Background

Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found naturally in the human body. It's also found in fermented foods.

"Good" bacteria such as L. crispatus might help the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. These bacteria are sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and also found in dietary supplements.

People use L. crispatus for overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), infertility, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse L. crispatus with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that the Lactobacillus genus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Many species were reclassified at this time, but L. crispatus remains in the Lactobacillus genus. Its name did not change.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: L. crispatus is possibly safe for most people. L. crispatus has been used safely in doses of up to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for up to 12 months. It seems to be well-tolerated.

When applied to the vagina: L. crispatus is possibly safe. It's been used safely in doses of up to 2 billion CFUs daily for 5 days or twice weekly for 10 weeks.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L. crispatus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there are no reasons to expect safety concerns when used appropriately.

Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L. crispatus is safe for children, including very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: Probiotics have caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics, including L. crispatus.

Damaged heart valves: Probiotic preparations can cause an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics, including L. crispatus, before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

In adults, L. crispatus has been taken by mouth and also applied to the vagina in a capsule or suppository in varying doses. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotic drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

L. crispatus is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. crispatus can reduce the effects of L. crispatus. To avoid this interaction, take L. crispatus products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.