Studies from G. Reid and colleagues provide new data on women's health.

According to a study from London, Canada, "The microbiota of the vagina form mostly from ascension of microbes from the rectal area. The numbers and types of microbes fluctuates with hormone levels, sexual contact, douching, and diet, yet the basic composition is relatively simple, with lactobacilli dominant in healthy females."

"The depletion of these organisms in women susceptible to urinary and vaginal infections, raised the question of whether artificial supplementation of lactobacilli could lower infection rates. To date, a 2 strain combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 have proved to be the most effective at restoring and maintaining a normal vaginal microbiota. Other organisms show promise in resolving diseases that afflict over 1 billion women worldwide each year," wrote G. Reid and colleagues (see also Women's Health).

The researchers concluded: "The mechanisms involved have not been completely resolved, but seem to include modulation of host immunity, reduction in pathogen ascension from the rectum, and interference with colonization and survival of pathogens."

Reid and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (Probiotic Lactobacilli for urogenital health in women. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 2008;42(8 Suppl. S):S234-U3).

For more information, contact G. Reid, F2 116 Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research & Development Center Probiot, 268 Grosvenor St., London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: Canada, London, Women's Health, Clinical Gastroenterology, Feminine Hygeine, Gastroenterology, Gynecology, Hormones.

This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Women's Health Weekly via NewsRx.com.

Source Citation
"Studies from G. Reid and colleagues provide new data on women's health." Women's Health Weekly 30 Oct. 2008: 447. General OneFile. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. .

Gale Document Number:A189158921

Disclaimer:This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.