It may be a truism we often hear, but it is no less true. If you're not healthy, you can't enjoy life, and health is the long-term balance of the finest systems, mechanisms and processes in the human body.
One such system is the microbiome, the myriad of micro-organisms - communities of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. - in the body. There are several types of microbiome - intestinal, oral, vaginal - each with essential functions in defending against pathogens, stimulating various types of metabolism, synthesizing vitamins, supporting immunity and even maintaining mental health. And the accelerated development of genetic sequencing techniques in recent times has allowed a more detailed understanding of the importance and function of the microbiome.
The microbiome is specific to each individual, and its state of balance is influenced by many different factors, from diet and possible medication to environmental and lifestyle factors.
Bacteria that live in the vagina are considered the first line of defense against pathogens that can cause everything from simple vaginal infections to inflammation, infertility, premature birth or miscarriage.
So a balanced microbiome supports overall intimate health. The majority of these micro-organisms are lactobacilli (95%), which, together with other viruses, fungi and bacteria, form the so-called Döderlein flora. A healthy vaginal microbiome prevents the growth, adhesion to the epithelial walls of the vagina and proliferation of pathogens.
But The balance of the vaginal microbiome can easily be affected by antibiotics, the use of medical devices (absorbents, intrauterine devices), hygiene, but also by certain conditions - diabetes, thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases. Age is also a disruptive factor. Fluctuations in oestrogen and hormones in general, specific to the various stages of a woman's life, also change the acidity level of the vaginal flora.
Depending on the type of lactobacilli, there are five types of vaginal flora:
Class I - predominantly Lactobacillus crispatus, which ensures a low Ph of the vaginal flora, which prevents the invasion of germs. The production of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide ensures a mild acidity of the intimate internal environment.
Class II - dominated by Lactobacillus gasseri, maintains a healthy vaginal environment.
Class III - mostly associated with L. iners, with a more pronounced polymicrobial presence than the other classes.
Class IV - low lactobacilli and high concentrations of bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow. Class at risk of infection.
Class V - dominated by L. jensenii, which, like Class II, provides a healthy vaginal environment.
When the microbiome is protected, the vaginal pH is rather acidic (generally between 4 and 4.5). This natural acidity selects for beneficial bacteria and prevents the proliferation of pathogens responsible for infections. Some classes of lactobacilli are able to maintain this acidity over a long period of time due to their ability to produce H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) more than others. This is the case for Lactobacillus crispatus.
The type of lactobacillus that predominates in the vaginal and gastrointestinal flora is Lactobacillus crispatus (45%). Due to its remarkable ability to produce hydrogen peroxide, L. crispatus is used as a probiotic to treat vaginosis - a condition characterized by the absence of infection-protective lactobacilli in the vaginal flora.
A 2020 study on several strains of L. crispatus tested their resistance to 15 types of antibiotics, according to European Food Safety Agency (EFSAResults demonstrated that minimal inhibitory concentrations of L. crispatus did not develop resistance to any of the antibiotics. Thus, the safety profile of L. crispatus recommends it as an effective probiotic.
The main pathogens involved in vaginal pathologies are yeasts (causing mycoses), trichomonas and germs such as Streptococcus B, Staphylococcus, Colibacilli and Proteus. Lactobacillus crispatus acts as an immunomodulator against these pathogens to restore the balance of the vaginal flora.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2023 tested the efficacy of oral and vaginal administration of L. crispatus. The study included 89 patients with bacterial vaginosis and 93 patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 received oral L. crispatus capsules, group 2 received vaginal administration of L. crispatus and group 3 received placebo. The dosage of L. crispatus was 3 billion live cultures per capsule, and subjects received either 2 capsules (in vaginosis) or 3 capsules (in candidiasis) per day.
After three months, the study showed that both oral and vaginally taken capsules reduced the signs and symptoms of vaginosis in all subjects.
A remarkable result was observed for the Nugent score, representing the quantity and odor of secretion, but also for the reduction of itching and irritation. Consumption of vaginal probiotics significantly increased the number of lactobacilli strains in the microbial flora, while the number of bacteria responsible for vaginosis decreased.
In patients with candidiasis, both oral and vaginal capsules lowered the score for the two most important symptoms of the condition: the amount of discharge and itching/irritation.
Therefore, L. crispatus is an effective strain against candidiasis and vaginosis irrespective of the form of administration.
Other studies have shown that L. crispatus, L. brevis and L. acidophilus, taken orally, significantly reduce the recurrence of vaginal infections and prolong intimate health by maintaining the appropriate level of acidity in the intimate area.
Last but not least, L. crispatus is also effective in maintaining a healthy microbiome in the oral cavity. In another study, 16 patients were treated with 1.2 billion L. crispatus lactic ferments for four weeks and the results showed that this strain can also contribute to the health of the microbiome in the oral cavity. The main benefit was the elimination of specific pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the main pathogens responsible for chronic periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis neutralizes the oral cavity's natural defense system and destroys tissue binders such as collagen. And In recent years there has been a growing body of research on the link between the health of the oral microbiome and certain periodontal diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or respiratory infections.
Manhaē Intimate Balance with L. crispatus, for intimate health at any age
A natural dietary supplement based on Lactobacillus crispatus - 2 billion strains - is Manhaē Intima Équilibre from Vitavea Santé. Taken orally, its main benefits are to protect the intimate microbiome by maintaining the right level of acidity to prevent the proliferation of pathogens. In addition, the supplement contains B vitamins (B2, B3, B8) and hyaluronic acid for the health and moisturization of the intimate mucosa and vitamins D, E and Zinc which support the immune system and protect cells against oxidative stress. It is recommended for prophylactic purposes, but also as an adjuvant in the treatment of vaginal conditions.
Range of food supplements Manhaē is specially created for the health and beauty needs of all women, from adolescence onwards, and is produced by the Havea Group, Europe's leading manufacturer of food supplements.
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