Lactobacillus Fermentum – Probiotic Supplement Product Reviews

Lactobacillus fermentum is a probiotic species of bacteria which inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and vagina of mammals, including humans. Its probiotic properties are reported to include the promotion of good digestive activity, reduction in respiratory illnesses and as a treatment for urogenital infection in females.

Lactobacillus fermentum is considered to be a hardy bacteria which is able to survive in low pH balance environments like the human GI tract. It has a reputation for reducing cholesterol levels better than any other Lactobacillus species.

Some strains of this probiotic agent are identified as antimicrobial and anti-oxidative. These strains serve to protect the body from foodborne illness as well as preventing some of the oxidative damage of certain foods.

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 Fermentum Effects

A study in 2001 confirmed that the RC-14 strain of lactobacillus fermentum was able to effectively restore and maintain normal vaginal flora in 90% of the women who participated in the trial.

These results are significant and resulted in this particular strain being reclassified as Lactobacillus reuteri.

Lactobacillus fermentum may help to lower inflammatory processes which are associated with disease and fatigue. It also works to reduce cholesterol by assimilating and incorporating cholesterol into their cellular membrane.

Some strains are able to resist Enterococci and Staphylococcus Aureus infectious agents. Current research includes anti-oxidative effects of certain strains of lactobacillus fermentum and its ability to fight or prevent Salmonella infection.

Benefits

Though lactobacillus fermentum possesses multiple probiotic properties, it has been shown to be most effective at restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of microflora in the female urogenital system.

In this capacity, it has been shown to significantly restore the ratio of healthy to unhealthy microbes over a period of 3-4 weeks. This is usually done through a combination of L. fermentum tablets which can be applied directly to the vaginal area, supplemented with probiotic pills or capsules.

Of all the Lactobacillus species, lactobacillus fermentum has been shown to have the greatest cholesterol lowering activity.

Additional studies are being done to understand the mechanism of action behind its cholesterol lowering properties, but lactobacillus fermentum is already being used for this purpose in some parts of the world with great success.

Lactobacillus Fermentum Dosages

Lactobacillus fermentum is used as an additive to food products, particularly dairy foods, but it is difficult, if not impossible, to discern the strain of the bacteria, as well as whether the colony count are as significant as stated on the label.

Without adequate numbers of L. fermentum, the point of critical mass which is needed cannot occur and the bacteria will be unable to have the desired impact on the symptoms being treated.

Supplement with lactobacillus fermentum via standardized doses which can be purchased in powder, capsule or tablet form. Look specifically at the strain of lactobacillus fermentum in the product you are buying to gain the best results.

For women, the RC-14 strain is especially helpful if working to balance the vaginal microflora. If you are using this probiotic for its antimicrobial or antioxidative properties, the ME-3 strain has been shown to be most effective.

Ingredient labels will often specify the strain used in their product. Knowledgeable manufacturers will state clearly the strain(s) used.

Side Effects

These helpful bacteria are considered generally safe for most people, but as with all medicines and supplements, it is recommended you check with your doctor before adding this probiotic to your daily routine.

There is some concern that it contains some transferable resistance genes which would decrease the effect of antibiotics. Studies have been done with at least ten common antibiotics and uniform resistance patterns were found against vancomycin and tetracycline.

For this reason, it is not recommended to take this probiotic in conjunction with antibiotics, or to take this probiotic for extended durations of time. Some antibiotic resistant genes can transfer and contribute to overall antibiotic resistance in humans and animals.

Review of Lactobacillus Fermentum

This helpful probiotic is most useful in the restoration of healthy microflora in the female urogenital system, for reduction of cholesterol, and for its antimicrobial effects.

It is generally safe to use, but because it not yet known whether it has the potential to transfer antibiotic resistant genes, it is not recommended for daily use.

Women may need to supplement for 3-4 weeks to establish a nonpathogenic urogenital environment, but then should consider switching to other healthy probiotic supplements for continued maintenance.

The same can be said for this hardy probiotic’s cholesterol lowering properties. There are other probiotic organisms, like B. bifidum, which have cholesterol reducing properties which can be taken safely every daily.

Lactobacillus fermentum is a useful probiotic for acute situations and is proven to work effectively to benefit the health of humans.

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