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UREX may support urogenital health

- Lactobacillus rhamnosus, GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri, RC-14®

UREX probiotic blend and women health
6 Min read

The UREX probiotic blend (hereafter referred to by the trademark UREX) is a combination of two probiotic strains. Studies have suggested that the combination may support a healthy bacterial environment in the vagina and urinary tract.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

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Combination probiotic

UREX is a combination of two probiotic strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri, RC-14®, hereafter referred to as the trademarks GR-1® and RC-14®). The strains have been used worldwide since 2004 as an ingredient in female dietary supplements. 
 
Fact

UREX™ may support women’s urinary and vaginal health. 

Studied in depth

Since 2001, the GR-1® and RC-14® strains have been described together in more than 130 scientific publications (including publication of randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled scientific studies, reviews, and studies conducted in the laboratory with animals and cells). More than 25 of the publications are from human scientific studies.

The impact of both strains has been investigated for periods of up to 12 months in populations ranging from female teenagers2, 6, 7 to post-menopausal women,3, 11 including pregnant women9 and women with immune challenges,12 with no known safety issues. Consumption of the two bacterial strains has been associated with benefits for vaginal and urinary tract health.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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UREX probiotic blend for active women

Key scientific studies have associated the UREX probiotic blend with benefits for women’s urogenital health

 

Urinary tract health

By helping to support a healthy urinary tract, UREX has been associated with less frequent urinary tract conditions.8

 

Vaginal discharge and yeast

As shown in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, UREX combined with a standard health care intervention is associated with less vaginal discharge and less overgrowth of yeast, compared to women given the same standard health care intervention combined with placebo.1

 

Vaginal conditions

In studies investigating bacterial conditions in the vagina, UREX (used alone or in combination with a standard health care intervention) was observed to be more beneficial than placebo (used alone or in combination with the same standard health care intervention).2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10

 

Healthy vaginal environment

Supplementing with UREX has been associated with a healthier balance of bacteria in the vagina,4,13,14 and more healthy levels of acidity in the vagina.6,12 
The UREX probiotic blend has been associated with fewer potentially harmful bacteria in the vagina of pregnant women.9

Women health and UREX probiotic blend

Safety

The GR-1® and RC-14® strains have been notified to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as New Dietary Ingredients, which have been accepted for filing by the agency.15 At the species-level, these strains are found on the ‘Qualified Presumption of Safety’ list published and reviewed by EFSA.1

GR-1®, RC-14® and UREX™ are trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S.

The article is provided for informational purposes regarding probiotics and is not meant to suggest that any substance referenced in the article is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
 
Our Chr. Hansen probiotic strains

At Chr. Hansen, our strains are backed by science. All of our probiotic strains are supported by clinical documentation. Learn more about the beneficial effects our strains have on different health areas.

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References Open Close

  1. Martinez RC, et al. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009;48(3):269-74. (PubMed)
  2. Anukam K, et al.Microbes Infect. 2006;8(6):1450-4. (PubMed)
  3. Petricevic L, et al. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2008;141(1):54-7. (PubMed)
  4. Reid G, et alFEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2003;35(2):131-4. (PubMed)
  5. Macklaim JM, et alMicrob Ecol Health Dis. 2015;26:27799.(PubMed)
  6. Martinez RC, et al. Can J Microbiol. 2009;55(2):133-8. (PubMed)
  7. Vujic G, et alEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013;168(1):75-9. (PubMed)
  8. Beerepoot MA, et al.Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(9):704-12. (PubMed)
  9. Ho M, et al.Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;55(4):515-8. (PubMed)
  10. Anukam KC, et alMicrobes Infect. 2006;8(12-13):2772-6. (PubMed)
  11. Bisanz JE, et al. PLoS One. 2014;9(8):e104511. (PubMed)
  12. Hummelen R, et al.Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2010;111(3):245-8. (PubMed)
  13. Cianci A, et alMinerva Ginecol. 2008;60(5):369-76. (PubMed)
  14. Reid G, et al.FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2001;32(1):37-41. (PubMed)
  15. GR-1® and RC-14® were filed under NDIN 488 by the US FDA on March 3, 2008.
  16. EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards, et alEFSA Journal. 2018;16(1):e05131.
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