Written by
Emily Hirsch, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, Women's Health Specialist and GI Health
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Clairvee Review: Effectiveness, Side Effects, Pros and Cons
Medically Reviewed by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Last Updated on December 9, 2021
Bonafide’s Clairvee contains 2 probiotic strains that have been proven effective in supporting vaginal health by helping to maintain a balanced vaginal microbiome. However, Clairvee comes with a higher price tag than similar probiotics.
Emily Hirsch is a registered dietitian with over fifteen years of experience in the health and wellness space. She received her undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Rhode Island and her Masters of Science with distinction in nutrition education from California State University, Chico.
Medically Reviewed by
Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian nutritionist with 14 years of experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics. She graduated from UCLA in 2002 with a degree in psychology and women’s studies and completed her master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2010
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Pros
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Cons
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What Is Clairvee?
Bonafide’s Clairvee is a nutritional supplement designed to promote vaginal comfort and health.
If you have an overproduction of unhealthy bacteria in your vagina, you may be more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
Many factors can alter the balance of your vaginal ecosystem. These include pregnancy, sexual practices, your period, menopause, diet, the use of antibiotics, and douching.
Clairvee contains probiotic strains specific for your vaginal microbiome that can help promote balance, thus reducing this risk of BV and yeast infections, including symptoms of odor, irritation, and discomfort.
Clairvee has the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, both of which have been shown to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.
Additionally, the product provides lactoferrin and folate, which have been shown to balance the vaginal microbiome, inhibit the growth and adherence of vaginal infections, and support the vagina’s natural defense system.
Clairvee is manufactured by Bonafide, a company that creates non-prescription solutions that treat women’s health issues including PMS, menopause, gut health, and vaginal health.
Evaluation of Ingredients
Clairvee contains a blend of probiotics, lactoferrin, and folate to help balance and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.
One thing to note about probiotics is that results from studies are strain-specific and cannot be extrapolated to other strains of the same genus or other strains belonging to the same species and sub-species. (1)
Therefore, if the exact strain has not been studied, it is difficult to make recommendations that it will work in the same way.
Lactobacillus acidophilus, 4 billion CFUs
L. acidophilus is one of the most commonly researched types of probiotics for vaginal health.
It is believed that L. acidophilus adheres to vaginal surfaces, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to grow.
Additionally, L. acidophilus may adhere directly to unhealthy bacteria, killing them and preventing their spread.
One 2019 clinical trial found that the combination of L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and lactoferrin effectively improved symptoms of BV, including vaginal discharge and itching. (2)
Researchers also noted that this probiotic blend significantly improved the recurrence rate of BV.
One 2020 review suggested that L. acidophilus, among other derivatives of lactobacilli, may be a valuable tool in preventing and managing vaginal infections, including BV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), also known as vaginal yeast infections. (3)
Summary
In clinical studies, L. acidophilus has been shown to effectively prevent and manage various vaginal infections by stopping the growth and spread of harmful bacteria.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 1 billion CFUs
L. rhamnosus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines and within your vagina.
Much like L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus may also help prevent and manage various vaginal infections by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
One older review found that various lactobacillus bacteria, including L. rhamnosus, were also effective at preventing urinary tract infections. (4)
A recent clinical trial evaluated the potential of L. rhamnosus for its ability to restore a balanced vaginal microbiome. (5)
Researchers found that the strain effectively reduced discharge, lowered vaginal pH, and reduced the presence of harmful bacteria.
Summary
L. rhamnosus may benefit your vaginal health by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and lowering your vaginal pH.
Lactoferrin, 50 mg
Lactoferrin is a protein found naturally in cow’s milk. Lactoferrin’s primary functions in your body include transporting iron and helping to fight infections.
Lactoferrin may also play a role in supporting your vaginal health through its antibacterial properties.
One 2020 review examined the role of Lactobacillus and lactoferrin as a strategy for minimizing bacterial and fungal vaginal infections. (6)
Researchers found that this combination was effective in preventing BV and vaginal yeast infections.
Summary
Lactoferrin, along with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus, may support your vaginal health by minimizing bacterial and fungal vaginal infections.
Folate, 400 mcg
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that may help your body make healthy new cells.
There are very few studies evaluating whether folate has any impact on the vaginal microbiome.
One older study found that folate may support the replication of healthy bacteria in the vagina to help restore balance. (7)
However, more research is needed to evaluate the effect of folic acid and its role in supporting vaginal health.
Summary
Folate may help your vaginal microbiome by supporting the replication of healthy bacteria; however, more research is needed to evaluate this link.
Support for Claimed Benefits
Below is our summary of the available evidence for the claimed benefits of Clairvee based on the available research:
| Helps balance and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome | 4/5 |
| Promotes vaginal health for comfort and confidence | 4/5 |
| Maintains a healthy vaginal pH | 4/5 |
| Supports the vagina’s natural defense system | 4/5 |
There is strong evidence to support that the combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and lactoferrin can help balance and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and vaginal pH.
However, more research is needed to assess the role of folate in supporting vaginal health.
Side Effects, Safety, and Dosage
The manufacturers of Clairvee recommend taking one capsule per day for 15 consecutive days to achieve an entire month of vaginal flora balance. This should be repeated monthly.
According to Clairvee, users of the product may see benefits as early as 15 days, but the product should be taken for at least six months for best results.
Clairvee claims that their powerful formulation provides month-long protection even on the “off” days when you’re not taking it.
Individuals who are lactose intolerant may not tolerate Clairvee as it contains lactoferrin, which is derived from milk.
Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas from taking a probiotic. (8)
However, no adverse side effects were reported in a study examining the effects of L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus on bacterial vaginal pathogens. (9)
Always speak to your doctor if you are struggling with vaginal concerns, as they can best assess if the concerns are due to another underlying condition.
Cost
If opting to go with their subscribe and save option, Clairvee costs $30.00 per month, including free shipping and automatic recurring delivery.
If making a one-time purchase, the product costs $50.00 for a one-month supply.
While you can cancel your subscription anytime, the company does not provide a money-back guarantee.
However, their customer service team can easily be reached by chat, email, or text and could consider providing a refund to ensure customer satisfaction.
Clairvee can also be purchased using a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA), which is a convenient and cost-effective way to buy the product.
Considering that Clairvee’s ingredients are backed by scientific research, the slightly higher cost may be worth it for women looking for an effective product.
How Clairvee Compares to Alternatives
As the research surrounding probiotics for women’s health continues to expand, so do the product choices.
Fem-Dophilus is an alternative probiotic for women that supports vaginal and urinary tract health.
The product contains 500 CFUs of two patented probiotic strains, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, both of which have been extensively studied for their effectiveness in enhancing vaginal health.
The product is less expensive than Clairvee at $29 for a 1-month supply. Fem-Dophilus is free of major allergens, including wheat, gluten, soybeans, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, or peanuts/tree nuts.
However, unlike Clairvee, Fem-Dophilus requires refrigeration, which may be inconvenient for some.
RepHresh Pro-B is another vaginal probiotic supplement that helps to balance bacteria and yeast to maintain feminine health.
The product contains two patented and clinically tested vaginal strains of probiotics, including L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, to support vaginal health.
RepHresh Pro-B is very similar in price to Fem-Dophilus and can be purchased for $26 for a 1-month supply. The product is also free of dairy for those that are lactose intolerant.
Despite its refrigeration requirement, Fem-Dophilus is a product that has been extensively studied for its ability to support vaginal and urinary tract health.
It’s also free of allergens and comes with a reasonable price tag. Therefore, I may recommend this probiotic over the others.
Summary
While Clairvee is a solid product with a well-balanced offering of probiotics, there are excellent, less expensive options on the market.
The Bottom Line
Bonafide’s Clairvee contains an effective blend of probiotics, including the strains L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus, both of which have been studied for their roles in supporting vaginal health.
The product also contains lactoferrin, which may support your vaginal health through its antibacterial properties.
While the role of folate remains a bit unclear, it may help balance your vaginal microbiome by encouraging the replication of healthy bacteria.
On one hand, Clairvee contains effective ingredients backed by scientific research.
On the other, Clairvee is more expensive than similar products that may provide similar health benefits.
Next Steps
You may be able to support your vaginal health by eating a well-balanced diet that includes fermented foods.
Fermented foods are probiotic-rich foods that may help boost the beneficial bacteria in your vagina, help maintain its pH, and may protect against infections.
Fermented foods to try may include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
Highly processed foods, particularly those that are high in sugar, may contribute to yeast and other vaginal infections. Try reducing your intake of sweets like cookies, cakes, and pies.
Additionally, staying hydrated is a great way to help maintain the pH of your vagina and may also help prevent urinary tract infections.
Taking a probiotic to enhance your vaginal health is also an option. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before doing so to ensure its safety and benefit for you.
It’s also important to know which strains look for in a product, as many probiotics are intended to enhance gut health, not necessarily meet the unique needs of your vagina.
When looking for a probiotic to support your vaginal health, look for the following strains:
- L. rhamnosus GR-1
- L. reuteri RC-14
- L. crispatus LbV 88
- L. gasseri LbV 150N
- L. jensenii LbV 116
- L. rhamnosus LbV 96.14
These strains have been known to support an increase in healthy vaginal bacteria and protect against harmful pathogens.
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9 Sources Used
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- A gastrointestinal anti-infectious biotherapeutic agent: the heat-treated Lactobacillus LB:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699271/ - Evidence-based mixture containing Lactobacillus strains and lactoferrin to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30525953/ - Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health:
https://microbialcellfactories.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12934-020-01464-4 - Lactobacillus for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women: meta-analysis:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23433130/ - A clinical pilot study on the effect of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 strain in women with vaginal dysbiosis:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-81931-z - Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023241/ - Dietary intake of selected nutrients affects bacterial vaginosis in women:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17709453/ - National Library of Medicine: Probiotics:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20208051/ - Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus on bacterial vaginal pathogens:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806794/
