The Rationale for Probiotics Improving Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

ProblemMedical problems of most importance to reproductive health of women differ to some extent between the developed world and resource‐disadvantaged countries. Nevertheless, many share a common link in microbial involvement.Method of studyA review of the peer‐reviewed literature on microbiota, probiotics, and reproductive health.ResultsIndigenous and probiotic lactobacilli express properties antagonistic to pathogens, but complementary to host immunity. These organisms are associated with conception, reducing the risk of infection, as well as potentially lowering the risk of a number of complications of pregnancy that otherwise lead to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.ConclusionsThe ability to manipulate the microbiome and to improve immunity through probiotics holds much promise. The lack of improvements over the past 40 years in managing urogenital infections in women is incomprehensible. Support for innovative diagnostic and treatment options is needed, including testing and implementing probiotic therapies, especially for women with poor access to healthcare and good nutrition.

African fermented foods and probiotics

“…It might seem strange or even contradictory to some that microbes and fermented foods harbor such potential for paradigm shifting change. But, after all, humans are mostly microbial in content, food is their necessity and as multiple recent studies are showing, these organisms are integral to all aspects of human and animal development, longevity and ultimate survival (de Vos and de Vos, 2012;Hughes, 2012;Trivedi, 2012;Biagi et al, 2013;de Vos and Nieuwdorp, 2013;Fang and Evans, 2013;Loscalzo, 2013;Pennisi, 2013;Reid et al, 2013b). We wonder who is willing to join this friendly revolution.…”

Study protocol: evaluation of the probiotic Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716 for the prevention of mastitis in breastfeeding women: a randomised controlled trial

“…The use of probiotic bacteria during pregnancy and postpartum has also been proposed as a means of modulating maternal infection or inflammatory processes [39] and to support immune development in the infant [31]. Breastfed infants of mothers who consumed specific probiotics in the early postpartum period reported fewer gastrointestinal symptoms [31], while risk of atopic eczema, allergy and asthma was shown to confer some benefit during the first 2 years of life by some studies, but not in others [40].…”

“…Further studies with longer follow-up and amongst specific maternal populations most likely to benefit from probiotics, have been recommended. Reassuringly, the probiotic studies that have been performed in postpartum women did not report any major side effects to the mother or infant [39]. Maternal side effects of mild gas or bloating were occasionally noted.…”

Lactoginal for correction of abnormal vaginal microbiocenosis in pregnant woman with cervical cerclage: clinical case and literature review

“…Напротив, у женщин, получавших препарат лактобацилл, указанные изменения не регистрировали, за исключением длины цервикального канала, которая так же, как и у женщин контрольной группы, умень-шалась к третьему триместру беременности. Необходимо отметить, однако, что, несмотря на продемонстрированный потенциал эффек-тивности пробиотических лактобацилл при бе-ременности, имеющихся на сегодняшний день данных недостаточно для того, чтобы рекомен-довать их рутинное использование для норма-лизации микрофлоры влагалища [23,24].…”