10 of the Best Probiotics for Women in 2023 According to a Dietitian

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

How we vet brands and products

Austra Health only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

Was this helpful?

Probiotics can benefit women in specific ways. Read on for a dietitian’s take on the best probiotics for women, with Garden of Life and Culturelle topping the list.

• Best overall probiotic:Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic Capsules | Skip to Review
• Best probiotic for pH balance:Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance | Skip to Review
• Best probiotic for digestive health:Ritual Synbiotic+ | Skip to Review
• Best probiotic for vaginal health:HUM Nutrition Private Party | Skip to Review
• Best probiotic for immune health:Klean Athlete Probiotic Capsules | Skip to Review
• Best probiotic for urinary tract health:Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan | Skip to Review
• Best refrigerated probiotic:RenewLife Women’s Probiotic Capsules | Skip to Review
• Best vegan-friendly probiotic:Ora Organic Lady Bugs | Skip to Review
• Best probiotic gummies:OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic | Skip to Review
• Best subscription probiotic:Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic | Skip to Review

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in a variety of fermented foods and supplements ( 1 ).

Long wait times are often cited as a downfall of universal healthcare systems, but wait times in America have reached a new high, too. The average time to make a physician appointment as a new patient in 15 major U.S. cities is now 24 days, up 30% in just 3 years (2014 to 2018) according to physician recruiting firm Merritt Hawkins.

They are best known for their ability to enhance the health of the gut microbiome, which is involved in everything from boosting nutrient absorption to regulating mental health and immune function ( 2 ).

However, they also offer a range of benefits specifically for women. For example, some probiotics may help balance the vaginal microbiome to protect against infections like bacterial vaginosis ( 3 ).

While you can increase your intake of probiotics by enjoying a balanced diet that’s rich in fermented foods, some people may benefit from taking a supplement with specific strains of probiotics.

Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best probiotic supplements for women.

The probiotic supplements featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

• Probiotic strains: We included products that contain probiotic strains that can be beneficial specifically for women.
• Ingredient quality: All products are made with high quality ingredients and are free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
• Storage: Probiotics have various storage requirements, and we included both shelf-stable and refrigerated probiotics.
• Third-party testing: Many of the products included are tested by independent labs to verify purity and potency.
• Vetting: Each product and brand has been vetted to ensure that it meets Austra Health’s medical and business standards. You can read more about our vetting process.
• Dietitian review: Each product on this list was reviewed by registered dietitians Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, and Kelli McGrane, MS, RD.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, prices range from $0.62 to $2.26 per serving, or $18.49 to $95 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Pricing guide:

• $ = under $0.75 per serving
• $$ = $0.75–$1.25 per serving
• $$$ = over $1.25 per serving

Was this helpful?

Best overall

Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic Capsules

4.7 (43+) from Amazon

Austra Health’s review

Formulated specifically to support women’s health, this probiotic from Garden of Life features 16 strains of probiotics and 50 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per serving.

In particular, it contains strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may be beneficial to treat and prevent infections such as bacterial vaginosis (4, 5).

This supplement is shelf-stable and certified gluten-free by NSF International. According to Garden of Life, it’s also tested by an independent lab to ensure safety, though the company doesn’t disclose details on the specific lab or organization.

However, keep in mind that this product contains a blend of prebiotic fiber. This may not be suitable for everyone. Prebiotics may worsen digestive symptoms in some people, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though the research is mixed (6).

This product also contains a greater variety of strains than other products on our list.

While some studies suggest that having multiple strains of probiotics in a supplement could enhance the biological activity of the probiotics, other research has found that multi-strain supplements are not significantly more effective than single-strain probiotics. Therefore, more studies are needed (7, 8).

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Certifications : third-party tested, non-GMO verified, NSF gluten-free, carbon neutral, USDA organic
• Strains : Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum
• Shelf-stable : yes

Best probiotic for pH balance

Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance Probiotic Capsules

4.8 (850+) from Culturelle

Austra Health’s review

The multi-strain probiotic blend in Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance works naturally with a woman’s body to promote vaginal, digestive, and immune health.

It also helps maintain an optimal balance of good bacteria in the body, thanks to the inclusion of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain (9).

For this reason, it’s one of the best probiotics for women’s pH balance, which can support multiple aspects of health.

The convenient once-daily capsules are gelatin-free, vegan-friendly, and made without gluten, sugar, dairy, or soy.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Strains : Lactobacillus crispatus LBV 88, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV 96, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus gasseri LBV 150N, Lactiobacillus jensenii LBV 116
• Shelf-stable : yes

Best probiotic for digestive health

Ritual Synbiotic+ Probiotic Capsules

Austra Health’s review

Packing a three-in-one blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, this supplement from Ritual is intended to promote the health of your gut microbiome.

In particular, it provides Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, a probiotic strain that has been shown to help strengthen the gut barrier and promote regularity (10).

It also contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which can reduce several symptoms of IBS, including bloating and stomach pain (11).

Thanks to the inclusion of these two specific strains and prebiotics — which can help provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract — this is one of the best probiotics available for maintaining overall gut health (6).

Plus, this product is shelf-stable and features a delayed-release capsule to optimize absorption.

It has been tested by an independent lab to ensure accuracy and is gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

Learn more about Ritual and Synbiotic+ in our comprehensive review.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Strains : Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12
• Shelf-stable : yes
• Certifications : third-party tested, non-GMO, Made Traceable

Best probiotic for vaginal health

HUM Nutrition Private Party Probiotic Capsules

4.82 (200+) from HUM Nutrition

Austra Health’s review

With three strains of probiotics and cranberry extract, HUM Nutrition Private Party is good for promoting pH balance and supporting the health of your vaginal microbiome.

Its star ingredient, Lactobacillus acidophilus, has been well studied for its ability to protect against vaginal pathogens to prevent issues like chronic vaginitis (12).

It also contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which may help reduce the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria in the vagina, according to some test-tube and animal studies (13, 14).

Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegan, and tested by an independent lab to verify its potency.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Certifications : certified to follow GMPs, vegan, gluten-free, non GMO
• Strains : Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14), Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri
• Shelf-stable : yes

Best probiotic for immune health

Klean Athlete Probiotic Capsules

4.5 (168+) from Amazon

Austra Health’s review

Klean Probiotic is a high quality supplement that features eight strains of probiotics and prebiotics.

Thanks to the addition of strains like Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, it may support immune function and reduce inflammation, though more research is needed (9, 15).

This product is also gluten-free, vegetarian, and non-GMO.

What’s more, it’s NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has been tested to ensure that it’s free of substances that are banned for competitive athletes.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 60
• Certifications : GMO-free, NSF Certified for Sport
• Shelf-stable : yes
• Strains : Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr-32), Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019), Lactococcus lactis (Ll-23), Bifidobacterium longum (Bl-05), Bifidobacteriu bifidum/lactis (Bb-02), Lactobacillus gasseri (Lg-36), Streptococcus thermophilus (St-21)

Best probiotic for urinary tract health

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan

4.6 (55+) from Amazon

Austra Health’s review

Made with two strains of probiotics, vitamin A, and cranberry extract, this supplement is designed to support the health of the urinary tract and protect against infections.

Specifically, it features Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, both of which have antimicrobial properties and could help block the growth of E. coli, a type of bacteria that often causes urinary tract infections (16).

Plus, research suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus could promote vaginal health and protect against conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (4, 5).

Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and shelf-stable.

Bio-Kult products undergo in-house testing to ensure quality, and the total viable count is guaranteed for up to 2 years.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 22
• Certifications : non-GMO
• Strains : Lactobacillus acidophilus PXN 35, Lactobacillus plantarum PXN 47
• Shelf-stable : yes

Best refrigerated probiotic

RenewLife Women’s Probiotic Capsules

4.6 (389+) from Amazon

Austra Health’s review

This probiotic blend provides 12 strains chosen specifically to reflect the natural diversity in the gut and restore digestive harmony.

It also contains probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, that may help enhance the health of the vaginal microbiome (17).

Ideally, this product should be refrigerated to maximize its shelf life. It can also be stored in a cool, dry place at 77°F (25°C) or below.

Though this product is not third-party tested, Renew Life notes that its supplements are produced in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs).

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Strains : Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04, Bifidobacterium lactis DSM 15954, Bifidobacterium infantis Bi-26, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactococcus lactis LI-23, Lactobacillus casei Lc-11, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35
• Shelf-stable : yes
• Certifications : non-GMO verified

Best vegan-friendly probiotic

Ora Organic Lady Bugs Prebiotic and Probiotic Capsules

4.6 (396+) from Amazon

Austra Health’s review

Ora Lady Bugs is vegan-friendly and free of dairy, gluten, soy, and GMOs. It also features six unique strains of probiotics and a blend of prebiotics, which are intended to support digestive health and maintain a healthy vagina.

Several of the probiotic strains it contains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, have even been shown to reduce inflammation in human and animal studies (18, 19, 20).

What’s more, one study found that Lactobacillus plantarum may increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which could help prevent yeast infections (21).

This product is third-party tested, and Ora provides a certificate of analysis (COA) for each product, which shows detailed testing results.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Certifications : third-party tested
• Strains : Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, Lactobacillus crispatus UALcr-35, Lactobacillus reuteri UALre-16, Lactobacillus fermentus UALf-32
• Shelf-stable : yes

Best probiotic gummies

Olly Probiotic and Prebiotic Gummies

4.6 (213+) from Amazon

Austra Health’s review

For an easy and effective way to bump up your intake of probiotics, these gummies from OLLY are definitely worth a try.

They contain a blend of prebiotics, along with Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic strain that has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with IBS (22, 23).

They’re also naturally flavored, gluten-free, and certified by NSF International.

However, keep in mind that they contain gelatin, so they aren’t a good choice for vegetarians, vegans, and those who prefer to limit their consumption of animal products.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30
• Certifications : NSF International
• Strains : Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856
• Shelf-stable : yes

Best subscription-based probiotic

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

Austra Health’s review

If you’re looking for a multi-strain probiotic that’s delivered to your door each month, Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is worth considering.

Members receive a refillable glass jar and glass travel vial with their first order, plus sustainable monthly refills with a 30-day supply each month. Members can easily change or cancel their subscriptions online as needed.

Each 2-capsule serving provides 24 clinically studied probiotic strains, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium lactis, which may be beneficial for heart health (24, 25).

Seed Daily Synbiotic is also vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and independently tested for a wide range of allergens and pesticide residues. Just keep in mind that the product isn’t third-party tested to ensure potency.

Pros and cons

Product details

• Number of servings : 30 per container
• Certifications : third-party tested for allergens, pesticides and herbicides
• Strains : Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP, Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT, Lactiiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LP1-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-LR6-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HRVD113-US, Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP, Bifidobacterium lactis SD-BS5-IT, Bifidobacterium lactis HRVD524-US, Lactobacillus crispatus SD-LCR01-IT, Lacticaseibacillus casei HRVD300-US, Bifidobacterium breve HRVD521-US, Bifidobacterium longum HRVD90b-US, Bifidobacterium lactis SD150-BE, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SD-LF8-IT, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-GG-BE, Limosilactobacillus reuteri RD830-FR, Ligilactobacillus salivarius SD-LS1-IT, Bifidobacterium lactis SD-CECT8145-SP, Bifidobacterium longum SD-CECT7347-SP, Lacticaseibacillus casei SD-CECT9104-SP, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LPLDL-UK, Bifidobacterium lactis SD-MB2409-IT, Bifidobacterium adolescentis SD-BA5-IT, Limosilactobacillus reuteri SD-LRE2-IT
• Shelf-stable : yes

Why you should trust us

Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Austra Health’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

• adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
• is manufactured in facilities that adhere to CGMPs established by the FDA
• is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
• is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

Was this helpful?

Here’s a closer look at how these products compare.

Price range	Intended use	CFU count	Third-party tested*
Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic Capsules	$$$	• digestive health • immune health • vaginal health	50 billion	yes
Culturelle Women’s Healthy Balance	$$	• digestive health • immune health • vaginal health	15 billion	no
Ritual Synbiotic+	$$$	• digestive health • immune health	11 billion	yes
HUM Nutrition Private Party	$$	• vaginal health • urinary tract support	10 billion	yes
Klean Athlete Probiotic Capsules	$	• digestive health • immunity	15 billion	yes
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan	$$	• urinary tract support • vaginal health	500 million	no
RenewLife Women’s Probiotic Capsules	$	• digestive health • immune health • vaginal health • urinary tract support	25 billion	no
Ora Organic Lady Bugs	$$	• digestive health • vaginal health	16 billion	yes
OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies	$	• digestive health • immune health	500 million	yes
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic	$$$	• digestive health • immune health • skin health • heart health	53.6 billion	no

*Third-party testing refers to whether the product has been third-party tested by an accredited lab to ensure purity and potency.

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a probiotic supplement:

• Intended use: Probiotics are designed to address many health concerns. For example, some are specifically formulated to support digestive health, immune function, or reproductive health.
• CFU count: The CFU count in a probiotic supplement refers to the amount of live bacteria it contains. Most supplements provide 1–10 billion CFU per serving, though this can vary.
• Storage needs: Most probiotics are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature, while others require refrigeration because they are more sensitive to heat and moisture.
• Third-party testing: Selecting a probiotic that has been tested by an independent lab or certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF International, can help verify its safety, quality, and strength.
• Dietary restrictions: Some products may be certified gluten-free or vegan, which is a key consideration for those with strict dietary needs.

Remember that no two microbiomes are the same and probiotics may affect people differently. For this reason, it could take some trial and error to find a supplement that works for you.

A healthcare professional can offer personalized recommendations based on your needs to help you find a product that’s right for you.

How many CFU should be in probiotics?

The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics notes that the effective dose for probiotics can vary depending on the specific strains and desired benefits (26).

Though most supplements contain 1–10 billion CFU per dose, some may contain up to 50 billion CFU or even more. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, a higher CFU count does not necessarily indicate that a probiotic is more effective ( 27 ).

Be sure to look for a product that contains at least 100 million to 1 billion CFU, which is the minimum effective daily dose for probiotics ( 28 ).

It’s best to talk with a trusted healthcare professional before taking probiotics, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional can help you find a product that’s right for you, based on your specific needs and goals.

While probiotics can be beneficial for several conditions, they should not be used as a substitute or replacement for medical treatment.

Additionally, keep in mind that probiotics are not suitable or necessary for most people and may cause digestive side effects like diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas, and nausea, especially when you first start taking them ( 29 , 30 , 31 ).

If these symptoms are severe or do not improve after several days, you should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

What are probiotics good for?

Probiotics can help enhance the health of your gut microbiome, which plays a key role in immune function and digestive health ( 32 ).

Probiotics may also support reproductive health by balancing the vaginal microbiome, which could be beneficial for conditions such as bacterial vaginosis. However, probiotics are not necessary for everyone and could make certain conditions worse. It’s always important to talk with a healthcare professional before taking probiotic supplements ( 33 ).

What is the best probiotic for a woman to take?

Look for a supplement that contains strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been shown to support vaginal health, promote immunity, and ease symptoms of IBS ( 4 , 5 , 9 , 11 ).

Other beneficial strains found in many probiotic supplements include Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus plantarum.

Ultimately, the best probiotic to take depends on your specific needs and goals.

While some women may prefer supplements that focus on improving vaginal health or supporting pH balance, others may prefer a probiotic with specific strains that can promote digestive health or boost immunity.

What are the signs you need probiotics?

Most people don’t need a probiotic supplement. Probiotics may be helpful for restoring gut bacteria after you’ve taken antibiotics, and it could prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. Additionally, probiotics could be useful for the treatment for IBS, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions ( 34 , 35 ).

Some people may find that a probiotic is helpful for improving vaginal pH balance.

Are probiotics safe during pregnancy?

Studies suggest that probiotics are likely safe during pregnancy and associated with few adverse side effects ( 36 ).

However, it’s best to talk with a doctor before taking probiotics during pregnancy, as probiotics are not necessary for most people.

In addition to recommending products that are safe and effective, a healthcare professional can provide guidance on which strains may be most beneficial for your needs.

What is the best probiotic for women’s weight loss?

Certain probiotic strains have been shown to support weight loss, including Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus ( 37 , 38 , 39 ).

Interestingly, one study even found that supplementing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as part of a 12-week weight loss program increased weight loss and satiety while reducing food cravings and hunger in women ( 40 ).

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women contains all three of these strains and may be a good addition to a healthy weight loss regimen.

Ritual Synbiotic+ contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, another strain that may be beneficial for weight loss ( 41 ).

Some women may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement for purposes such as managing digestive and vaginal health and boosting immunity.

Because the benefits of probiotics vary greatly depending on the strain, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about which probiotic product might be best for your health needs.

Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.