"The judges chose Member's Mark because not only is it accessible, but the developers used clinically-studied probiotics placed in an ideal pill size," said Stephen Daniells, PhD, editor-in-chief at NutraIngredients-USA. "As one judge noted, 'they did their homework and didn't cut any corners.' Additionally, Member's Mark's impressive commercial success really speaks to the quality and efficacy of the product."
The specialty award, introduced in 2022, seeks to recognize innovators with the best ingredients or products to promote women's health, research projects specifically benefitting female health and wellness, and women-led start-ups.
A growing category
According to research firm Future Market Insights (FMI), high-stress levels and poor dietary habits are among the reasons women gravitate to probiotics, which encourage a healthy gut microbiome.
"Rising trends in preventive healthcare and proactive wellness practices are also encouraging women to seek out probiotics as a natural way to support gut health," according to a recent Future Markets Insights report. "This awareness about the importance of gut health and its impact on women’s overall wellbeing is fueling the growth of probiotics for the women's market."
The market research firm also highlighted that women are searching for personalized solutions and innovative product formulations designed to address specific feminine health concerns, and this has contributed to the growth of a women's probiotic market that is projected to expand at a CAGR of more than 18% from 2024 to reach close to $3 billion by 2034.
"The lactobacillus bacteria strain type in women's probiotics is garnering tremendous admiration due to its effectiveness in addressing women’s health challenges, primarily concerning urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and digestive health," the report noted. "The ability of this strain to maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent yeast infections has resonated well with female consumers."
The winning product
Despite market growth, innovations in women’s health have been historically overlooked and underinvested, but the growing body of evidence reveals an understanding that the microbiome in women is uniquely different than others and requires tailored solutions.
The Member's Mark Women's Daily Probiotic contains 14 strains of beneficial bacteria providing 25 billion live cells of clinically studied Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains along with 50 mg of prebiotic fiber. A key component of the formulation is the UREX blend, a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. The blend has been studied in over 30 human clinical trials for women’s health and been shown to support healthy urogenital system by maintaining microbial balance and vaginal pH across women's life stages, from pregnancy and through post-menopause.
Additional strains Bifidobacterium BB-12 and L. rhamnosus LGG—among the most researched in the world—modulate the gut microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic ones.
The two other finalists in the category this year included Pharmactive Biotech Products with Affron, a saffron extract clinically proven to improve stress, mood, occasional insomnia and cognitive health particularly for women in perimenopause and Venetron by Tokiwa Phytochemical, which addresses sleep quality, stress relief and common complaints associated with PMS and menstruation.
