The 6 Best Probiotic Supplements for Women of 2024
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As a registered dietitian, I’m a huge fan of fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt because they contain probiotics that can help improve digestion and the gut microbiome. But for many people, it can be tough to eat enough fermented foods, which is why probiotic supplements have become so popular—especially for women.
In my more than 12 years as a nutritionist, I’ve had the opportunity to work at a gastroenterology (GI) clinic at one of the top hospitals in the US. Working with patients, I saw firsthand how probiotics significantly improved the symptoms of some people’s conditions.
The benefits of probiotics depend on the specific species and strain, so if you need a probiotic supplement for something like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects women two to six times more than men, it’s important to choose one that has clinically proven strains to help with IBS symptoms.
Probiotic research, dosing, and recommendations can be overwhelming, so we’ve outlined how to choose the right one for you and who can benefit the most from them. Our top probiotic supplements for women are third-party tested, clinically studied, and recommended by dietitians and gut health experts specifically for women’s needs.
—Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, senior nutrition editor for Health.com
When choosing a probiotic, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Probiotic strains: The strain of bacteria matters; different strains offer different health benefits. Therefore, when choosing a probiotic, you want to pick one with the strain(s) that are clinically proven to show benefits for the health issue or symptoms you are trying to improve.
- CFU count: Consider the CFU count (colony-forming units), which represents the number of live, active bacterial cells in the supplement. Probiotic supplements range from 1-10 billion CFUs, although some have up to 50-100 billion CFUs–more CFUs aren’t always better. There are no standard probiotic dosing recommendations, so work with your healthcare provider to determine the best dose.
- Targeted symptoms or conditions: Health benefits from probiotics are strain-specific, so consider the symptoms or problem you’re trying to target. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have been clinically shown to reduce traveler’s and antibiotic-associated diarrhea but would not be the best probiotics for supporting vaginal health.
- Includes prebiotics: Some probiotic supplements also contain prebiotics, fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut. If you don’t get enough prebiotic foods in your diet, you may want a probiotic supplement with prebiotics. Keep in mind that prebiotics can sometimes cause abdominal discomfort and bloating, so if you have a sensitive stomach, you should avoid probiotics with prebiotics.
- Shelf-stable vs. refrigerated: Some probiotics are shelf-stable, while others require refrigeration. Since probiotics are live microorganisms, you must ensure they are stored correctly so the bacteria don’t die. Check the supplement facts label to make sure you are storing it correctly.
- Dietary restrictions: Most probiotic supplements are free of the top allergens. However, always check the label to ensure the supplement you choose is safe for you to consume if you have any dietary restrictions.
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. They also may interact with other supplements or medications you are taking. Our team of medical experts reviews supplements according to our rigorous dietary supplement methodology. We also had a registered dietitian review this page for its scientific accuracy. Please always speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any supplements you plan on taking.
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Why We Like It
Microbiome Labs MegaSporeBiotic was the top probiotic recommended by two registered dietitians, Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, and Jillian Greaves, MPH, RD, LDN. As the name suggests, Microbiome Labs MegaSporeBiotic is a spore-based probiotic, which means the Bacillus spores stay inactive until they reach your large intestine. Once there, they become active and start colonizing in your gut, where the benefits kick in.
Greaves explains that spore-based probiotics are an excellent choice for women because they are naturally tough and can survive harsh environments like stomach acid and bile. Unlike traditional probiotics, these spore-based ones offer a range of benefits that help recondition the gut. Greaves adds they can increase healthy microbial diversity, reduce toxins, and improve gut barrier and immune function. According to Hadley, decades of research on spore-based probiotics show that spore-based probiotics help improve GI symptoms and quality of life in women with IBS and heal leaky gut.
Microbiome Labs MegaSporeBiotic conducts rigorous research on their products and is third-party tested.
It’s Worth Noting
You may experience side effects like abdominal cramping, loose stools, or changes in bowel movements once starting Microbiome Labs MegaSporeBiotic. To help avoid side effects, consider starting with one capsule every other day for the first week, then take one capsule daily for the second week, and take two capsules daily from week three forward. Symptoms should resolve after two to three days of starting the supplement.
Product Details:
- Active Ingredients: Bacillus indicus, HU36, Bacillus subtilis, HU58, Bacillus coagulans (SC-208), Bacillus licheniformis (SL-307), Bacillus clausii (SC-109)
- Dose: 4 billion CFU
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Servings per Container: 30
- Third-Party Tested: Yes, ConsumerLab.com
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Why We Like It
Culturelle Pro Strength Digestive Daily Probiotic is a budget-friendly, scientifically-backed probiotic recommended by registered dietitian Alyssa Smolen, MS, RDN, CDN, who says it is an excellent option for someone who is just starting with probiotics and doesn’t want to break the bank.
Culturelle Pro Strength Digestive Daily Probiotic intentionally includes only one bacteria strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, clinically proven to reduce diarrhea related to antibiotics, traveling, and chemotherapy. Culturelle delivers 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and 200 mg of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps feed the good gut bacteria.
Culturelle Pro Strength Digestive Daily Probiotic is third-party tested by ConsumerLab.com. Start with one capsule daily and work up to two per day if needed. If you are taking Culturelle to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, start taking it a few days before the trip and then take one in the morning and one in the evening for the duration of the trip.
It’s Worth Noting
If you take Culturelle Pro Strength Digestive Daily Probiotic at the same time as an antibiotic, start the probiotic the same day you start the antibiotic and continue it for one week after finishing the antibiotic. Take Culturelle at least two hours after taking the antibiotic so that the antibiotic doesn’t kill the good bacteria consumed from the probiotic.
Product Details:
- Active Ingredients: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Dose: 10 billion CFU
- Serving Size: 1 capsule
- Servings per Container: 60
- Third-Party Tested: Yes, ConsumerLab.com
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Why We Like It
We love that Visbiome High Potency Probiotic includes an eight-strain probiotic blend called VSL#3, which has been studied in over 100 clinical studies. Greaves recommends Visbiome because it has strong evidence for improving healthy gut bacteria, easing digestive symptoms, and enhancing nutrient absorption in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC).
A study found that people who took Visbiome for UC had a higher remission rate after three months than those who took a placebo. Edwina Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, a registered dietitian who has UC herself, also recommends it for UC because it can help ease symptoms and keep UC in remission. She also mentions that it works well with some UC medications.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends Visbiome for pouchitis, inflammation that occurs in a pouch created during surgery to treat UC. While the AGA does not recommend probiotics for IBS, studies show that certain probiotics may improve IBS symptoms. A randomized control study found that Visbiome reduced abdominal bloating in patients with diarrhea related to IBS. How effective a probiotic is for IBS will depend on specific symptoms and which strains have evidence to improve those symptoms.
Visbiome is low-FODMAP certified, gluten-free, lactose-free, non-GMO, kosher, halal, and vegetarian. Keep it refrigerated and use under the supervision of a physician.
It’s Worth Noting
The probiotic supplement, VSL#3, is different from Visbiome. Visbiome contains the original VSL#3 formulation, also called the De Simone Formulation, which Claudio De Simone invented in the early 1990s. It was sold under the name VSL#3 until 2016 when it was changed to Visbiome. While similar, the VSL#3 on the market today is not the VSL#3 that has been the subject of over 100 clinical studies.
Product Details:
- Active Ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM24735/SD5212, Lactobacillus plantarum DSM24730/SD5209, Lactobacillus paracasei DSM24733/SD5218, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM24734/SD5210, Streptococcus thermophilus DSM24731/SD5207, Bifidobacterium longum DSM24736/SD5219, Bifidobacterium breve DSM24732/SD5206, Bifidobacterium infantis DSM24737/SD5220
- Dose: 112.5 billion CFUs
- Serving Size: 1-4 capsules
- Servings per Container: 60
- Third-Party Tested: Yes, ConsumerLab.com
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Why We Like It
Florastor Daily Probiotic Supplement has one species and strain, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a yeast-based probiotic proven to reduce diarrhea from various causes. Registered Dietitian Michelle Rauch, MSc, RD, explains that because Florastor is a yeast, it does not permanently colonize the gut but restores the balance of bacteria in the gut by flushing out the bad to make room for the good.
Diarrhea can have many causes, so knowing the reason for your diarrhea will help you determine if a probiotic would help. The probiotic in Florastor, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, can reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. If you are taking Florastor to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, taking it within two days of starting the antibiotic is most effective. One benefit of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 being yeast and not bacteria is that it does not get killed by antibiotics like other probiotics that enter the gut.
Research is mixed on whether Florastor improves diarrhea caused by IBS, Crohn’s, or ulcerative colitis. If you have diarrhea related to one of these conditions, consult your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment.
Florastor is third-party tested, vegetarian, gluten-free, non-GMO, and does not require refrigeration. It’s recommended to take it with four ounces of water or juice. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, break it open, pour the contents into water or soft food, and consume it 30 minutes after mixing.
It’s Worth Noting
Florastor measures dose in milligrams instead of CFUs. That’s because CFUs are used to measure bacteria cells, and yeast cells are about ten times larger than bacteria cells. One capsule contains 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. Florastor contains lactose, but it also naturally increases the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, so it is believed to be safe for lactose-intolerant people.
Product Details:
- Active Ingredients: Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
- Dose: 500 mg
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Servings per Container: 50
- Third-Party Tested: Yes, ConsumerLab.com
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Why We Like It
Metagenics UltraFlora Women’s Probiotic contains the probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, two probiotic strains which support vaginal and urinary health in women, says Hadley. Research shows that these strains help reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria and yeast in the vagina, which can help reduce the risk of yeast infections.
Metagenics conducts rigorous testing in-house to ensure their supplements are safe and effective. Plus, Metagenics UltraFlora Women’s Probiotic is third-party tested by ConsumerLab.com. Take one capsule per day, which delivers two billion CFUs. Hadley says Metagenics UltraFlora Women is safe and effective to take long term. It is vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.
It’s Worth Noting
One capsule contains two billion CFUs in a 50:50 blend of each strain. Store in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator.
Product Details:
- Active Ingredients: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
- Dose: 2 billion CFU
- Serving Size: 1 capsule
- Servings per Container: 30
- Third-Party Tested: Yes, ConsumerLab.com
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Why We Like It
Hadley and Greaves both recommend Seed Daily DS-01 Synbiotic if you’re looking for a probiotic containing prebiotics. Prebiotics are food components that feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, helping them grow and flourish, explains Greaves. They are found naturally in foods such as onions, asparagus, and bananas.
The prebiotics in Seed Daily DS-01 come from Indian pomegranate, which is rich in polyphenols. Greaves explains that polyphenols are a great source of prebiotics because they are not fermented like prebiotic fibers and, therefore, don’t cause gas or bloating in women with sensitive stomachs. The outer part of the Seed Daily DS-01 Synbiotic capsule contains the prebiotics, while the inner capsule contains 24 clinically studied probiotic strains that support the gut, skin, heart, and immune system.
Seed Daily DS-01 is third-party tested, and the company conducts extensive testing of its own for allergens, pesticides, heavy metals, and more. Take one capsule daily for the first three days, preferably on an empty stomach, and then increase to two daily.
It’s Worth Noting
Instead of measuring dose in CFUs, Seed measures dose in active fluorescent units (AFUs), which is a more precise way of obtaining a viable cell count, according to the company.
There is no recommendation for or against taking probiotic supplements for healthy women. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) does not recommend taking probiotics for many gastrointestinal cases. However, clinical studies show that a probiotic supplement may benefit women with the following conditions or symptoms.
Constipation. Studies show that probiotics can increase the consistency and frequency of bowel movements.
Diarrhea. Good evidence supports that the probiotic strains Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, can improve antibiotic-associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The AGA does not recommend probiotics for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, but research shows that probiotics could help keep UC in remission. However, the AGA recommends taking probiotics for pouchitis, inflammation that occurs in a pouch created during surgery to treat UC.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The AGA does not recommend the use of probiotic supplements for IBS. However, studies show that probiotics can improve IBS-related symptoms like abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. The tricky thing about IBS is that symptoms vary among women; some struggle with constipation, while others have diarrhea. If you want to take a probiotic for IBS, it is best to work with a healthcare provider who can help you choose the best strain for your symptoms.
Vaginal Infections. Studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 are two probiotics that reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria and yeast in the vagina, helping to prevent vaginal infections.
Eczema. Specific strains of probiotics may help improve atopic dermatitis (eczema) in the short term, but more studies are needed.
Mastitis. Some probiotics have been shown to reduce breast pain and improve infection in nursing women with mastitis.
High cholesterol. Research shows that probiotics can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Gestational diabetes. The probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, may reduce the risk of pregnant women developing gestational diabetes.
Obesity. Research is ongoing to understand the link between the gut microbiome and obesity, but preliminary studies show that probiotics may help with weight and fat loss.
The following groups of women should be cautious about taking probiotic supplements.
- Immunocompromised. Women with weak immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, are advised to avoid probiotics. The idea is that a probiotic could potentially contain a harmful microbe, along with the good ones, and while a healthy woman’s immune system can handle this, it could cause an infection in a woman who is immunocompromised.
- Small bacterial intestinal overgrowth (SIBO). Probiotics could worsen symptoms in women with active SIBO but may be helpful after antibiotic treatment. Check with your healthcare provider if you have SIBO and are wondering if a probiotic would help.
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified independent, third-party certifiers like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology for choosing the supplements we recommend and provides more details on what we specifically look for in supplements.
The products chosen for this roundup are based on expert recommendations and the most up-to-date evidence on the benefits of specific probiotic strains on various health conditions and symptoms. We also chose third-party-tested probiotic supplements.
We interviewed the following dietitians and gut health experts to compile this list of the best probiotics for women.
- Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, “The Anti-IBS Dietitian” and founder of Holistic Health and Wellness.
- Jillian Greaves, MPH, RD, LDN, integrative functional dietitian and women’s health specialist.
- Kerry Conlon, MS, RD, registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in gastrointestinal diseases and disorders.
- Michelle Rauch, MSc, RD, registered dietitian/nutritionist for The Actors Fund.
- Alyssa Smolen, MS, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian and New Jersey-based nutrition content creator.
- Edwina Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, registered dietitian and owner of Edwina Clark Nutrition.
Most probiotic supplements come in the form of a capsule or powder. Probiotics are classified by strain, which includes the genus, species, subspecies (if applicable), and a strain designation. For example, for the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus is the genus, rhamnosus is the species, and GG is the designation.
Three of the most common, well-studied genera include:
- Lactobacillus
- Bifidobacterium
- Saccharomyces
Each probiotic supplement contains one or multiple strains of live bacteria measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). Different strains can improve different symptoms and conditions, and the dose of CFUs varies among supplements.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to determine which ingredients are included and how much of each ingredient is included relative to its recommended daily value. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Most probiotic supplements do not contain many added ingredients. Some probiotics have prebiotics added, and some contain lactose.
Research is ongoing about the interaction of probiotics with other medications. The timing at which you take a probiotic is important, especially if you are taking antibiotics or antifungal medications. Speak with your healthcare provider about if taking a probiotic could negatively interact with any medications you are taking.
As previously stated, probiotic dosage is measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), the number of viable or alive bacteria cells. Probiotic supplements typically have between one billion and ten billion CFUs, although some have 50 billion or more. More CFUs do not necessarily mean better.
There is not one dose of probiotics that is recommended across the board. According to Kerry Conlon, MS, RD, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, some probiotics are beneficial at lower doses, while others require a higher dose to be beneficial. Dosage should be informed by clinical studies showing how many CFUs of specific strains benefit the health condition you are trying to target.
When’s the best time to take probiotics?
Currently, research surrounding the best time of day to take probiotics is limited, says Conlon. She and other experts agree that the best time to take a probiotic is when you’ll reliably remember to take it daily. Check the supplement label to see if there are specific instructions regarding timing, and ask your healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications that could interact with a probiotic supplement.
Should I take probiotics while on antibiotics?
The latest research does not support taking probiotics while on antibiotics. A 2023 meta-analysis in BMC Medicine found that taking a probiotic while on antibiotics did not significantly improve the number of good bacteria in the gut. There is evidence, however, that specific strains of bacteria can improve antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Therefore, some experts recommend taking probiotics while on antibiotics if you have AAD.
What’s the downside of taking probiotics?
Probiotics are safe for most people to consume. However, Conlon says gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can worsen when taking probiotics. Some people may experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea in the short term, but it should improve as your body gets used to the probiotics. If negative side effects continue, talk to your healthcare provider. Conlon says you may be taking a strain that isn’t best suited for your condition.
Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian specializing in helping women create sustainable nutrition habits that help them feel good in their bodies for the long term. She’s also an experienced nutrition writer whose work has been featured in VeryWell, EatingWell, Parents, and Healthline. She’s detail-oriented, analyzing the latest nutrition research with a close eye, as she did with this article, to choose probiotic supplements that are scientifically backed, safe, and effective for women.
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