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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Iron vs L. crispatus CTV-05: Iron has the stronger overall evidence (9 vs 6/10); the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Iron wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
18-45mg elemental iron for deficiency (varies by severity)
On empty stomach if tolerated, Away from tea, coffee, dairy
Ferrous bisglycinate (gentle, well-absorbed) or iron protein succinylate
VAGINAL USE ONLY, by applicator: 2 x 10^9 CFU per dose. The phase 2b regimen was one dose daily for 5 days in week 1, then twice weekly for a further 10 weeks — always started after a completed course of vaginal metronidazole gel.
any
Vaginal applicator delivering L. crispatus CTV-05
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-12 weeks
11-week dosing course, measured at 12 weeks
n/a
Days 10-28
Persisting to 24 weeks
Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=48971
There is probably little to no difference in maternal death (2 versus 4 events, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.69; 3 trials, 14,060 women; moderate-certainty evidence).
The Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=722
The results showed that the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA among pregnant women in China were 30.7% (95% CI: 26.6%, 34.7%), 45.6% (95% CI: 37.0%, 54.2%), and 17.3% (95% CI: 13.9%, 20.7%), respectively.
Treatment for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=572
Intravenous iron versus oral iron supplementation The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of intravenous iron on mortality (risk ratio (RR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12 to 71.96; P = 0.51; I² = not applicable; 3 RCTs; 1 event; 572 women; very low-certainty evidence).
Randomized Trial of Lactin-V to Prevent Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis.
N Engl J Med (2020) · Rct · n=228
Recurrence of bacterial vaginosis by week 12: 30% (46/152) with Lactin-V vs 45% (34/76) with placebo; risk ratio 0.66 (95% CI 0.44-0.87), P=0.01
Response to Antibiotic Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis Predicts the Effectiveness of LACTIN-V (Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05) in the Prevention of Recurrent Disease.
Sex Transm Dis (2024) · Observational
This is a POST HOC analysis of the already-completed phase 2b LACTIN-V trial, not a new trial
Sustained effect of LACTIN-V (Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05) on genital immunology following standard bacterial vaginosis treatment: results from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Lancet Microbe (2022) · Rct · n=66
Vaginal IL-1α was significantly lower with LACTIN-V (β 0.310, SE 0.149; p=0.042)
Based on meta-analyses showing hemoglobin improvements of 2.01-5.30 g/dL in iron deficient populations. Higher doses show diminishing returns with increased GI side effects. Effectiveness varies significantly by baseline iron status and form used.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Iron has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Iron and L. crispatus CTV-05 have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.