From the Research
For vaginal yeast infections, probiotics containing 1 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) daily, specifically Lactobacillus acidophilus, are recommended, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- The most recent study 1 compared the effect of probiotic and fluconazole on treatment and recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, finding that Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation had an effect similar to that of fluconazole in treating most symptoms of VVC.
- Probiotics can be taken orally as supplements or applied vaginally using suppositories, with a daily dose for at least 1-2 months advisable for oral supplements, and vaginal applications used for 1-2 weeks.
- Beneficial bacteria help restore the vaginal microbiome by producing lactic acid, maintaining a healthy acidic environment (pH 3.8-4.5), and inhibiting Candida overgrowth.
- While probiotics can complement conventional antifungal treatments, they should not replace them for active infections, as noted in 2 and 1.
Important Factors
- Consistency is important, as benefits typically develop over time rather than immediately.
- The use of probiotics to modulate the vaginal microbiota composition and restore a healthy microbial ecosystem is a promising treatment strategy, as discussed in 3.
- Lactobacillus species, particularly L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri, are recommended for vaginal health, as they have been shown to be effective in preventing the colonization and infection of the vagina by C. albicans, as noted in 4 and 5.