Best Lactobacillus Supplement – Which Probiotics Should you Buy?

Lactobacillus is a family of probiotic bacteria that can support digestive function and boost the immune system. The best Lactobacillus supplement should provide a high number of live CFUs (Colony Forming Units) of several different strains of beneficial probiotic bacteria.

There are a number of different strains of Lactobacilli probiotic organisms, each of which promote specific health benefits. When combining multiple strains, potential benefits are increased due to the synergistic effects of these health-enhancing bacteria.

The probiotic Lactobacillus is used to treat diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment and to relieve symptoms of Crohn’s disease, IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease) and IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease). Clinical animal trials have shown this probiotic is also useful in treating common bile duct obstructions.

Lactobacillus supplements are also used to treat the Helicobacter pylori infection which causes stomach ulcers and to treat UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections), Vaginal infections (VB) and Candida (Yeast infections) as well.

What should you know before buying Lactobacillus probiotic supplements and how can you determine which is the best for your needs?

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

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Guide to the Best Lactobacillus Supplements

There are four factors that determine the quality of any Lactobacillus supplement: (i) strains use; (ii) supporting ingredients; (iii) dosage of CFUs; and (iv) viability of the product.

The strains used in any probiotic supplement refers to the specific types of probiotic bacteria present in the supplement. There are dozens of different types of probiotic bacteria within the Lactobacillus genus.

Some of the most popular include Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Lactobacillus Reuteri, Lactobacillus Brevis, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Fermentum, Lactobacillus Gasseri, Lactobacillus Lactis, and Lactobacillus Plantarum.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has emerged as the most widely used probiotic supplement. But in research studies, combinations of several different probiotic strains have out-performed single strain formulations for treating specific health conditions.

All of the probiotics in this family are Lactic-Acid Bacteria, meaning that they break down sugars in foods and one of the byproducts they give off is lactic acid. This helps to maintain an appropriate pH balance in the intestinal tract.

When there is the right acid balance in the gut, this helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, known as pathogens. Using a Lactobacillus probiotic supplement can therefore enhance immunity by inhibiting the spread of pathogenic disease-causing bacteria.

Lactobacillus Supplements with Prebiotics

In addition to selecting a probiotic with the right balance of complementary Lactobacillus strains, it is recommended to choose a product with helpful supporting ingredients, such as prebiotic fiber.

Prebiotics, like fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin, act as substrates to promote the growth of probiotic bacterial organisms. They are indigestible sources of fiber found naturally in foods. The body cannot break them down entirely, but their presence in the gut will support the growth of Lactobacillus bacteria.

When you include prebiotics in a probiotic supplement, you can increase the efficacy of the probiotic strains by helping them to grow and colonize the gut. This is important for maintaining a healthy balance in the microflora of good bacteria to bad bacteria.

You do not have to buy a Lactobacillus supplement with probiotics included. Increasing your consumption of vegetables like artichoke hearts, asparagus and bananas can also be a good way to get more prebiotics in your diet.

Best Lactobacillus Supplement Dosages

It is not enough to purchase a supplement that provides the right combination of Lactobacillus strains. The supplement must also provide a sufficient dosage in order for the benefits to be achieved.

Probiotics dosages are measured in terms of the Colony Forming Units (CFUs), referring to the number of live microorganisms found in each serving. Generally, it is recommended to consume between 1 – 15 billion CFUs of probiotics per day.

This is significantly higher than what you will find naturally in food sources of Lactobacillus bacteria. It is also one of the reasons why treating specific health conditions requires the use of probiotic supplements as opposed to simply adopting a diet rich in food sources of probiotics.

It is important to remember that probiotics are living organisms and some number of these bacteria will die off over the shelf-life of the typical Lactobacillus supplement.

Some Lactobacillus Acidophilus capsules might start with a dosage of 10 billion CFUs when they are first manufactured, but may only have 10 million living colonies by the end of their shelf-life.

For this reason, the viability of the product should also be considered. Select a supplement that has been formulated to protect the probiotic bacteria either through enteric coating, freeze-drying the bacteria or by refrigerating the product.

Lactobacillus Supplement Contraindications

Lactobacillus probiotic supplements are considered safe when used appropriately in health individuals. Side effects may occur when first using the supplement, including gas, bloating, diarrhea or abdominal discomfort. These effects dissipate after regular use.

Probiotic supplements are contraindicated for individuals withimpaired immune systems or those on immunosuppressive medications. Those with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome), open surgical wounds or using a catheter should also avoid Lactobacillus supplements, unless directed to use them by a doctor.

Unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, probiotics should not be taken during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Lactobacillus GG, which is a proprietary strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, has been used safely during pregnancy starting 2 to 4 weeks before delivery.

Lactobacillus probiotics will interact with antibiotics and need to be used at least two hours apart from each other. Antibiotic drugs target all bacteria in the system, including the good probiotic bacteria.

Some strains of Lactobacillus, like Lactobacillus bulgaricus, have been shown to help lactose intolerance. Otherwise milk based probiotics should be avoided by those with milk and yeast allergies

The best Lactobacillus supplement to use is one suitable for treating the condition required. Lactobacillus supplements have been used for many years and are increasingly becoming a recommended adjunct support treatment for many gastrointestinal conditions and for the treatment of infections.

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