Lactobacillus lactis is a stable but adaptable metabolic organism which is able to thrive in the harsh environment of the human gastrointestinal tract.
This probiotic bacteria, often included on ingredient panels as L. lactis, is most frequently used in formulas specifically designed to treat or reduce certain diarrheas, and in formulas designed to be taken every day.
L. lactis is an ideal candidate for probiotic use because it supports the function of other Lactobacillus organisms, taking on some of the general workload, thereby enabling the other probiotic agents to focus more specifically on specialty functions at which they are most effective at treating.
Lactobacillus lactis colonizes the GI tract by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. This probiotic is frequently taken by those diagnosed with chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Lactobacillus Lactis Effects
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
Lactobacillus lactis is a gram positive, rod-shaped bacterium found naturally in the gastrointestinal system of mammals. In humans, lactobacillus lactis is used in the mucosal delivery of proteins to prevent digestive system disorders.
As with many members of the Lactobacillus genus, L. lactis is used commercially as a starter culture for yogurts, cheese and fermented milk products.
When this microorganism is introduced to the human GI tract, it begins to rapidly colonize along the intestinal walls.
It works in the mid-stage of the digestive process by breaking down carbohydrates, particularly sugar, and converting them to acidic chemical compounds (like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide). By doing so, it creates an unfriendly environment to pathogenic bacterial agents.
Lactobacillus lactis, in particular, is used in some food products because of its ability to tolerate heat up to 100 degrees Celsius for a period of time.
As a food spoilage agent, it functions to prevent harmful bacteria or sporing organisms (fungi) from gaining a colonization advantage over beneficial organisms.
Lactobacillus Lactis Benefits
Healthy digestion depends on the modulation and maintenance of the microflora contained in the gut. When an imbalance occurs, it is important and sometimes even vital to restore and replenish the probiotic organisms quickly.
This will occur naturally, in a healthy individual, over a period of 2-6 months, but many doctors prefer to supplement with probiotic bacteria to re-establish a healthy balance more quickly.
Many events can be responsible for an imbalance in the gut flora which allows pathogenic bacteria to gain a foothold:
- Treatment with antibiotics
- Infection with a foodborne pathogen like E. coli or Salmonella
- Acute stress
- Disease processes within the body
Supplementation with a potent probiotic formula containing L. lactis will usually restore good digestive health within 2-4 weeks, though chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment to maintain the proper microflora ratio.
Studies definitively demonstrate that our gut bacteria are directly related to proper immune system response and function. Autoimmune diseases generate inflammatory responses within the body which probiotics can sometimes work to offset and decrease.
Sources and Dosage
Although lactobacillus lactis can be found in milk, cheese and yogurt, it is not possible to know the exact dose contained, or not contained, with each serving.
This is particularly important for those individuals treating specific symptoms with probiotic organisms.
Supplementation with capsules or pills in which standardized doses are consistent is recommended.
Probiotics have been studied intensely, with much current research underway to clarify the specific benefits of the different helpful bacteria and fungi.
Humans have billions of these organisms throughout the body and in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show that supplement doses not containing adequate CFUs (colony forming units) are ineffective because the bacteria are unable to colonize effectively. This means they cannot provide the probiotic effect desired.
Supplementing orally with lactobacillus lactis allows these probiotic organisms to be connected directly to the source of imbalance or infection. Your physician will probably recommend capsules or pills containing a specific dose of live bacteria.
Formulas containing lactobacillus lactis may not specify the CFUs of each type or bacteria, though typically 1 – 2 billion units are included for optimal results.
Lactobacillus Lactis Side Effects
It is possible that lactobacillus lactis will interact with other medications or supplements, making it important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking.
Children and infants should not be given this supplement unless prescribed and monitored by a physician.
Those whose immune system is weakened are cautioned to talk with their doctor about taking this supplement.
Review
Lactobacillus lactis is a healthy probiotic bacteria which works best when combined with other lactobacillus species. It is a broad spectrum probiotic working to restore or maintain a healthy balance in the microflora of the gut.
Lactobacillus lactis is a hardy organism and is particularly useful, in conjunction with other probiotics, for treating infections of foodborne pathogens.
Article last updated on: April 27th, 2018 by Nootriment