2023's Top Probiotics for Women’s Health

Why you need a targeted women’s probiotic...and how to choose the best ones out there

Published November 2, 2023 3:27pm EDT

1. PrimeGut

by PrimeGut
Owned by the Smarter Consumers of Companies
PROS
  • Contains 62 billion live cultures in each capsule
  • 15 diverse strains
  • Endorsed by an MD
  • Each capsule is acid-resistant
  • Contains prebiotic blends
  • Only one capsule per day is needed
  • Has no synthetic fillers or binders
  • Each substrain is listed and has been clinically studied.
CONS
  • Due to popularity, sometimes it's on backorder/sold out
The Bottom Line

Our Smarter Shoppers have voted 1MD Nutrition's BiomeMD™ For Women the best daily probiotic they tried. It is one of the most potent formulas on the market, due to its 62 billion live cultures,15 robust and clinically studied strains, including the three most critical strains from above. Additionally, this formulation includes advanced prebiotic blends, and no synthetic fillers or additives.

Many reported experiencing reduced bloating, improving mood, an easier time managing their weight, and increased energy after taking 1MD Nutrition's Complete Probiotics Platinum regularly.

This was the only product we could find that had been endorsed by an MD and listed each of its clinically studied substrains, including L. acidophilus, B. breve, L. reuteri, and L.bulgaricus. Our Smarter Shoppers absolutely loved this probiotic blend.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

2. Pro-45[1]

by Live Conscious
Owned by the Smarter Consumers of Companies
PROS
  • Provides 45 billion live cultures
  • 11 clinically proven strains
  • No fillers or additives
  • 365-day return policy
  • NutraFlora Prebiotic Fiber included
  • Dairy and gluten free, vegetable capsules studied.
CONS
  • Not endorsed byan MD
The Bottom Line

LiveWell Nutrition came in at a respectable #2 on our list, with a potent 45 billion CFUs and 11 strains..

Pro45 offers vegetarian delayed release capsules and pure ingredients. We confirmed that there are no unhealthy fillers or additives. We also checked its 365-day return policy and were impressed by how easy and straightforward it was. Our Smarter Shoppers gave this product high marks in the categories of customer service, returns, and overall effectiveness.

Unfortunately, it's not endorsed by an MD, but easy to order through their Amazon store. Though the reviews were stellar and ingredients are pure, the lack of medical endorsement led this product to come in a close second place on our top picks.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

3. Extra Care Probiotic 50 Billion

by Renew Life
PROS
  • Provides 50 billion organisms per serving
  • Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
  • Reports of less capsules in bottle than on label
  • No money-back guarantee
  • Refrigeration recommended for best quality and efficacy
The Bottom Line

Some Smarter Shoppers stated that the storage guidelines of this product was inconvenient.* Although the product contains over 50 billion live cultures, many believed the product lost its potency due to poor refrigeration by delivery.*

This supplement does not include L. reuteri, which is critical for helping to prevent the overgrowth of candida in women.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

4. Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic Capsules

by Culturelle
PROS
  • Can be found in retail stores
  • Dairy and gluten-free, vegetable capsules
CONS
  • Contains unhealthy synthetic fillers
  • Only offers 10 billion CFUs per serving
  • Contains unhealthy, synthetic fillers
  • Only contains one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG
The Bottom Line

This product only offers one probiotic strain, Lactobacillus GG, and NONE of the four strains we've identified as being critical to health.

In addition, this product only contains 10 billion live cultures. Smarter Shoppers noticed fairly short expiration dates. This product contains undesirable fillers and added colors such as gelatin, sucrose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

5. TruBiotics Daily Probiotic Supplement

by TruBiotics
PROS
  • Can be found in retail stores
  • Is a very well-known brand name*
  • Comes in two package sizes: 30 and 45
CONS
  • Only offers 1.5 billion live cultures per capsule
  • Only includes 2 strains
  • Includes fillers such as magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide
  • Does not contain prebiotics
The Bottom Line

TruBiotics is a very popular brand since they produce the easy-to-use, One-A-Day vitamins.* However, 1.5 billion live cultures per serving is concerning as a limited provided quantity, and nowhere near the most live cultures we've seen offered among the best brands of probiotic products.* The additives of magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide are also unwanted fillers that do more harm than good.*

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

1. “How Alcohol Affects The Gut Microbiome.” Dr. Edward Group. 08/09/2016. The Global Healing Center.http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/how-alcohol-affects-the-gut-microbiome/

2. “17 Ways to Protect Your Microbiome and Keep Your Belly Blissful. Dr. Frank Lipman. 04/20/2015. The Be Well Blog. https://www.bewell.com/blog/17-ways-to-protect-your-microbiome/

3. “How Pollution Affects the Gut Microbiome. Dr. Edward Group. 07/12/2015. The Global Healing Center. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/how-pollution-affects-the-gut-microbiome/

4. “Lifestyle Habits That Damage Gut Bacteria.” Dr. David Williams.
http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/lifestyle-habits-that-damage-gut-bacteria/

5. Laberge, M. http://www.diet.com/g/digestive-diseases (accessed 18, August 2015).

6. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Feb;67(2):161-7.

7. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2013;358:273-89.

8. Br J Nutr. 2013 May 28;109(10):1866-72.

9. Nutr Hosp. 2011 Jan-Feb;26(1):228-35.

10. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2013 Jan;22(1):46-51.

11. Pediatr Int. 2012 Oct;54(5):682-7.

12. Anaerobe. 2012 Aug;18(4):405-13.