The formulation, which combines four well-characterized probiotic strains selected for their targeted action on vaginal and intestinal microbiota, recently won the 2026 NutraIngredients Award for Innovation in Women’s Health.
The judges praised the product for addressing common gynaecological infections and providing a natural solution which empowers expectant mothers to take control of their health.
“iNatal offers meaningful benefits for both mother and baby,” they said. “With strong clinical foundations, clear differentiation and the potential to reduce reliance on antibiotics, the judges commend iNatal as an impactful innovation that deserves widespread clinical advocacy.”
Celebrating innovation
Innovation in women’s health is accelerating, with products and ingredients increasingly focused on addressing key life-stage challenges such as menstruation, fertility, pregnancy and menopause.
This year, NutraIngredients’ Innovation in Women’s Health Award aimed to honour the most impactful ingredients, supplements, functional foods and research projects designed to support women’s health and wellbeing.
Elena Fava, international product manager at PharmExtracta, a leader in plant-based pharmaceuticals, phytotherapy, probiotics and nutraceuticals, said the awards represent an opportunity to heighten the profile of PharmExtracta’s products.
“The NutraIngredients Awards are, of course, a huge recognition in this industry,” she said. “We have won several awards during the last [few] years, and we are really satisfied with the recognition and the success we obtained in years after the awards.”
The PharmExtracta team celebrated their win at the NutraIngredients Awards party in Barcelona (May 6), alongside 15 other worthy winners across categories including Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year and Nutrition Research Project.
What is iNatal?
iNatal is a clinically studied probiotic formulation developed to support maternal health during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
By combining Enterococcus faecium L3, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus casei RO215, and Lactococcus lactis SP38, the product is designed to reduce the incidence of premature rupture of membranes (when the amniotic sac, or ‘waters’, break prematurely), antibiotic use, and pathogenic colonization.
Indeed, a recent controlled study involving 250 pregnant women demonstrated that iNatal reduced PROM by 67% and antibiotic use by 29%. Group B Streptococcus, a bacterium which can be passed from mother to baby during labour sometimes causing complications, was also reduced by 33%.
iNatal also supports gastrointestinal balance, helping reduce bloating and dysbiosis, which is a common issue for pregnant women. In addition, it aims to promote optimal neonatal microbiota through balanced vertical transmission.
PharmExtracta says these findings have broadened professional confidence in microbiota-based prenatal support and led to increased recommendations from Italian gynaecologists and midwives.
“We are working very closely with gynaecologists in Italy, and a lot of gynaecologists and other medical professionals believe in our product,” Fava said.
Despite declining birth rates, the product has received strong commercial interest, largely owing to its multi-impact nature and strong clinical backing, Fava added.
“[iNatal] is a precision probiotic so it’s not a typical blend,” she said. “It is a selection of strains working together in synergy that are able to perform a very targeted action.”
”It’s complete probiotic support for pregnancy," she added.
