Women probiotic
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The Role of Probiotics in Women's Health
Probiotics and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Prevention
Probiotics have been explored for their potential to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in overweight and obese pregnant women. A study involving Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis found that these probiotics did not significantly prevent GDM. However, they did result in higher fasting glucose levels and a lower rate of excessive weight gain compared to the placebo group1. Another study on women with gestational diabetes showed that while probiotics did not improve glycemic control, they did attenuate the rise in total and LDL cholesterol levels during late pregnancy9.
Probiotics for Urogenital Health
Prevention and Treatment of Urogenital Infections
Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, have shown efficacy in treating and preventing urogenital infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and vulvovaginal candidiasis. A systematic review highlighted that probiotics were effective in reducing the recurrence of BV and UTIs, and in clearing HPV lesions without significant adverse effects2. Another meta-analysis confirmed that probiotics reduced the risk of BV recurrences by 45% compared to placebo or metronidazole4. Specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 were particularly effective in preventing recurrent UTIs7.
Vaginal Health
Lactobacillus is the dominant microorganism in the vaginal microbiota, playing a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health by inhibiting pathogen colonization and maintaining a low pH environment. Probiotics have been beneficial in managing conditions like HPV infection, BV, and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) by enhancing the vaginal mucosal barrier and immune defense10.
Probiotics and Post-GDM Women
In women who have recently experienced GDM, probiotics have been shown to improve metabolic and inflammatory outcomes. A study involving a multi-strain probiotic intervention demonstrated significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. This suggests that probiotics can help modulate gut dysbiosis and improve metabolic health in post-GDM women3.
Probiotics During the Perinatal Period
Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can influence breast milk composition, particularly cytokine profiles and secretory IgA (sIgA) levels. This can have beneficial effects on neonatal gastrointestinal symptoms, such as reducing the incidence of infantile colic and regurgitation. Probiotics also appear to enhance immune markers in breast milk, which can be transferred to the infant, potentially improving their immune health6 8.
Probiotics and Metabolic Health in Reproductive-Age Women
The impact of probiotics on metabolic health in healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age remains inconclusive. A systematic review found no definitive evidence that probiotic supplementation in this population significantly improved metabolic or immune markers. This highlights the need for further research to understand the role of probiotics during the pre-conception period5.
Conclusion
Probiotics offer promising benefits for various aspects of women's health, including the prevention and treatment of urogenital infections, improving metabolic outcomes in post-GDM women, and enhancing neonatal health through maternal supplementation. However, their efficacy in preventing GDM and improving metabolic health in healthy women of reproductive age requires further investigation. Probiotics, particularly specific strains of Lactobacillus, play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health and preventing recurrent infections, making them a valuable component of women's health management.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotics 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 Journal
Highly CitedProbiotics 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 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 JournalProbiotics, a promising therapy to reduce the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis in women? a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Probiotics effectively reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis recurrences by 45% compared to placebo or metronidazole in women aged 18 years and above.
Meta-AnalysisThe 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 ReviewAdministration 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.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalProbiotics 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 CitedEffects of Probiotic Intervention on Markers of Inflammation and Health Outcomes in Women of Reproductive Age and Their Children
Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy can improve maternal and infant health, with specific probiotics showing beneficial effects on inflammation and immune system function.
Systematic ReviewImpact 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 Cited