Beyond the gut: why L. crispatus matters in women’s health

Most conversations about live cultures begin with digestion. But the gut isn’t the only part of the body with a microbiome—and at AMOYA, we believe women’s intimate health deserves attention of its own.

Meet Lactobacillus crispatus, or L. crispatus: a bacterial species naturally found in the vaginal microbiome and also identified in the female urinary microbiome.

Its relationship with these environments makes it particularly interesting to researchers studying women’s health.

A natural part of the vaginal microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is a community of microorganisms that varies from woman to woman. In many women, Lactobacillus species make up a large proportion of that community, with L. crispatus sometimes the dominant species.

A landmark study of 396 asymptomatic women identified several distinct vaginal microbial communities, including one dominated by L. crispatus. There isn’t one identical microbiome shared by every woman, but L. crispatus is an important part of the picture. Research on the vaginal microbiome

One of its notable characteristics is its ability to produce lactic acid, which contributes to the vagina’s naturally acidic environment. Researchers continue to explore how this influences the surrounding microbial community. Research on L. crispatus and lactic acid

L. crispatus and the urinary microbiome

Regular urinary discomfort is one area of interest in L. crispatus research. Scientists have been exploring the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and UTI risk, including the role of naturally occurring Lactobacillus species. Research on L. crispatus and recurrent UTIs

That interest extends to the bladder itself. Although the vaginal and urinary microbiomes are distinct, they can share some of the same bacterial species—and L. crispatus has been identified in samples collected directly from the female bladder.

Researchers have also explored its relationship with other aspects of urinary health. In a 2014 study comparing women with and without urinariry urgency, L. crispatus was detected more frequently in women without it. Together, these areas of research help explain why this species attracts attention beyond vaginal health. Research on the female urinary microbiome

Looking beyond gut-focused live cultures

Many familiar live-culture products are developed and studied with digestion in mind. L. crispatus stands out because of its natural presence in the vaginal microbiome and its relevance to research on women’s intimate health.

For anyone getting to know the ingredients in women’s supplements, L. crispatus offers a useful starting point: the microbiome extends beyond the gut, and the organisms naturally found in different parts of the body deserve individual attention.

Caring for live cultures

Storage matters, too. Always follow your product’s instructions: some live-culture products require refrigeration, while others can be stored at room temperature.

Check the expiry date and any guidance for use after opening. Live cultures can lose viability over time, so following the recommended storage conditions helps preserve them throughout their shelf life. NIH storage guidance

L. crispatus in CLEAR

L. crispatus live cultures are one of the three core ingredients in CLEAR, alongside D-mannose and vitamin D3. You can read more on the science behind CLEAR here.