1 billion CFU · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 is a probiotic strain originally isolated from the vaginal tract of a healthy woman. It is one of the two most clinically validated strains for vaginal and urogenital health (the other being L. rhamnosus GR-1). RC-14 specifically colonises the vaginal epithelium, produces hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins that inhibit Gardnerella vaginalis and other BV-associated pathogens, and restores healthy lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiota.
RC-14 adheres to vaginal epithelial cells and competitively excludes pathogens. It produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and bacteriocins that directly kill Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella and other anaerobic BV-associated bacteria. It also co-aggregates with pathogens, facilitating their removal. A landmark 2006 RCT showed that the RC-14 + GR-1 combination cured bacterial vaginosis in 90% of women vs 0% in the placebo group over 30 days. A 2015 RCT in HIV-positive women showed the combination significantly reduced BV recurrence and improved vaginal microbiota composition.
Women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis seeking probiotic prevention. Those with vaginal dysbiosis, yeast infections or urogenital discomfort. Women after antibiotic treatment for BV wanting to restore healthy microbiota. Postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy and pH changes. Sexually active women wanting to maintain healthy vaginal flora.
Individuals with severe immunosuppression. Those with central venous catheters. Pregnant women (safety not established in pregnancy-specific RCTs, though traditionally considered safe). Not for children. Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI adjustment in first week. No vaginal irritation reported with oral administration. As with all probiotics, immunocompromised individuals should consult a physician.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: PMID 17045832 (BV cure RCT — 90% with RC-14 + GR-1), PMID 20801446 (HIV women BV prevention RCT), PMID 26282697 (vaginal microbiota restoration review), PMID 15703301 (vaginal epithelium colonisation), PMID 15899280 (coaggregation with pathogens)
SacredBod's longer take on Lactobacillus Reuteri RC-14 — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 is a probiotic strain originally isolated from the vaginal tract of a healthy woman. It is one of the two most clinically validated strains for vaginal and urogenital health (the other being L. rhamnosus GR-1). RC-14 specifically colonises the vaginal epithelium, produces hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins that inhibit Gardnerella vaginalis and other BV-associated pathogens, and restores healthy lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiota.
RC-14 adheres to vaginal epithelial cells and competitively excludes pathogens. It produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and bacteriocins that directly kill Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella and other anaerobic BV-associated bacteria. It also co-aggregates with pathogens, facilitating their removal. A landmark 2006 RCT showed that the RC-14 + GR-1 combination cured bacterial vaginosis in 90% of women vs 0% in the placebo group over 30 days. A 2015 RCT in HIV-positive women showed the combination significantly reduced BV recurrence and improved vaginal microbiota composition.
Women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis seeking probiotic prevention. Those with vaginal dysbiosis, yeast infections or urogenital discomfort. Women after antibiotic treatment for BV wanting to restore healthy microbiota. Postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy and pH changes. Sexually active women wanting to maintain healthy vaginal flora.
Typical dose: 1 billion CFU per day
Form: capsules (60 count)
Best time: morning
With food: with-food
Expected onset: 1–2 weeks for vaginal colonisation; 4–8 weeks for BV prevention
Cycling: No cycling required. Continuous daily use supported by RCT data.
Known side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI adjustment in first week. No vaginal irritation reported with oral administration. As with all probiotics, immunocompromised individuals should consult a physician.
Who should avoid: Individuals with severe immunosuppression. Those with central venous catheters. Pregnant women (safety not established in pregnancy-specific RCTs, though traditionally considered safe). Not for children.
Avoid combining with: Antibiotics (take 2 hours apart), Antifungals (theoretical interaction), Vaginal antiseptics (may disrupt colonisation), Douching (counterproductive to microbiome restoration)
Lactobacillus Reuteri RC-14 is available on Amazon India with varying brand quality. When selecting a probiotic, verify CFU count at expiry (not just at manufacture), strain specificity and refrigeration requirements. Indian brand preferences include Tata 1mg, ZEROHARM, Carbamide Forte, HealthKart, Jarrow Formulas, Now Foods, and Meibotan. Prices vary significantly; compare cost-per-CFU rather than capsule count alone.
Schedule status in India: Not a Schedule H drug; available as dietary supplement.
Key citations: PMID 17045832 (BV cure RCT — 90% with RC-14 + GR-1), PMID 20801446 (HIV women BV prevention RCT), PMID 26282697 (vaginal microbiota restoration review), PMID 15703301 (vaginal epithelium colonisation), PMID 15899280 (coaggregation with pathogens)
Evidence grade: A — Multiple RCTs for BV, urogenital health and vaginal microbiota
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