At a glance
| Strain on label | Species notes | Human evidence for bladder health |
|---|---|---|
| L. acidophilus LA88 | One of the most common probiotic species; found in the gut and vagina | Not found for this strain |
| L. plantarum N13 | Versatile species found in fermented foods | Not found for this strain |
| L. gasseri LG08 | Commonly found in the vagina | Not found for this strain |
| L. casei LC16 | Common in dairy probiotics | Not found for this strain |
All four share the 50 mg probiotic blend with L. crispatus. Individual amounts and CFU counts are not given.
Note on names: in 2020, scientists reorganized the Lactobacillus group, and some species now have new genus names (for example, L. plantarum is now Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and L. casei is Lacticaseibacillus casei). FemiCore’s label uses the older names, which are still widely used on supplements.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
L. acidophilus is one of the most widely sold probiotic species, found in yogurts and capsules. It lives naturally in the human gut and is also found in the vagina. It has been studied for several digestive conditions, with mixed results depending on the strain and condition.
Lactobacillus plantarum
L. plantarum is a hardy species found in many fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi and sourdough. It is studied mainly for digestive health, including irritable bowel syndrome.
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L. gasseri is one of the species that commonly dominates the vaginal microbiome, alongside L. crispatus, L. jensenii and L. iners. Its inclusion fits FemiCore’s urogenital focus.
Lactobacillus casei
L. casei is common in fermented dairy products and some probiotic drinks. It is studied mostly for gut health and immune outcomes.
Strain codes matter
Probiotic effects are often strain-specific: one strain of a species may have been studied while another has not. FemiCore deserves credit for listing strain codes (LA88, N13, LG08, LC16). However, we could not find published human studies on these specific strain codes, so we can’t link them to any outcome.
What the research says about probiotics for UTI
NCCIH reports that a 2015 review of nine studies (735 people) found no evidence that probiotics prevent UTIs. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet covers probiotics for many conditions, mostly digestive, and does not include urinary or vaginal health among its topics. Overall, there’s no good evidence that these four species, taken by mouth, support bladder control.
Why “50 mg” doesn’t tell you much
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says current regulations only require the total weight of microorganisms on labels, and this weight “can consist of both live and dead microorganisms” and “has no relationship with the number of viable microorganisms in the product.” It recommends choosing products labelled with the number of CFU at the end of shelf life, because probiotics can lose viability over time.
FemiCore lists 50 mg for five strains and no CFU. That means:
- we can’t compare it with probiotics that list CFU;
- we can’t tell how many live organisms survive until you take the capsule;
- we can’t tell how the 50 mg is divided among the five strains.
Storage helps preserve viability: keep the bottle cool and dry, as the label says.
Side effects and safety
For healthy people, these lactobacilli are generally well tolerated; temporary gas or bloating can occur. NCCIH and ODS both note rare cases of serious infection in people who are severely ill or immunocompromised. NCCIH also notes that some probiotic products have been found to contain microorganisms not listed on the label, and that harms can include transfer of antibiotic-resistance genes. If you have a weakened immune system, a central line or are seriously ill, don’t take probiotics without your specialist’s advice.
Role in FemiCore
These four strains broaden the probiotic blend. L. gasseri fits the urogenital theme; L. acidophilus, L. plantarum and L. casei are general-purpose probiotic species. Their effect in FemiCore is unknown.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Is a probiotic appropriate for me, given my health and medicines?
- Should I space it away from antibiotics?
- Is there a product with CFU and strain research you’d suggest instead?
Bottom line
These are common, generally safe probiotic species. Without CFU counts or strain-specific human studies, they add to the label’s appeal more than to the evidence. If probiotics are your main interest, a product with stated CFU and published strain research may be easier to evaluate. See FemiCore vs other options.
Frequently asked questions
What probiotics are in FemiCore?
L. crispatus LCr86, L. acidophilus LA88, L. plantarum N13, L. gasseri LG08 and L. casei LC16, in a 50 mg blend.
Why doesn't FemiCore list CFU?
Regulations only require the total weight. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements recommends choosing products that list CFU at the end of shelf life.
Are FemiCore's probiotics safe?
Generally well tolerated by healthy people. People who are severely ill or immunocompromised should ask a specialist first.
Should I store FemiCore in the fridge?
The label says to store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat and moisture.
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Keep learning
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. FemiCore is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this page is for education only. If you have bladder symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, fever or sudden changes, see a health care professional.