For Women

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.
• Suitable from 4 years onwards

Storage instructions

• For best results, do not remove desiccant sachet from the glass jar and close lid firmly after each use.
• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of direct sunlight. For maximum potency, can be refrigerated 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 studies^2-4  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, 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.

Ingredients

Maltodextrin (natural source); Live cultures: Lactobacillus paracasei F-19^®, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®; vegetarian capsule: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; stabiliser: microcrystalline cellulose; anti-caking agent: vegetable magnesium stearate

Each capsule guarantees 2.5 billion live cultures.

Suitability

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• No dairy
• Suitable during pregnancy
• Suitable during breastfeeding
• Suitable in menopause
• Gluten free
• Yeast free
• Soy free
• GMO free
• No added sugars
• Free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives
• No chemicals and parabens

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.

Is Optibac Probiotics For Women no dairy and vegan?

Yes, For Women is a no dairy and vegan supplement. This means it’s one of the best live cultures for women with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Following the taxonomic updates issued by a global team of scientists and published in April 2020, which look more closely at the Lactobacillus genus, a reclassification has been advised for the L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri species. The active ingredients in Optibac Probiotics For Women may therefore also now be referred to as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei F-19^®, Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®.

Customer reviews

• I love the product

  Patricia - 28th July 2022

• A gynaecologist recommended Optibac. I now take Optibac Every Day and Optibac for Women - and I feel much more energetic. Admittedly I have also improved my diet but I now regard Optibac as part of looking after my health as well as I can.

  Christina - 25th July 2022

• I have been taking Optibac for Women for 5 or 6 years and never miss a day. Taking these plus oestrogen pessaries really has changed everything. I have also found the nutritional therapists quick and helpful

  L Chapman - 29th June 2022

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UK DELIVERY

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Good to know

• We'll send you an email to confirm once your parcel has been dispatched.
• For delivery queries, please call us on +44 (0)1264 339 770 or email enquiries@optibacprobiotics.com. 
• Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same working day.
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• Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed unless otherwise stated.

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We offer an excellent worldwide delivery service. For more details, please take a look at our delivery FAQ.