Lactobacillus Brevis: Probiotic Effects, Side Effects and Dosages

Lactobacillus brevis is a probiotic bacteria which consists of about 16 different strains, all of which have health-enhancing effects.

It can be found as an additive in some food products, such as yogurt, but is best when taken in supplement form. This assures a standardized dose each day as well as maintaining the efficacy of the live bacteria.

Lactobacillus brevis is used to treat vaginitis, urinary tract infections, to promote better immune function, and as an aid in overall digestive health.

Lactobacillus brevis produces lactic acid and other chemical compounds and is able to survive the extreme acidic environment of the human GI tract.

Lactobacillus brevis colonizes the GI tract, mouth and urogenital tract and works by breaking down foods we eat.

During digestion, lactobacillus brevis converts carbohydrates into lactic acid and other helpful substrates which create an environment with consistently low pH. Many pathogenic bacteria cannot tolerate this acidity and are thereby unable to survive and colonize.

Lactobacillus brevis also works through competitive exclusion, whereby it proliferates and replicates to such a degree that the lumen walls in the intestine have no space to which the harmful organisms can attach.

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

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Lactobacillus Brevis

Lactobacillus brevis also promotes better immune function.

Geriatric patients, when given supplements of lactobacillus brevis in milk, showed increased cellular immunity.

A 2006 study showed that mouth ulcers associated with Behcet’s Syndrome could be controlled with targeted supplementation. Larger studies have been encouraged to support this finding.

Other studies demonstrate that supplementation with lactobacillus brevis following antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile not only increased the effectiveness of the antibiotics used for treatment, but also decreased the incidence of disease-specific setbacks.

Lactobacillus Brevis Effects

Infants receive lactobacillus brevis through their mother’s breast milk. Lactobacillus brevis has excellent adherent properties enabling it to adhere easily and continuously to the intestinal wall.

It has been shown to increases production of interferon, a protein which is produced in response to viruses, bad bacteria, tumors and parasites. The overall effect is a boost to the entire immune system.

Treatment of vaginosis or trichomoniasis is one of the most common reasons for supplementation with lactobacillus brevis. L. brevis is a LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria), as are all Lactobacillus species.

Lactobacillus brevis also produces high levels of hydrogen peroxide which is thought to remediate pathogenic vaginosis.

This bacteria is commonly associated with the fermentation of foods like sauerkraut, dairy products, vegetables and sourdough. It is also a naturally occurring organism living in the human body.

It is resistant to digestive enzymes, gastric acids and bile acids making it an ideal probiotic due to its ability to survive well in the harsh environment of the human digestive tract.

Sources and Dosage

Lactobacillus brevis is sometimes added to dairy products like yogurt or milk, but randomized tests show some of these products often contain different species of Lactobacillus than is stated on the label, or in some case, contain no Lactobacillus at all.

It is recommended to supplement lactobacillus brevis via capsule, lozenge, tablet or powder form in designated, standardized doses.

It will sometimes be combined with other probiotics, including other Lactobacillus species, because they work together symbiotically to establish, restore and maintain a healthy bacterial balance in both the digestive tract and urogenital system.

One study concluded this probiotic is sensitive to heat, making it necessary to store it in a cool, dry place. For extended life, freeze-dried supplements are often the best choice.

Because these symbiotic bacteria may be combined with many other healthy probiotic organisms, read the instructions on the label for dosing suggestions and storage recommendations.

Side Effects

Lactobacillus brevis is considered generally safe for use as a probiotic with no serious side effects being reported in healthy individuals.

Always check with your doctor to be certain there are no contraindications with your current medications.

This bacteria has been shown to be resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, making it a good choice for supplementation if you are being treated with these antibiotics because it can work to maintain a healthy microflora during the antibiotic therapy.

Review of Lactobacillus Brevis

As a probiotic, lactobacillus brevis is a good choice for females experiencing vaginosis or trichomoniasis. It can help re-establish the balance, and effectively colonize the good microbes needed, to maintain a healthy microflora in both the vaginal region and the urinary tract.

By promoting better interferon levels, it offers the entire immune system a boost during bacterial or other pathogenic infection.

This probiotic has some antibiotic resistance and can be taken in conjunction with both erythromycin and clindamycin. It can also be taken in concert with other probiotic bacteria to restore the microflora to a healthy balance in the GI tract after treatment with other antibiotics.

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