CA15 was reportedly selected after a “rigorous process and thorough characterization, establishing it as an ideal probiotic candidate for women’s health,” said the company in a press release.
A study published in Nutrients in 2022 outlined the functional and safety assessments for the strain and described that CA15 antagonizes a broad spectrum of pathogens, adheres to both vaginal and intestinal cell lines and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
“The CA15 (DSM 33960) strain, tested in the present study, exhibited a high survival rate at a low pH, in the presence of lysozymes and bile salts as well as during the in vitro-simulated GI digestion,” wrote scientists from University of Catania, ProBioEtna SRL, Sacco Systems and the University of Helsinki. “In particular, the survival percentages detected after exposure to SGJ [simulated gastric juice] and SIF [simulated intestinal fluid] were higher than those displayed by the L. rhamnosus GG.”
Clinical support
A subsequent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examined the efficacy of CA15 to restore vaginal health, with the findings published in the Frontiers of Surgery in 2023.
Our results support the effectiveness of the probiotic L. rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain to restore the vaginal microbiota and consequently, an effective normalization of the physiological pH, accompanied by remission or attenuation of clinical signs and symptoms as well as an improvement of quality of life in women with vaginal dysbiosis," the scientists wrote.
Improvements in symptoms of vaginal discomfort and measures of quality of life were observed after just 10 days of supplements with CA15 and can persist for up to 30 days after the treatment ends.
“Achieving GRAS status is a crucial step in ensuring consumer safety and confidence in the product,” the Sacco press release stated. “This recognition will help expand the presence of CA15 in the U.S. market, supporting the health and well-being of many women.
“As the demand for probiotics in functional foods and dietary supplements continues to grow, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CA15 stands out as a trusted choice for consumers and industry stakeholders alike.”