10 Best Probiotics for Women, According to Registered Dietitians
These are our top picks for gut and immune health.
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We updated this article in April 2023 to add several new additions based on extensive evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.
There are few wellness topics as contentious as probiotics. There are hundreds of probiotic strains identified and there is still a lot that we don't know about them. One thing we are certain of is they are biologically active microorganisms that we can introduce into our system. Probiotics are found naturally in certain cultured and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt and beverages such as kombucha. They are also available in pill, capsule, powder, gummy and liquid forms. Research shows that women are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues than men and therefore probiotics can be especially beneficial for the female population.
"Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that colonize the gut and produce health benefits to the body," says gastroenterologist Kumkum Sarkar Patel, M.D., M.P.H. She adds that we should all "be eating foods that feed the probiotic bacteria in our intestines." Patel notes that changes in your bowel habits, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even belching, can indicate an imbalance of bad bacteria in comparison to good bacteria. She explains that "probiotics are important because they are often responsible for making neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These are responsible for influencing mood and pain perception."
Our supplement recommendations are informed by nutrition expertise, but the ultimate choice is a personal decision between you and your healthcare provider. Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA prior to going to market, it’s important to do your research before adding them to your regimen. For this roundup, our team of registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed dozens of probiotics, prioritizing picks that have been tested by a credible third party such as USP and NSF. These steps are designed to help ensure there are no harmful substances in the products themselves and to verify that what is in the bottle is what is on the label. You can read more about how we tested at the bottom of this guide.
Our top picks:
Here is everything you need to know about the best probiotic supplements for women, including whether or not you should be taking one and what to look for. If you're interested in checking out more supplements to support your health and wellness goals, check out our top picks for the best multivitamins for women, the best magnesium supplements and best protein powders.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women
Pros
- Vegetarian
- Approved by ConsumerLab.com
- NSF Certified Gluten-Free and NSF Contents Certified
Cons
- Capsules may be difficult for some to swallow
Developed by board-certified neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, this daily women's probiotic from Garden of Life is packed with 16 probiotic strains to support digestion and immunity. It also contains 50 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU), although take note, higher CFU counts do not necessarily improve the product’s health effects. According to Patel, there's no data to recommend how many CFUs are sufficient because all of our bodies need a different number and amount of bacteria to restore what is appropriate for our own health.
Garden of Life always delivers quality products, and this probiotic in particular is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian and Non-GMO Project Verified. Our experts like that the desiccant-lined bottle technology keeps the capsules shelf-stable without the need for refrigeration.
What's more, ConsumerLab.com confirmed 50 billion CFU at expiration date under the recommended storage conditions. The probiotic is NSF Certified Gluten-Free and NSF Contents Certified too.
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU count | 50 billion |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | Once daily |
| Price per dose | $0.99 |
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
Pros
- Vegetarian
- Affordable pricepoint
Cons
- Large capsule
The probiotic in this supplement, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, has been widely studied and may reduce occasional digestive upset including gas, bloating and diarrhea. This affordable allergy-friendly pick is also free from dairy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts and eggs. It contains 200 milligrams of prebiotic fiber from inulin.
Our nutrition pros like that the brand measures the number of live probiotics at product expiration, not just based on when the product is made, so you can rest assured that you'll be getting the full amount on the label.
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU count | 10 billion |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | Once daily |
| Price per dosage | $0.57 |
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Pros
- Vegan
- Contains pre- and probiotics
Cons
- Subscription-based can be a deterrant
A top pick with our dietitians, this synbiotic, meaning a mixture of prebiotic and probiotic, features 24 clinically and scientifically studied strains that can support digestive health, skin health, heart health and gut immune function.
Our nutrition pros point out the 2-in-1 nested capsule optimizes delivery of 100% of the probiotic starting dose to your colon. The supplement requires no refrigeration thanks to the probiotic outer capsule, which serves as a barrier to oxygen, moisture and heat.
This subscription-based pick is free from major allergens and also Prop. 65 compliant, which means that it does not expose you to any unsafe amount of toxic chemicals as established by the state of California. In fact, according to Seed's website, each batch is tested and verified free of all 14 classes of allergens according to European Food Safety Authority. The brand also says that each batch of the final product is tested at third party-accredited laboratories for over 400 pesticide residues. They are in the process of obtaining their NSF certification.
The company is also conducting research in multiple health and wellness areas. For example, according to co-founder and co-CEO Ara Katz, SEED is developing next-generation probiotics for mental health, with the potential to impact areas like anxiety, depression and mental well-being.
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU count | 53.6 billion |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | 2 capsules daily |
| Price per dosage | $1.66 |
Rephresh Pro-B Feminine Probiotic Supplement
Pros
- Vegetarian
- Can be taken any time of day with or without food
Cons
- Lower probiotic count than others
Rephresh is a once-daily supplement that contains specific probiotic strains including lactobacillus (L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14). It may work to help promote healthy vaginal flora, although the effect of probiotics on vaginal health remains a controversial topic and more research is needed. That said, L. rhamnosus is one of the most studied strains of bacteria and may work to improve overall gut health.
This probiotic can be taken any time of the day, with or without food. Although it contains a lower probiotic count than some of our other picks it is still substantial and the capsules are free from dairy, egg, fish, peanut, gluten and soy.
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU count | 5 billion |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | Once daily |
| Price per dosage | $0.73 |
Ritual Synbiotic+
Pros
- Vegan
- Third-party tested
Cons
- More expensive than others
Ritual started as a subscription-based only service and is now available on Amazon and Whole Foods stores nationwide. Ritual makes one of our favorite multivitamins, and offers this three-in-one supplement that uses a mix of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics for a well-rounded approach.
The prebiotic, PreforPro, has been shown to support the growth of beneficial bacteria. The probiotic strains, including BB-12 and LLG, have been some of the most studied probiotic strains globally. Their postbiotic, Tributyrin, helps provide a major energy source for the cells that line the colon and support gut health.
Our pros appreciate that the bottle is designed with moisture-controlled technology to protect probiotic strains. The brand is known for rigorous third-party testing and utilizes qualified US- and Canada-based manufacturers that are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified to assure they follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs).
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU count | 11 billion |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | Once daily |
| Price per dosage | $1.26 |
Florastor Daily Probiotic
Pros
- Recommended by multiple medical organizations
- May reduce antibiotic-associated infections
Cons
- Dosage is two capsules per daily
Florastor contains the probiotic yeast strain, Saccharomyces Boulardii (SB) CNCM I-745, which has been shown to promote healthier gut flora in studies. Studies show that S. Boulardii CNCM I-745 may be helpful to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic-associated Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, a bacteria that causes an infection of the large intestine (colon) and can lead to difficult-to-treat diarrhea, though the method of how it works remains unclear.
According to the company, the probiotic cells in this supplement are larger and stronger than found in many other probiotics which may provide increased "intestinal coverage and gut protection." The supplement is non-GMO and can be taken any time, even with antibiotics. It is recommended by many medical organizations, including World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO), European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF).
| Type | Capsules |
| CFU/AFU | N/A |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | 2 capsules |
| Price per dosage | $1.24 |
OLLY Happy Hoo-Ha
Pros
- NSF certified
- No artificial flavorings or coloring
Cons
- Container has 25 doses, short of a full month's supply
Happy Hoo-Ha contains multiple strains of probiotics that are naturally found in the vaginal tract, including Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. Although more research is needed to support the use of probiotics related to vaginal health, recent studies have shown promise with Lactobacillus strains.
This supplement is NSF certified, confirming that the quantity of each ingredient stated on the label is in fact what is in the product and that it is free of harmful contaminants. It contains no artificial flavors or coloring, and is gluten-free. Olly's products are produced in a certified facility that complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Olly is also a certified B corporation which indicates their commitment to environmental and social standards.
| Type | Capsules |
| CFU/AFU | 10 billion CFU |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | Once daily |
| Price per dosage | $0.68 |
New Chapter All-Flora Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber
Pros
- NSF certified
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Dosage is two gummies
New Chapter's All Flora contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber in a pleasant raspberry flavored gummy form that leaves no aftertaste and won't get stuck in your teeth. It is designed to promote healthy gut flora and digestion. Containing the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856, in studies it has shown to benefit individuals with IBS symptoms with major depressive disorder. It also contains the prebiotic fiber from one of the most studied forms of prebiotics, inulin, from chicory root. Our nutrition pros appreciate that it is low in sugar, containing only one gram per serving, especially important if you are following a low sugar diet as some gummies are loaded with sweeteners. It is vegan, meets strict gluten-free standards, according to the company, and is Non-GMO Project Verified.
This probiotic can be taken any time of the day, even on an empty stomach, and has been tested for heavy metals, residual solvents, gluten and allergens. The ingredients in the supplement meet the safety and purity requirements set by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), Health Canada and California Prop 65. New Chapter's probiotic strains are DNA-tested and identity assured so you know that you are getting the exact strain listed on the container.
| Type | Gummy |
| CFU/AFU | 2 billion CFU |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | 2 gummies |
| Price per dosage | $0.80 |
HUM Private Party
Pros
- NSF certified
- Vegan capsules
Cons
- Contains cranberry which may interfere with some medications
Private Party is a NSF certified supplement that combines three strains of probiotics commonly found in healthy vaginal microbiome: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri. It is also formulated with cranberry powder which may help reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, but scientific evidence is still limited. The company provides clinical research, available on their website, attached to the strains of probiotic in the supplement indicating that it may help to maintain good bacteria.
The supplement is vegan and certified by the Clean Label Project to meet their stringent quality criteria. All HUM supplements are tested for lead, mercury, glyphosate, antibiotic residues and more. Additionally, they are non-GMO and adhere to Good Manufacturing Standards (GMP). They are made without any preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colors. This supplement can be taken any time of the day with or without food.
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU | 10 billion CFU |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | Once daily |
| Price per dosage | $0.87 |
Happy v Women's Daily Prebiotic + Probiotic
Pros
- Third-party tested
- Vegan
Cons
- Multiple capsules per day
Happy V Prebiotic + Probiotic is a Latinx female-founded and doctor-formulated supplement that was created to help with symptoms related to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. While larger studies are needed, a recent meta-analysis showed benefits with the use of probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. This product is formulated with eight clinically proven ingredients at their clinically proven dosages, including two strains found in the gut and vaginal tract, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. According to the company, the supplement works to promote good bacteria, restoring gut health and improving immune health. It also works to eliminate odor, itch, gut bloating and other associated symptoms. It includes the prebiotic PreforPro, which studies indicate may boost the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Happy V is third-party tested by both Nutrition Formulators, a third-party, NSF Certified Manufacturing Company & Eurofins, an ISO 17025 Certified lab. The product is also tested by these third parties to ensure label accuracy and that the products are free of heavy metals and other containments including pesticides, E. coli, salmonella, yeast and other harmful substances.
| Type | Capsule |
| CFU/AFU | 20 billion CFU |
| Refrigeration required | No |
| Dose | 2 capsules |
| Price per dosage | $1.33 |
How we chose the best probiotics for women
While there are a good deal of probiotic options to choose from, we evaluated dozens at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab and our choices were based on the following criteria:
✔️ Third-party tested: We prioritize companies that conduct third-party testing by credible institutions, such as USP and NSF, to ensure quality standards, and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what consumers are purchasing. We reviewed marketing claims, ingredient lists and product quality, and prioritized companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination, among other items of concern. We also highlighted companies that have strict internal quality control standards.
✔️ Types of probiotics: We looked for different forms of probiotics that could accommodate a range of symptoms and budgets. We kept in mind dosage and supplement form, be it a capsule, gummy or tablet. We also looked for probiotic strains specifically targeted for different purposes, such as digestive health and immune support.
✔️ Ingredients: We emphasized companies that use higher-quality ingredients, and are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, sweeteners, synthetic coloring agents and fillers.
What to look for when shopping for the best women’s probiotics
Food first is always the ideal way to get your probiotics and in food form they come packed with a slew of other nutritional benefits, including calcium, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. If you have chosen to take a probiotic supplement, consider the following:
✔️ Dosage and strains. Probiotics can contain a large variety of strains and doses. They often contain more than one strain of live microorganisms. The amount of probiotics to take and the specific strain should be determined between you and your healthcare provider. “Probiotics are known by their genus, species and strain, and each probiotic food label should indicate each strain’s designation,” says Miguel Freitas, Ph.D. and VP of Health and Scientific Affairs for Danone North America. He adds that not all probiotic strains are the same and to check for a "best by" date on the product you purchase. Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), because probiotics must be consumed alive to reap the benefits and they can die during shelf life, look for supplements that list the number of Colony Forming Units (see more on CFUs below) at the end of the shelf life and not at the time of manufacture.
✔️ Form. There are a variety of probiotic supplement forms available, including capsules, powders, gummies and liquids. If you don't like swallowing capsules, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Pay attention to serving size as some probiotics requires multiple dosages throughout the day.
✔️ Price. Probiotics can vary greatly in price and therefore we've listed a range of picks to suit all budgets. As with most things, higher prices are not necessarily a good indicator of quality.
✔️ Probiotics vs Prebiotics. According to Patel, "probiotics are the bacteria that produce beneficial metabolites in our intestines. Prebiotics are foods that help feed these probiotic bacteria." She recommends if you are going to take a supplement to look for one that contains both. Take note that many products that contain both are often marketed as synbiotics.
✔️ Refrigerated vs. shelf-stable. When it comes to refrigerated versus shelf-stable probiotic products, Freitas says that probiotic supplements have a much longer shelf life than foods. “This makes it easy for the probiotic cultures to become inactive, unless the product is made with a technology that protects the viability of the probiotic culture," he explains. Many probiotic bacteria are sensitive to moisture and heat and therefore product storage recommendations should be followed. Additionally, many companies use freeze-dried organisms that do not require refrigeration. Most of our picks here are shelf-stable. The choice of refrigeration or shelf-stable depends on the nature of the probiotic strains and packaging and one is not necessarily better than the other. We recommend following the producers guidelines.
It is important to note that probiotics “don’t stick” immediately, so to speak, explains gastrointestinal health and intuitive eating registered dietitian, Alanna Cabrero, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Alanna Cabrero Nutrition. She explains that they don’t colonize your gut permanently and adds, "you have to take them daily to see any shift. In conditions like IBS, we know that it might take up to four weeks to see slight symptom benefit."
What are probiotics?
"Probiotics are live microbes, usually bacteria or yeast, that in adequate amounts, confers beneficial qualities to the host, i.e. us," Cabrero says. "For something to qualify as a probiotic it must be living, have a health benefit and be consumed in adequate amounts."
When it comes to supplementing with probiotics, Cabrero explains that while most probiotics are not going to be harmful, the question is whether they are going to be effective for what we are trying to treat. The hype on probiotics is outpacing the science. A big reason for that, she continues, "is because our microbiomes are highly individualized and ever changing." Additionally, there is not enough sufficient clinical research available that can back up many of the health and wellness claims surrounding probiotics, especially in terms of women's health.
You can find probiotics in the form of foods or supplements. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir are the most bioavailable food forms of probiotics. They are also found in other fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, miso and tempeh, to name a few.
What are prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics?
All these “-biotics” have to do with your digestive system, which houses about 70% of your immune function. Each has a specific job.
✔️ Prebiotics are essentially plant fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut. According to IBS and gut health registered dietitian, Liz McMahon, MPH, RDN, "prebiotics are like the food for your gut bacteria. They’re non-digestible parts of certain foods (like garlic and onion) that help stimulate the growth of microorganisms (aka probiotics)." Consuming prebiotics can help increase the number of beneficial bacteria, which supports the overall health of your gut microbiome. Examples of prebiotic-rich foods include bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, apple skin, dandelion greens, oats and more. Prebiotics and probiotics can be taken together or separately.
✔️ Synbiotics are products that combine probiotics and prebiotics. Essentially, they allow these two things (prebiotics and probiotics) to work synergistically in the digestive tract.
✔️ Postbiotics "are interesting because they’re the result of prebiotics and probiotics, meaning that they’re a bioactive compound that’s created after probiotics consume prebiotics," McMahon says. "The most well studied postbiotic is butyric acid, which is a short chain fatty acid (SCFA). When you have more SCFAs, your healthy bacteria in your colon increase and they may improve your immune system. The research on postbiotics is still relatively new and there’s a lot we don’t know!"
Should you be taking a probiotic?
According to research, more than 50% of the general Western population frequently experiences issues related to gut health such as bloating, gas and related discomfort, all of which are uncomfortable and can negatively impact quality of life. Adding a supplement to your daily routine may help to improve or alleviate these symptoms. Better yet, adding a probiotic supplement with a diet rich in probiotic and prebiotic foods can get you there faster.
Ideally, you should be eating foods that contain both prebiotics and probiotics, according to Patel. However, she adds, if you are going to take a supplement, it should optimally contain both.
Cabrero cautions that if you are immunosuppressed, recently out of surgery or have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), she usually recommends abstaining since taking probiotics might put you at higher risk of infection, or in the case of SIBO, it might exacerbate your symptoms.
What are CFUs?
All of the measures in this article are in CFUs. As noted earlier, CFUs are Colony Forming Units and Patel says that unfortunately, there's no data to recommend how many CFUs are sufficient, or even accurate because all of our bodies need a different number and amount of bacteria to restore what is appropriate for our own health. Furthermore, it is very difficult to determine how much each person's body needs in terms of a bacterial balance because it is changing on a constant basis.
Basically, it doesn’t matter if the product has 100 billion CFUs when it’s made. "You want to know how many it contains once it gets into your hands and can then survive through your digestive system," McMahon says, explaining that what matters more is the strain (or type) of bacteria in the probiotic and then the amount that has been shown to have a therapeutic effect based on current studies. "Basically, this means that more CFUs doesn’t necessarily mean the probiotic is more effective," she adds.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab for the past three years, Stefani Sassos has handled all nutrition content, product testing and evaluation. She stays up-to-date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition, and she also runs large-scale tests and analyses for products ranging from protein powders to healthy frozen desserts. She has a master's degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and has been a registered dietitian for six years, working in the clinical setting prior to GH and obtaining advanced credentials and board certifications in the nutrition field.
As a registered dietitian, Amy Fischer has worked with thousands of patients in several clinical settings for over 10 years including working with gastrointestinal and heart transplant patients. Her goal is to help people improve their health through whole foods and a nutritious diet. Amy believes that food is to be enjoyed whatever your diet goals may be and that ideally, the focus should be on improving overall health, eating and living better. She has written about many other supplements for GH, including magnesium, menopause supplements and fish oil benefits.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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