Lactobacillus Helveticus Probiotic Benefits and Side Effects

Lactobacillus helveticus is a strain of probiotic bacteria that is found in cheese products as well as certain types of fermented milk.

This strain of “good” bacteria is being researched for a number of purported health benefits.

In probiotic supplements, L. helveticus and other strains of Lactobacillus are used to support the digestive system, stimulate the immune system and prevent the spread of unhealthy bacteria.

In additional to the general benefits conferred by probiotics, Lactobacillus helveticus is being researched for anti-hypertensive, anti-mutagenic, anti-tumorigenic and anti-microbial benefits.

Fermented milk with Lactobacillus helveticus has been shown in clinical studies to decrease blood pressure. The tripeptides produced work as an ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme) inhibitor. Other clinical studies have shown Lactobacillus helveticus has an anti-inflammatory action and helps to improve mood.

Lactobacillus helveticus also produces Bacteriocin which inhibits the growth of other pathogenic bacteria which can have a negative effect on the body. Lactobacillus helveticusis currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties.

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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What is Lactobacillus Helveticus?

Lactobacillus helveticus is a LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) that is used in the production of American Swiss and Emmental cheese. The bacterium is used to prevent a bitter taste and to produce a nutty flavor in the cheese.

Lactobacillus helveticus is also used as a starter culture for Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone and Romano cheese. It is used as an adjunct culture to prevent bitterness in Cheddar cheese.

The name Helvetia of this bacterium’s name is derived from Helvetti an ancient Gallic tribe that lived in present day Switzerland.

Lactobacillus Helveticus Benefits

A Clinical study published in Nutrition magazine in October 2008 showed milk-derived tripeptides have hypotensive (lowers blood pressure) effects in prehypertensive (borderline high blood pressure) and hypertensive subjects.

Lactobacillus helveticus has also been shown to improve the quality and length of sleep in a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in January 2009. The subjects in the study took 100 g of fermented milk drink or a placebo drink daily.

There was a significant improvement in sleep efficiency and the number of wakening episodes after drinking the fermented milk, whereas no significant changes were observed for the placebo.

Lactobacillus helveticus increases the levels of serum calcium in the blood and decreases PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) which is associated with bone loss.

This was studied in a randomized double-blind clinical study of 20 postmenopausal women published in the European Journal of Nutrition in April 2004. This study showed the fermentation of milk with Lactobacillus helveticus had a positive acute effect on calcium metabolism.

Immune and Digestive Effects

Lactobacillus helveticus is also used to stimulate the immune and digestive systems and help controls diarrhea. It is used to help reduces lactose intolerance symptoms as well.

Lactobacillus helveticus also enhances the recovery of gut atrophy induced by malnutrition.

Protein malnutrition enhances vulnerability to infections from impaired systemic immune function, according to a Windsor and Hill study in 1988.

The intestine is the main immunological organ and contains 50% of all reticulo endothelial and other immune cells. The intestine also produces the greatest amount of secretory IgA (Immunoglobulin A).

IgA protects the intestinal epithelium from enteric toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. It also enhances the removal of antigens and pathogenic microorganisms from the intestinal lumen by blocking their access to epithelial receptors and entrapping them in mucus.

Host immunity is related to the ability of microorganisms to adhere to the mucosa and interact with the GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue). Protein malnutrition disrupts the normal ecology of the microflora and impairs host immune response and antibacterial defenses.

This weakness enhances the susceptibility to infection, and leads to mucosal atrophy. The state of malnutrition is of particular concern for critical ill patients.

In a histomorphometric (study of the microscopic structure of tissue) study published in Biocell in 2004, patients consistently demonstrated a faster recovery from the gut atrophy status associated when Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus was added in the diet.

Lactobacillus helveticus is also used to balance the microflora in infants fed with formula enriched with probiotics.

Mood and Cancer

A clinical animal rat study published in Neuroscience magazine in September 2015 showed Lactobacillus helveticus NS8 improved chronic restraint stress-induced behavioral such as anxiety and depression as well as cognitive dysfunction.

Studies have shown stress can cause behavioral, cognitive, biochemical, and gut microbiota abnormality.

It is believed that the gut bacteria communicate with the host through the microbiota-gut-brain axis to influence brain and behavior. The Microbiota-gut-brain axis includes the immune, neuroendocrine and neural pathways.

This probiotic may also exhibit anti-cancer effects. However, research into this area is still very preliminary. Lactobacillus helveticus has not been approved by the FDA to prevent, cure or treat cancer.

A clinical study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published in April 2015 showed there was anticancer activity of cell-bound exopolysaccharide (c-EPS) from Lactobacillus helveticus MB2-1.

The c-EPS significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG-2, (human liver carcinoma cell line) BGC-823 (human gastric cancer) and especially HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line) cancer cells in laboratory studies.

Lactobacillus Helveticus Side Effects

Probiotic supplements like Lactobacillus helveticusare generally well tolerated when used appropriately.

In some cases, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort may occur after initially beginning supplementation. However, these adverse effects typically subside after a few days of use.

Probiotics should not be taken by those with an impaired immune system such as organ donors or those on immunosuppressant medications. People using a catheter and those with open surgical wounds should also avoid probiotics.

Those with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) should also avoid probiotics. Unless directed by a medical professional, probiotics should be avoided during pregnancy.

Lactobacillus helveticus is an important probiotic in the making of cheese and helps reduce blood pressure and lessen inflammation. This probiotic also enhances mood and may support the immune system as well as digestive function.

Research is ongoing to determine the health benefits of this probiotic bacteria.

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