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Provitalize Review: Evidence for Weight Loss, But Not Much More
Last Updated on July 12, 2023
Medically Reviewed by Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI
Provitalize contains probiotics that may help with weight management and reducing bloat. However, no solid evidence exists that it can alleviate other menopause symptoms. Whether for weight loss or other symptoms, there are better options available.
Key Insights (TL;DR)
- Provitalize contains evidence-backed probiotic strains that may help promote weight loss and reduce bloating.
- You will need to take this supplement long-term to experience its weight loss benefits, but weight is likely to return once you stop taking it.
- Provitalize makes it seem like it includes unique strains for women in menopause. However, there is no scientific evidence that the strains used in this supplement offer additional benefits for menopausal women than they would for anyone else.
- Any probiotic supplement containing strains that promote weight loss may be helpful during menopause. Because of this, Provitalize is not unique, and we believe better options are available.
- There is no solid scientific support for Provitalize’s claims to manage other menopause symptoms, such as promoting sleep, supporting energy, and easing hot flashes.
- The brand offers a generous 90-day money-back guarantee on your first order, so you can try the product risk-free to see if it works for you. However, there are multiple complaints on Trustpilot that the refund process is not smooth because the brand will require you to try the product for 90 days before issuing a refund.
Things Provitalize Gets Right
- It contains research-backed probiotic strains that may help with weight loss and bloating.
- Uses natural ingredients with a good safety profile.
- Its herbal ingredients may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
- The capsules are covered in a delayed-release coating to optimize absorption.
Important Considerations
- Provitalize’s herbal ingredients don’t have evidence to support their benefit for certain menopausal symptoms.
- The supplement is more expensive than some comparable products.
- Consumer complaints about customer service issues, mainly around getting a refund.
- The supplement is not third-party tested for ingredient quality and purity.
- The brand’s website has discrepancies. No mention of a scientific board behind the supplement or who is behind the brand.
Provitalize at a Glance
Provitalize from Better Body Co. is a probiotic supplement marketed to women going through premenopause, menopause, and postmenopause that is claimed to help with weight management, gut health, and other menopause symptoms.
Weight gain can be a concern for many women during menopause. The hormone changes during menopause can make it easier to gain weight, especially around the abdomen. (1)
However, weight gain does not happen due to hormonal changes alone. Loss of muscle mass related to aging slows down your metabolism — causing weight gain. Other menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and poor sleep, may make it more difficult to be active, which further contributes to weight gain.
While eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, and prioritizing sleep remain the best natural ways to manage menopause symptoms, products like Provitalize offer women additional help.
Certain probiotic strains, some of which are included in Provitalize, have been shown to help manage weight and improve digestion. The downside is that these effects may go away once you stop using the product, and the weight usually returns — although it does depend on each individual. (2)
However, when combined with proper nutrition and physical activity, probiotic supplements could be a great solution.
How to Take
Provitalize uses a delayed-release capsule to help ensure the probiotics are alive when they reach the large intestine, where they will be the most helpful.
A serving of Provitalize is 2 capsules. They can be taken with or without food. Better Body Co. recommends taking the capsules first thing in the morning for the best results.
The company states that the product does not need to be refrigerated like many other probiotics as long as it is kept at room temperature or in an otherwise cool, dry environment.
On Amazon, many users report that the capsules are easy to swallow and that keeping up the regimen was easy.
See Supplement Facts
A serving of Provitalize consists of 2 capsules, and contains the following ingredients:
- Probiotic Blend: 400 mg (2 billion colony-forming units (CFU) – B. breve, B. lactis, L. gasseri)
- Turmeric root extract: 350 mg
- Moringa leaf: 350 mg
- Curry leaf: 150 mg
- Sunflower lecithin: 50 mg
- Black Pepper Fruit Extract (BioPerine): 3 mg
What Ingredients in Provitalize Can (and Can’t) Do for You
The probiotic strains in Provitalize have some clinical research supporting their uses for weight management and reducing digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea — which can be common during menopause. However, there is no evidence that these probiotic strains or the other health-promoting herbal ingredients in this supplement can offer direct relief for other common menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or hair loss.
Below we will explain the ingredients in this supplement and their role.
Lactobacillus Gasseri
L. gasseri has some evidence of its ability to support female health by preventing bacterial vaginosis (a claim not made by Better Body Co.), as well as supporting digestive health and some weight loss. (3)
Specifically, two studies we reviewed showed that women taking L. gasseri for 12 weeks experienced some reduction in abdominal fat and weight. However, one of the studies explained that the weight was regained once the women stopped taking the probiotic. (4, 5)
Additionally, in one randomized controlled trial, researchers noted that people with dyspepsia (stomach pain) who ate yogurt containing L. gasseri daily for 12 weeks had less bloating and intestinal discomfort than those who ate a placebo yogurt. (6)
Bifidobacterium Breve
Bifidobacterium breve is a bacteria that lives symbiotically in the human intestinal tract and is often used to manage digestive conditions like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
One 2018 study lasting for 12 weeks showed B. breve to be effective at lowering body fat mass and percent body fat among pre-obese adults. (7)
Other randomized controlled trials have also noted that, as part of a probiotic blend, B. breve could help reduce weight and fat mass in obese or overweight people. (8, 9)
Bifidobacterium Lactis
Bifidobacterium lactis is a bacteria found throughout the digestive tract and is said to improve immune function and digestive issues.
Studies have shown that B. lactis may relieve bloating and other digestive symptoms like diarrhea in people with constipation. (10, 11, 12)
Another 8-week study confirmed similar results by showing that B. lactis may help reduce bloating among people with functional bowel disorders. (13)
Finally, this strain may also boost immune function, increasing resistance to common respiratory infections and seasonal allergies. (14)
Turmeric Root Extract
The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for most of its benefits. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may reduce inflammation, knee pain at night, and knee pain while standing. (15, 16)
A 2019 review of 21 studies, which collectively included 1,604 individuals, concluded that curcumin taken by people with metabolic syndrome (conditions that increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke) was linked to a significant reduction in weight, waist circumference, BMI, and leptin (a hormone primarily made by fat cells that regulate energy balance and gives you a feeling of fullness). (17)
Moringa Leaf Extract
This extract comes from the Moringa oleifera tree, native to North India. It’s rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which help fight oxidative stress induced by free radicals, which can lead to inflammation and chronic disease. (18)
Powdered moringa is also rich in vitamin E, another antioxidant that may have benefits for mild cognitive impairment related to an aging brain. That may be relevant in menopause as many women note forgetfulness and brain fog. (19, 20, 21)
Curry Leaf Extract
Curry leaf offers antioxidants that may support blood sugar management and heart health (such as lowering cholesterol). (22, 23)
Bioperine (Piperine Extract)
Piperine has been shown to significantly improve the absorption of curcumin, which may improve the intended benefits of turmeric used in Provitalize. (24)
Safety Considerations
For the most part, the ingredients in Provitalize appear to be safe, including its probiotic strains (the studies on them reported no adverse effects). The product is also suitable for most diets because it’s keto-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free.
However, the supplement isn’t third-party tested. The FDA doesn’t approve supplements before they are sold, so independent testing helps to verify that the supplement contents match what’s listed on the label.
Sometimes probiotics can cause digestive side effects — like gas or bloating. In most people, these are temporary and typically go away after a few days. (25)
Additionally, Provitalize contains some ingredients that may interfere with heart medications, including blood thinners or medications that lower cholesterol. It may also interfere with other drugs, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, or medications that lower your blood sugar levels. (26, 27)
Consult your healthcare provider before taking Provitalize, especially if you are taking prescription medications.
Cost and Buying Options
Provitalize is more expensive than alternatives but offers bulk and subscription purchase options that decrease costs.
On the brand’s website, one-time purchase options are:
- 1 Bottle: $49, $9.95 shipping
- 2 Bottles: $98 ($49/bottle), free shipping
- 3 Bottles: $120 ($40/bottle), free shipping
Each bottle contains 60 capsules, with a serving size of 2 capsules. This means that each bottle is a 30-day supply.
The company offers an additional 15% savings with an autoship subscription. This option is only available for the single bottle and requires a minimum 3-month commitment.
Better Body Co. offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on your first one-time order (or 180 days on your subscription). However, based on customer reviews, customer support may ask you to try the product for the full 90 days before processing your guarantee.
Provitalize is also available on Amazon at similar prices, but the guarantee only applies to purchases made on the official website.
Alternatives to Provitalize
There are hundreds of probiotic supplements on the market. However, the research on probiotics to relieve major menopause symptoms is limited and inconclusive. One thing that is more or less clear is that certain probiotic strains may contribute to some weight loss.
Provitalize contains probiotic strains that could be used to help you manage menopausal weight gain. However, because Provitalize has never been studied among women going through menopause, we will compare it to other probiotic supplements formulated for weight loss to determine the best option.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that Provitalize’s other ingredients could be used to manage menopausal symptoms. If that is your chief concern, there are many safe and effective options available, which we will list below in a moment.
First, here’s how Provitolize compares to several leading brands that offer probiotic formulas for weight loss containing research-backed strains:
Provitalize |
Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic |
Physician’s Choice Thin 30 Probiotics |
|
---|---|---|---|
Probiotic Strains |
B. breve, B. lactis, and L. gasseri |
L. gasseri, L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, L. casei, L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L. salivarius, L. bulgaricus, B. lactis, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. infantis, B. longum |
L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. gasseri, L. infantis, B. lactis, B. infantis |
CFUs |
68.2 billion |
50 billion |
15 billion |
Prebiotics |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Other Ingredients |
Turmeric root extract, Moringa leaf, Curry leaf, Sunflower lecithin, Black pepper fruit extract |
Organic acacia fiber (A. senegal) |
Green tea leaf extract, Sunflower lecithin, Organic apple cider vinegar, Cayenne pepper extract, Organic acacia senegal, Organic chicory root, Organic Jerusalem artichoke root, Digestive enzyme blend |
Daily Dosage |
2 capsules daily |
Packets of powder that are mixed with water |
1 capsule daily |
Certifications |
None |
Organic, Non-GMO |
Third-party tested but no seal is displayed |
Regular Price |
$49 (30-day supply) |
$40.79 (20-day supply) |
$34.95 (30-day supply) |
Cost Per Serving |
$1.63 |
$2.04 |
$1.17 |
Discounts |
Subscription can lower the cost by 15% |
Shopping around at different retailers can lower cost by 25% |
Subscription and buying in bulk can lower the cost by 33% |
Returns |
90-day money-back guarantee, you must pay return shipping |
60-day money-back guarantee, you must pay return shipping |
60-day money-back guarantee, you must pay return shipping |
Purchase |
Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Shop on Amazon |
If you are considering a probiotic supplement to help you lose the weight you have gained during menopause, there is nothing about Provitolize that makes it stand out from the competition in any way. If weight loss is your goal, we believe the other two alternatives are better:
- Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic is the best overall choice. It contains a larger variety of probiotic strains than Provitalize, which may support your weight loss goals and digestive health in a more rounded way. It also contains a prebiotic fiber (food for the probiotics), which promotes good bacteria growth. This organic product comes from a reputable brand (Garden of Life). If it fits into your budget, this is a great pick.
- If you want a more budget-friendly option, Physician’s Choice Thin 30 Probiotics is a solid choice. It has more probiotic strains than Provitalize, plus a prebiotic and other ingredients that have research backing their use for weight loss.
If you are looking for a natural product to help manage your menopause symptoms, none of the above probiotics have been specifically formulated for such concerns. The good news is that there are several other clinically proven, effective, and natural options. Here is a quick comparison of the leading brands:
Estroven |
Amberen |
Equelle |
Relizen |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Uses |
Relief of common menopause symptoms |
Relief of common menopause symptoms, including weight gain |
Relief of menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal symptoms |
Relief of menopausal hot flashes and night sweats |
Active Ingredients |
Rhapontic Rhubarb Root Extract |
Vitamin E, Ammonium Succinate, Calcium Disuccinate, Monosodium L-Glutamate, Glycine, Magnesium Disuccinate, Zinc Difumarate |
S-equol |
Pollen + Pistil Extract PI-82, Pollen Extract GC-FEM |
Contains Soy |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Mechanism of Action |
Promotes beneficial estrogen-like activities |
Regulates hormone production |
Mimics the effects and actions of estrogen |
It’s non-hormonal, but the mechanism is unclear; it may regulate serotonin levels |
Hormone and Drug Free? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Plant-Based |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Scientific Evidence |
Large, well-designed studies have shown that Estroven helped significantly reduce common menopause symptoms |
Smaller, well-designed studies have shown that Amberen helped significantly reduce common menopause symptoms |
Smaller, well-designed studies have shown that Equelle helped reduce hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms, and mood swings |
Small, open-label studies have shown that Relizen reduces hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause |
Clinical Studies for Long-Term Safety |
Studies (up to two years) have shown Estroven to be generally safe for long-term use |
Studies (up to 90 days) have shown Amberen to be generally safe, longer studies are needed |
Studies (up to 12 weeks) have shown Equelle to be generally safe, longer studies are needed |
Studies (up to 90 days) have shown Relizen to be generally safe; longer studies are needed |
How Long to Take to See Relief |
Studies have shown initial relief in 4 weeks |
Studies have shown initial relief in 30 days |
Studies have shown initial relief in 1 month |
Studies have shown initial relief by month 3 |
Form and Daily Dosage |
1 caplet |
2 capsules |
2 tablets |
2 tablets |
Regular Price |
$19.99 (28 servings) |
$29.99 (30 servings) |
$50 (30 servings) |
$57 (30 servings) |
Cost Per Serving |
$0.71 |
$0.99 |
$1.66 |
$1.90 |
Estimated Annual Cost |
$259 |
$361 |
$590.96 |
$691.60 |
Discounts |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 10% |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 10% |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 20% |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 35% |
Return Policy |
60 days |
60 days |
90 days |
30 days |
Purchase |
Shop on Estroven | Shop on Amazon | Shop on Equelle | Shop on Bonafide |
All four brands offer effective solutions for menopause symptoms. We offer additional insight on choosing your best option in our Estroven Review.
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- Changes in body composition and weight during the menopause transition - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843880/ - Abrupt suspension of probiotics administration may increase host pathogen susceptibility by inducing gut dysbiosis - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4794715/ - Genomic and phenotypic evidence for probiotic influences of Lactobacillus gasseri on human health | FEMS Microbiology Reviews | Oxford Academic:
https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/37/6/915/554287 - Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 in fermented milk on abdominal adiposity in adults in a randomised controlled trial - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23614897/ - Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 Supplementation Reduces the Visceral Fat Accumulation and Waist Circumference in Obese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29688793/ - Effects of Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 on Helicobacter pylori-Associated Dyspepsia: A Multicenter Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27478434/ - Effects of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 on body fat reductions in pre-obese adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6081611 - Effect of multi-strain probiotic (UB0316) in weight management in overweight/obese adults: a 12-week double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31965834/ - Effect of combined bifidobacteria supplementation and resistance training on cognitive function, body composition and bowel habits of healthy elderly subjects - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30198326/ - Effects of 28-day Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 supplementation on colonic transit time and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with functional constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and dose-ranging trial - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29227175/ - Consumption of a Fermented Milk Product Containing Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494 in Women Complaining of Minor Digestive Symptoms: Rapid Response Which Is Independent of Dietary Fibre Intake or Physical Activity - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30621211/ - The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12(®) - PubMed:
http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27682233/ - Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 versus placebo for the symptoms of bloating in patients with functional bowel disorders: a double-blind study - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21436726/ - Immune-modulatory effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen: an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23299716/ - Acute Effects of Turmeric Extracts on Knee Joint Pain: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8080919/ - Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/ - The Effects of Curcumin on Weight Loss Among Patients With Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31249528/ - Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Moringa oleifera leaves in two stages of maturity - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19904611/ - First Report on Evaluation of Basic Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Moringa Oleifera Lam. from Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31771207/ - Vitamin E for Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464807/ - Cognition and the menopause transition - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272226/ - Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds, Pharmaceutical Quality, and Anticancer Activity of Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24693327/ - Effects of temperature and solvent on antioxidant properties of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551158/ - Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29065496/ - Side Effects Associated with Probiotic Use in Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31810233/ - Pharmacokinetic interactions of curcuminoids with conventional drugs: A review - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28734960/ - Influence of curcumin on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of gliclazide in animal models - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27895517/