Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can lead to health problems like genital warts and certain cancers. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, with some high-risk strains being linked to cervical, anal, and other cancers. While HPV often goes away on its own, some people have persistent infections. This has led many to wonder whether probiotics could help get rid of HPV.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. They help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. Some common probiotic strains are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotic supplements containing specific strains like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium are also popular.
Research shows probiotics can help with diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infections, and more. But could they also help eliminate HPV? Here’s what the research says so far.
How probiotics may impact HPV
While definitive research is lacking, there are some theoretical ways probiotics could help influence HPV:
Strengthening the immune system
One of the main ways probiotics help health is by enhancing immune function. They interact with immune cells in the gut, which supports the overall immune response. A stronger immune system may be better equipped to clear an HPV infection.
Some small studies have found probiotic strains like Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum may improve Natural Killer cell activity. Natural Killer cells are lymphocytes that play an important role in quickly recognizing and eliminating virus-infected cells.
Increasing antitumor activity
The antitumor effects of probiotics have been demonstrated in early research relating to cervical cancer. For example, a study in mice with HPV-16-induced cervical cancer found that probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus administrated orally significantly increased antitumor activity.
Researchers believe probiotics may enhance antitumor immunity by increasing inflammatory cytokines and stimulating immune cells like T-lymphocytes. However, more clinical research is needed to confirm this antiviral and antitumor activity translates to humans with HPV infections.
Supporting vaginal health
Some probiotic strains may promote vaginal health by lowering vaginal pH and preventing overgrowth of harmful bacteria. A healthy vaginal microbiome is important for pathogen resistance.
For example, clinical studies show probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 supplemented orally or vaginally may increase vaginal lactobacilli counts in women with bacterial vaginosis. This could support clearance of HPV, but more research is needed specifically on HPV infections.
Preventing precancerous changes
Early research hints that probiotics could help prevent precancerous changes associated with HPV, like cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
A clinical trial on women positive for HPV and CIN found taking an oral probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 twice daily helped normalize their vaginal microbiome and reverse CIN compared to placebo.
Another pilot study had women with CIN use vaginal probiotic suppositories containing Lactobacillus gasseri over 12 weeks. About 93% of the women showed improvements in CIN, while just over 50% in the placebo group improved. However, larger trials are still needed.
What does the research say about probiotics & HPV?
While probiotics show promise for potentially combatting HPV and preventing precancerous cervical changes, most of the current research is preliminary.
Here’s a summary of some key scientific studies on probiotics and HPV:
Study 1
– 50 women positive for HPV and low-grade cervical lesions took probiotic Lactobacillus brevis CD2 lozenges or placebo for 30 days
– The probiotic group showed significant improvements in lesion state and HPV clearance rate
– 30% of the women taking probiotics had lesion improvements compared to just 8% in placebo group
Study 2
– Double-blind pilot study with 32 women positive for HPV
– Randomly assigned to take an oral probiotic blend or placebo daily for 6 months
– Moderate dietary intervention was also implemented
– At 6 months, 14 of 16 women in probiotic group tested negative for HPV compared to 8 of 16 in placebo group
– Probiotic group showed significant increase in urinary Lactobacillus
Study 3
– Lab study looked at extracts from Lactobacillus gasseri on cervical cells positive for HPV 16 and 18
– Probiotic extracts showed anti-proliferative effects on the cervical cells, inhibiting cancer growth
– Researchers concluded L. gasseri has potential antitumor effects on cervical tissue
| Study | Participants | Intervention | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study 1 | 50 women with HPV and cervical lesions | Probiotic Lactobacillus brevis lozenges for 30 days | Probiotic group had significantly higher HPV clearance and lesion improvements |
| Study 2 | 32 women positive for HPV | Oral probiotic blend taken daily for 6 months | 87% of probiotic group tested HPV-negative at 6 months vs. 50% of placebo |
| Study 3 | HPV 16/18 infected cervical cells | Lab extracts from probiotic L. gasseri | Probiotics showed antitumor effects on cervical cells |
While these studies show some benefits, larger scale research is still needed to make definitive conclusions. Most studies so far have been small or lab-based. Human clinical trials with hundreds of participants can better evaluate probiotics against HPV infections.
Are there any risks of taking probiotics with HPV?
In general, probiotics are considered very safe, with few side effects. When taken by mouth or vaginally, the most common side effects are mild digestive symptoms like gas or bloating.
There are currently no known interactions or risks specifically between probiotics and HPV. However, people who are immunocompromised should exercise caution with probiotics.
Those with weakened immune systems, like from chemotherapy or HIV, should talk to their doctor first, as rare cases of infection or overstimulation of the immune system have occurred. Otherwise most people can safely take probiotics under the care of their physician.
Tips for Using Probiotics Against HPV
While more research is still underway, some tips for potentially using probiotics for HPV include:
Get your strain specifics
– Focus on well-studied strains like Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, etc.
– Avoid vague multi-strain blends without species details
Combine with diet changes
– Follow an antioxidant and nutrient-rich diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, etc.
– Limit sugars, processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco use
Consider both oral and vaginal administration
– Take an oral probiotic supplement daily for overall immune support
– Use an additional vaginal probiotic 1-2 times per week to target the cervicovaginal area
Look for proper storage and labeling
– Select refrigerated probiotic products ideally
– Avoid products without expiration dates or colony forming units (CFU) counts
Give it 2-3 months
– It can take at least a few months to alter the microbiome and influence HPV
– Be patient and take probiotics consistently in combination with a healthy lifestyle
The Bottom Line
Early research shows probiotics may offer potential antiviral and antitumor benefits in the context of HPV based on their effects on immune function, vaginal health, and carcinogenesis. However, definitive clinical evidence confirming these effects in humans is still lacking. The available studies show promise, but larger scale trials are needed.
While probiotics are generally safe and benefit vaginal and immune health, specific claims about treating or getting rid of HPV remain unproven. Probiotics may be a beneficial supplement to support overall health in combination with a healthy lifestyle. But always talk to your doctor first before using probiotics against any medical condition like HPV.
More research is underway to fully determine if probiotics can help eliminate high-risk HPV infections or prevent their progression to cervical cancer. In the meantime, currently recommended medical care from your doctor should be followed. Ongoing PAP smears to screen for precancerous cervical changes remain vitally important, along with HPV vaccination.