Probiotics with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Cut Yeast Infection Recurrences

clinical-trial PMID: 30565745

Probiotics with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Cut Yeast Infection Recurrences

Quick Summary: A clinical trial tested an oral supplement combining Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, another probiotic strain, and lactoferrin as an add-on to standard yeast infection treatment in women with frequent recurrences. The combo significantly lowered recurrence rates and eased symptoms like itching and discharge over six months compared to a placebo. This suggests probiotics could help prevent repeat vaginal yeast infections when used alongside antifungal creams.

What The Research Found

This study showed that a daily probiotic mix with Lactobacillus rhamnosus helped women who get recurrent vaginal yeast infections (RVVC) stay infection-free longer. RVVC is a common issue where yeast infections keep coming back, causing discomfort and frustration.

Key results include:
- Fewer recurrences: After three months, only 33% of women taking the probiotic-lactoferrin combo had a yeast infection return, compared to 92% on placebo. By six months, it dropped to 29% versus 100%.
- Better symptom relief: Both groups improved after initial antifungal treatment, but the probiotic group saw bigger reductions in itching and vaginal discharge that lasted through the study.
- Overall success: The treatment was safe with no side effects reported, making it a promising add-on to standard care.

These findings highlight how good bacteria like Lactobacillus rhamnosus might restore vaginal balance and fight off yeast overgrowth.

Study Details

Who was studied: 48 women of childbearing age with confirmed Candida albicans yeast infections and a history of repeated episodes (at least four in the past year).
How long: A short 15-day start-up phase followed by six months of ongoing treatment, with check-ins at three and six months.
What they took: Each capsule had 1.5 billion live bacteria from Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, 1.5 billion from Lactobacillus acidophilus GLA-14, and 100 mg of lactoferrin (a natural protein from cow's milk that supports immune health). In the first phase, women took two capsules daily for five days, then one for 10 days, alongside clotrimazole cream. For maintenance, it was one capsule daily for 10 days each month.

The study randomly split participants into the real supplement group or a look-alike placebo group to ensure fair results.

What This Means For You

If you suffer from recurrent vaginal yeast infections, this research points to Lactobacillus rhamnosus-based probiotics as a helpful tool to prevent comebacks after treating an active infection.

Practical tip: Talk to your doctor about adding an oral probiotic supplement with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactoferrin to your routine, especially if standard creams like clotrimazole aren't keeping infections away long-term.
Real-life benefit: You might experience less itching, discharge, and worry about flare-ups, potentially cutting your recurrence risk by up to 70% over six months.
How to start: Look for supplements with similar strains (check for HN001), but always pair them with prescribed antifungals—probiotics aren't a standalone fix. This could improve your quality of life without harsh side effects.

Remember, results vary, so consult a healthcare provider to see if it's right for you.

Study Limitations

While promising, this research has some caveats to consider:
- Small group size: Only 48 women were involved, so findings might not apply to everyone—larger studies are needed for stronger proof.
- Combo effect: The supplement mixed two probiotics and lactoferrin, so it's unclear if Lactobacillus rhamnosus alone drives the benefits or if the blend works together.
- Short timeframe: The trial covered just six months; we don't know about long-term effects beyond that.
- Specific focus: It targeted women with frequent, confirmed infections, so it may not help those with one-off yeast issues.

Overall, this is a positive step, but more research will clarify how to best use these probiotics for yeast infection prevention.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that the oral probiotic formulation (L. acidophilus GLA-14, L. rhamnosus HN001, and lactoferrin) significantly reduced recurrence rates in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) compared to placebo. After 3 months, 33.3% of the intervention group experienced recurrences versus 91.7% in the placebo group, and at 6 months, recurrences were 29.2% vs 100%, respectively. Symptom improvement (itching and discharge) was also greater in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months.

Study Design

This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 48 women of childbearing age with confirmed Candida albicans infection and a history of RVVC. Participants were divided into two groups: one received the probiotic-lactoferrin combination (verum), and the other received placebo. The study included a 15-day induction phase (with topical clotrimazole) followed by a 6-month maintenance phase.

Dosage & Administration

The intervention involved:
- Induction phase: 2 capsules/day for 5 days, then 1 capsule/day for 10 days.
- Maintenance phase: 1 capsule/day for 10 consecutive days each month over 6 months.
Each capsule contained 1.5 billion CFU of L. acidophilus GLA-14, 1.5 billion CFU of L. rhamnosus HN001, and 100 mg bovine lactoferrin. Placebo capsules were identical in appearance.

Results & Efficacy

Symptom improvement: Both groups showed initial improvement post-clotrimazole, but the intervention group had significantly better reductions in itching and discharge at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05).
Recurrence rates:
3 months: 33.3% (intervention) vs 91.7% (placebo) (p < 0.001).
6 months: 29.2% vs 100% (p < 0.001).
Cure rate: No significant difference between groups after the induction phase, but the intervention group had sustained benefits during maintenance.

Limitations

Combination therapy confounding: The formulation included two probiotic strains and lactoferrin, making it unclear which component contributed most to efficacy.
Small sample size: Only 48 participants limit statistical power and generalizability.
Short-term follow-up: Long-term safety and efficacy beyond 6 months were not assessed.
Lack of mechanistic data: The study did not explore microbiome changes or immune markers to explain outcomes.
Potential selection bias: Participants were women with documented RVVC, so results may not apply to those with sporadic infections.

Clinical Relevance

For women with RVVC, this study suggests that daily oral supplementation with the tested probiotic-lactoferrin blend as maintenance therapy after antifungal treatment (clotrimazole) can reduce recurrence risk by ~70% over 6 months. The improvement in symptoms supports its use alongside standard care. However, the combination nature of the intervention means individual contributions of L. rhamnosus HN001 remain uncertain. Users should consider this as an adjunct, not replacement, for antifungal medications. Larger trials are needed to confirm these findings and isolate strain-specific effects.

Note: The supplement was well-tolerated, with no reported adverse events, suggesting a safe profile for long-term use in this population.