NutraIngredients-USA is pleased to name Probi’s Women’s Health Iron Absorption the winner of the 2025 NutraIngredients-USA Award in the Innovation in Women’s Health category. The award was presented during a ceremony in Chicago, recognizing excellence in science-backed innovation across the health and nutrition industry.
Women’s Health by Probi is a clinically-supported concept that combines Probi’s proprietary Lactobacillus plantarum strain LP299V with iron to enhance absorption and help reduce common gastrointestinal side effects often associated with traditional iron supplements. The formulation is a more effective and tolerable option for those with iron deficiency anemia—including pregnant women, vegetarians, vegans and athletes seeking long-term support, the company said.
A 2024 randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 295 patients with newly diagnosed iron‑deficiency anemia found that supplementation with LP299V reduced gastrointestinal intolerance from 46.5% with an iron-only supplement to 13%.
Additionally, early treatment discontinuation within 30 days fell from 15.9% to 3.6% with LP299V supplementation, suggesting improved tolerability and fewer side effects commonly associated with iron.
Impact
Iron deficiency is a major global health issue, contributing to anemia. The condition impacts nearly one in four people globally and disproportionately affects young children, adolescent girls and women. With this global health issue in mind, the judges noted the product’s novelty, relevance and research:
“There hasn’t been a lot of novelty or innovation in the iron space, so we were delighted to see an innovative offering with an interesting mechanism of action and such a large reach,” the judges stated. “We also appreciated the fact that Women’s Health by Probi: Iron Absorption is deemed safe for and studied in pregnant women.”
Bryan Gray, Sr. Marketing Manager, North America, Probi USA, told NI that the most rewarding part about Probi’s work in women’s health is knowing that their science has real impact.
“Whether it’s helping pregnant women maintain healthy iron levels, supporting cognitive clarity in busy, stressed professionals or contributing to stronger bones in postmenopausal women—we’re seeing our research make a difference. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our products can improve quality of life in ways that matter deeply to women.”
Gray added that the award is an exciting milestone and a meaningful validation of the company’s work:
“It reflects the strength of our science, the relevance of our innovation, and the dedication of the teams who brought it to life. Earlier this year, our concept was recognized at the NutraIngredients Awards in Europe, and to now be honored in the U.S. as well is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces our belief that probiotic-based, targeted solutions like this are making a global impact in women’s health.”
Probi’s passion for women’s health
The company said it is passionate about supporting women’s complex set of health needs across every life stage—from adolescence to pregnancy and through menopause.
“Our passion stems from a desire to offer real, science-backed solutions that are safe, effective, and grounded in decades of probiotic research. We see the microbiome as a powerful tool to help women feel better, stay stronger, and thrive.
Looking ahead, Gray said Probi aims to reshape how the industry approaches women’s wellness by going beyond general health support to address specific, underserved issues like iron deficiency, ‘brain fog’ from stress and bone loss after menopause. With microbiome-based innovations rooted in clinical research, the company is on a mission to empower women with natural, well-tolerated solutions that help them take control of their health on their own terms.
“Women’s health deserves more than reactive treatment; it deserves proactive, personalized support rooted in strong science,” Gray said. “We’ll continue developing solutions that rise to meet that standard—because women’s health is human health.”