HMF® Vaginal Health probiotic contains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KABP™-061, a patented human strain with unique properties for restoring the vaginal flora and a high capacity for adherence to the vaginal mucosa. In healthy women, Lactobacilli are the predominant bacteria in the vaginal ecosystem and exert a significant influence in maintaining a balanced microbiota of the vagina by inhibiting the overgrowth of undesirable bacterial species.1-3 By producing lactic acid, Lactobacilli stabilize the vagina's physiological pH and help the body's natural defence mechanisms to ward off fungal overgrowth that can lead to vaginal infections.1 Moreover, by colonising the vaginal cavity, they form a protective film that inhibits the growth of other unwanted microorganisms.4 L. plantarum KABP™-061 was specifically selected for its high ability to acidify the vaginal environment, for demonstrating inhibition of common UTI pathogens (including E. coli, S. saprophyticus and P. mirabilis) and its antibacterial properties against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.6,7 An open-label, prospective and comparative study found the use of the probiotic L. plantarum KABP™-061, after antifungal treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), significantly reduced all vaginal symptoms assessed (i.e. leucorrhoea, erythema, edema, stinging, itching, pain and bad odour) after 14 days.5,6 Promoting a healthy vaginal flora reduces the likelihood of fungal overgrowth, which in turn reduces the chances of infections. This was seen in the same study, which reported L. plantarum KABP™-061 as useful in reducing the number of cases of recurrence by 60% in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC).5,6 HMF®® Vaginal Health may be used to help support and maintain a healthy vaginal flora in any situation where vaginal microflora is altered.