Recommended use
- For best results take 1 capsule daily, preferably with breakfast
- May be increased to 2 capsules per day if desired or professionally directed.
- Do not exceed recommended daily dosage.
- For those unable to swallow capsules, open and mix contents into cool food/drinks.
- Can be taken intensively or on an ongoing basis (daily).
- For Women can safely be taken alongside other supplements in the Optibac Probiotics range.
Storage instructions
- For best results, do not remove desiccant sachet from the glass jar and close lid firmly after each use.
- For maximum potency, can be stored in the fridge after opening.
Optibac Probiotics For Women Customer questions
All questions answered by probiotic experts Dr Kate Stephens PhD (Food and Microbial Sciences) BSc(Hons) Medical Microbiology and Kerry Beeson BSc (Nut. Med.) Nutritional Therapist.
What are live cultures for women?
For most health issues, gender isn’t a consideration in friendly bacteria research, so you don’t need to worry about this when choosing your supplement. However, there are several friendly bacteria strains that have been researched specifically in people with vaginas, such as Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®, and Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, which can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Women. These have been specifically researched in women and for survival to the vagina. Otherwise, live cultures are not gender-specific and can be taken by anyone who feels they may benefit.
Why are friendly bacteria for women good?
Friendly bacteria for women are particularly good for the support of the vaginal flora, even when taken orally1. A healthy vagina typically contains strains of Lactobacilli bacteria which produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other substances, all of which help to keep the pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic).
How do I choose the best friendly bacteria for women?
The best women’s live cultures supplements contain strains which have been specifically researched in women, and where the billions count is based on the dosages used in gold standard clinical trials. Optibac Probiotics For Women contains 2.5 billion live cultures per capsule – and strains in this product have been used in numerous research studies2-4 in which a standard dose of one to two capsules per day was utilised.
How long does it take for women’s live cultures to work?
Even when taken orally, strains in Optibac Probiotics For Women have been proven to reach the vagina alive. Research suggests that they can reach the vaginal tract in 3-4 days and begin to colonise, and they have been shown in clinical trials5 to be present in the vagina after just one week.
When is the best time to take friendly bacteria for women?
Even though live cultures produce lactic acid and prefer a slightly acidic environment, getting through the harsh stomach environment can be challenging for these delicate live cultures. Ideally, it’s best to take your friendly bacteria supplement at mealtimes (specifically breakfast time), as the stomach’s gastric acidity is naturally at pH 4 or above, and the food further helps to buffer the acid, and assist the passage of the live cultures into the gut. However, if you forget to take them with breakfast, just take with another meal or snack.
How long should I take a friendly bacteria supplement for women for?
This really depends on your circumstances and response to the friendly bacteria. Optibac Probiotics For Women comes in three different sizes, one of which is a seven-day intensive course during which two capsules are taken over seven consecutive days for occasional support; however, most women love the confidence that taking daily vaginal live cultures can provide. Optibac Probiotics For Women is safe and recommended for long-term daily use.
Are women’s friendly bacteria safe during pregnancy?
It is perfectly safe to take Optibac Probiotics For Women during pregnancy; however, pregnant women may like to consider taking our specific pregnancy supplement, ‘For pregnancy’, which contains strains researched specifically in pregnant women.
Who exactly can take this supplement?
It's for anyone who feels they can benefit. This supplement is designed to complement the natural vaginal flora and whilst called For Women, we acknowledge it may also be appropriate and helpful for trans men or non binary people. Please contact us if unsure which supplement to take - we're here to help!
Safety
Live cultures are not recommended for those with serious medical conditions e.g. those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery; unless under a doctor's care. Keep out of reach of children.
This is a food supplement and is not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. Probiotic supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are taking any medications or have a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before use. Optibac Probiotics supplements will not cause dependency and may be used on an ongoing basis.
References
1. Morelli L, Zonenenschain D, Del Piano M, Cognein P. Utilization of the intestinal tract as a delivery system for urogenital probiotics. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2004;38(6 Suppl). doi:10.1097/01.mcg.0000128938.32835.98
2. Martinez RCR, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis with flXXXXXXole plus probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009;48(3):269-274. doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2008.02477.x
3. Martinez RCR, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved cure of bacterial vaginosis with single dose of tiXXXXXole (2 g), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Can J Microbiol. 2009;55(2):133-138. doi:10.1139/W08-102
4. Beerepoot MAJ, Ter Riet G, Nys S, et al. Lactobacilli vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections: A randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial in postmenopausal women. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(9):704-712. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.777
5. Anukam K.C. et al., (2006), ‘Augmentation of antimicrobial met*******ole therapy of bacterial vaginosis with oral probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial’. Microbes Infect. 8(6): 1450-4.
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