Their work is helping advance targeted solutions for women’s health – an area receiving growing scientific and consumer attention with research increasingly documenting the influence of female physiology on health outcomes.  

As the understanding of the microbiome develops, Probi’s research is contributing to novel approaches in key areas of women’s health, including iron status and bone health. Iron is vital for all bodily functions and is especially important for women during their active menstrual years, while bone health is strongly connected to the years thereafter, when estrogen levels drop. 

Supporting healthy iron levels 

Iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional challenges affecting women. Globally, around 30% of women have low iron stores, influenced by factors such as menstruation, pregnancy and dietary intake.  

To address this, Probi developed a clinically proven solution combining 10B LP299V® with iron. Research has demonstrated that this probiotic strain can increase iron absorption and help restore healthy iron levels. The concept was last year acclaimed at the NutraIngredients Awards in all three continents, where it received the Best Innovation in Women’s Health award. 

“Improving iron absorption can have a meaningful impact on women’s wellbeing,” says Caroline Montelius, Senior Department Manager, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Probi. “Our research focuses on solutions that are both scientifically robust and relevant to the real health challenges women experience every day.” 

Exploring the gut–bone connection 

Bone health represents another important research focus area. Osteoporosis affects one in three women over the age of 50, largely driven by declining estrogen levels that accelerate bone resorption – the natural process through which bone tissue breaks down and is renewed. 

Increasingly, research suggests the gut microbiota may influence this process. Studies conducted by Probi investigated how specific probiotic strains interact with the microbiome and their potential role in supporting bone health.  

Clinical research has shown that Probi’s bone health concept can reduce bone resorption by more than 70% over one year, indicating potential long-term benefits for maintaining bone balance.  

“The microbiome is increasingly viewed as an important factor in many aspects of health,” Montelius explains. “Understanding how it interacts with bone metabolism may provide new ways to support women as they age.” 

Research designed with women in mind 

Despite growing awareness of sex-specific differences in health, much historical clinical research has been conducted predominantly in men. As a result, recommendations for women have often been based on data that did not fully account for female physiology. 

At Probi, clinical trial design takes a different approach. Women are strongly represented in the company’s studies, helping ensure that the scientific evidence more accurately reflects the individuals the solutions are designed to support. 

“Representation in research matters,” says Montelius. “Including more women in our clinical trials enables us to generate evidence that better reflects female biology and health needs.” 

Looking ahead 

‘As microbiome science advances, new opportunities are emerging to better understand the biological factors that support women’s health. Research into iron absorption, bone health and emerging fields such as vaginal microbiota is helping address longstanding knowledge gaps while extending the scientific foundation for targeted health solutions, Montelius concludes. ‘On International Women’s Day, recognizing the role of women in research is an opportunity to reflect on how far the field has come. It is also a reminder that diverse scientific teams help drive stronger research and more impactful health solutions for women everywhere.’ 

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