Daily probiotic supplementation offers various health benefits for women across different life stages, from pregnancy to postmenopause. These benefits include improved breast milk composition, better glycemic control, enhanced mental health, and improved cardiometabolic profiles. However, the specific effects can vary based on individual health conditions and the strains of probiotics used. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to tailor probiotic use to individual health needs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Administration of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Product to Women in the Perinatal Period Differentially Affects the Breast Milk Cytokine Profile and May Have Beneficial Effects on Neonatal Gastrointestinal Functional Symptoms. A Randomized Clinical Trial
High-dose multi-strain probiotic supplementation during pregnancy influences breast milk cytokine pattern and secretory IgA production in newborns, and may improve gastrointestinal functional symptoms in infants.
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Very Rigorous JournalImpact 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 Journal
Highly CitedVitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation affects mental health, hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation for 12 weeks improved mental health, reduced inflammation, and increased antioxidant capacity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedAdministration of a multistrain probiotic product (VSL#3) to women in the perinatal period differentially affects breast milk beneficial microbiota in relation to mode of delivery.
Probiotic supplementation during late pregnancy and lactation increases beneficial bacteria in breast milk, with a greater impact in vaginal-delivering women.
RCTRigorous JournalDose-Dependent Effects of Multispecies Probiotic Supplementation on the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Level and Cardiometabolic Profile in Obese Postmenopausal Women: A 12-Week Randomized Clinical Trial
A high dose of multispecies probiotic Ecologic® Barrier can effectively improve cardiometabolic parameters and gut permeability in obese postmenopausal women, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMultistrain Probiotic Increases the Gut Microbiota Diversity in Obese Pregnant Women: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Multistrain probiotic supplementation during pregnancy can increase gut microbiota diversity, but does not significantly affect gestational weight gain, maternal glucose homeostasis, or infant birth weight.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Probiotic supplementation for 6 weeks in gestational diabetes patients improved glycemic control, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol concentrations, but had no effect on other lipid profiles.
RCTHighly CitedThe effect of multistrain probiotic supplementation in two doses on iron metabolism in obese postmenopausal women: a randomized trial.
Multistrain probiotic supplementation at two doses may influence iron metabolism in obese postmenopausal female patients, with hair iron content correlated to serum iron levels.
RCTEffects of probiotic therapy on cardio-metabolic parameters and autonomic modulation in hypertensive women: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Probiotic therapy for 8 weeks reduced fasting glucose levels, improved lipid profile, and improved autonomic modulation in hypertensive women.
RCTEffects 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.
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