When recommending probiotics for women over 50, it is important to consider various aspects such as vaginal health, digestion, and immune support. Here are some key points based on recent research:

Probiotic Strains Beneficial for Women Over 50

1. Vaginal Health:

   • Lactobacillus crispatus: Known for producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of pathogens¹.
   • Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus jensenii: Contribute to maintaining a low pH in the vagina and inhibiting pathogen growth¹.

2. Digestive Health:

   • Lactobacillus acidophilus: Promotes the health of the gastrointestinal tract and helps prevent diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
   • Bifidobacterium longum: Enhances the digestive process and aids in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

3. Immune Support:

   • Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Improves immune response and reduces the likelihood of respiratory infections.
   • Bifidobacterium lactis: Enhances systemic immunity and intestinal health.

Considerations for Quality and Effectiveness

• CFU Count: Aim for probiotics with a high colony-forming unit (CFU) count, typically over 10 billion CFUs per serving.
• Enteric Coating: Probiotics with enteric coating are designed to survive the stomach acid and reach the intestines where they are most effective.
• Prebiotics: Some probiotics also contain prebiotics which are fibers that help feed the good bacteria.

If Sarah is interested in finding specific products, I can search for high-quality probiotic supplements for her. Let me know if you would like me to do that!