Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in the benefits of probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, but evidence supporting the beneficial effects for mother–infant dyads remains scarce. This study assessed the effects of probiotic supplementation on infection frequency and immunity in pregnant women and infants, and on microbiome establishment during the first month of life. Methods: At 28 weeks of gestation, 180 healthy pregnant women were randomized to receive either a placebo (n = 90) or a probiotic supplement (n = 90), Prenatis™, containing 5 billion CFU/day of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Rosell®-11 and Bifidobacterium bifidum HA-132. Results: There was a significantly lower number of women with one or more infections during the study in the probiotics group (8 vs. 18, p = 0.05) and a trend for a lower number of infections during pregnancy (primary outcome) in the probiotics group (p = 0.07). Regarding infants, a lower number of days with infections during the first month of life was observed in the probiotics group (4.7 days on average vs. 10.5 days, p = 0.03). The vaginal microbiota composition during pregnancy and after childbirth showed no significant differences between groups while the infants’ gut microbiome demonstrated a significantly higher abundance/prevalence of beneficial taxa in the probiotics group. The benefits conferred by probiotics were especially notable when considering birth by C-section. Probiotics promoted the vertical transmission of beneficial species and the induction of a highly interconnected microbiota, structured around key species. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation during the third trimester of pregnancy and lactation is a valid strategy for conferring benefits to mothers and infants.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterial pathogen that infects half of the world population. While standard treatment was initially effective, eradication rates have declined over the last 20 to 30 years, and the use of adjuvants, such as probiotic supplements, has been suggested to improve efficacy. This review presents evidence supporting the use of Lacidofil^®, an established blend of two thoroughly characterized probiotic strains, as an adjuvant to standard therapy for H. pylori eradication. The microbiology and epidemiology of H. pylori infection as well as current approaches to diagnosis and treatment are summarized, and the roles of probiotics to support standard H. pylori treatment are outlined. Lacidofil^® and its component strains are described, and evidence from eight clinical trials supporting its efficacy is presented. H. pylori eradication rates were increased in participants receiving Lacidofil^® (90–100%) compared to controls (70–86.7%), and the incidence of side effects was decreased (e.g., antibiotic-associated diarrhea—Lacidofil^®: 0–13.6%; controls: 20–40.9%). Published summaries, including systematic reviews with meta-analysis and an umbrella review, are discussed. To expand on the discussion of clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro studies are reviewed, including studies using state-of-the-art molecular methods. They characterize Lacidofil^®’s mechanism of action and further support its efficacy as an adjuvant strategy for H. pylori eradication, side effect reduction, and return to gut microbiota homeostasis.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are prevalent periodontal conditions associated with dysbiosis of the oral cavity, which leads to inflammation and bleeding of gums, loss of tooth attachment, and degradation of the underlying bone structure. The standard adjunctive treatment for periodontal conditions, chlorhexidine mouthwash, is effective but is associated with several side effects. Probiotics have been explored as an alternative solution that promotes oral health by restoring homeostasis in the oral cavity. This review presents a summary of clinical trials using the Darolac^® (Oralis SB^®) probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell^®-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell^®-11, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell^®-175 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079) as a mouthwash to support the maintenance of oral health or the restoration of its balance. In reviewed studies, Darolac^® is compared to a placebo or other common solutions for periodontal conditions, including chlorhexidine mouthwash. Studies show that Darolac^® is as effective or even superior to other available solutions, which supports its use as an effective adjuvant to oral health. The effects of Darolac^® on the reduction in oral pathogens and markers of oral dysbiosis are reviewed, and the association between periodontitis, inflammation, and systemic diseases, as well as their implications and the use of probiotics in the periodontal field, are discussed.