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Provitalize Review: Evidence for Weight Loss, But Not Much More

By SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD and Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD

Last Updated on July 12, 2023

Medically Reviewed by Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI

Dietitian Rating:

3.6

About This Rating
The average rating of this product is calculated based on the evaluation of the following factors:
  • Support for Claims:2.5
  • Ingredient Safety:4.5
  • Customer Service:3.8
  • Value for the Price:3.5

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.

Written by
SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD spent several years working in various dietetic roles and settings, including research, public health, dialysis, and acute care. She became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in 2013, while completing her Master of Science degree at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Written by
Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Vegan Lifestyle Strategist
Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, speaker, and plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) lifestyle strategist for families. Lauren began her career in dietetics as a clinical dietitian at the University of Michigan Health System.
Medically Reviewed by
Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, FACC, FACP
Board-certified Cardiologist, Medical Board Member
Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is a board-certified cardiologist, clinical lipidologist, and internist with nearly 30 years of experience in direct patient care and 25 years of experience in medical writing, editing, and reviewing.
Provitalize Review: Evidence for Weight Loss, But Not Much More

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.

Shop Provitalize

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.

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At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.

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    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843880/
  2. Abrupt suspension of probiotics administration may increase host pathogen susceptibility by inducing gut dysbiosis - PMC:
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  3. Genomic and phenotypic evidence for probiotic influences of Lactobacillus gasseri on human health | FEMS Microbiology Reviews | Oxford Academic:
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  4. Effect of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 in fermented milk on abdominal adiposity in adults in a randomised controlled trial - PubMed:
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  5. Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 Supplementation Reduces the Visceral Fat Accumulation and Waist Circumference in Obese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial - PubMed:
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