Lactobacillus Plantarum: Probiotic Supplement Benefits and Side Effects

Lactobacillus plantarum is one of the species of healthy bacteria in the Lactobacillus genus. Lactobacillus plantarum is such a versatile species, its benefits to both humans and animals continue to be the subject of many studies.

These studies clearly show multiple symptoms and disease processes affected positively when supplementation of lactobacillus plantarum is undertaken.

It is considered safe to use and the benefits are well documented.

This super-bacteria can be found in both our mouths and our intestinal microflora. It has the largest genome of all the lactobacillus species and is able to survive in the extreme environment of our GI tract for a long period of time.

Recent research shows this bacteria may be a reliable vehicle for vaccines.

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 Plantarum Effects

Lactobacillus plantarum works continuously to stop the spread, or translocation, of pathogenic bacteria to other locations in the body.

This is important because if an imbalance occurs in the microflora of the gut and unhealthy bacteria has a chance to colonize, it has been known to spread to other parts of the bodies and to begin infectious processes there.

The human GI tract is an extremely acidic environment with a low pH balance which inhibits the growth of many pathogenic bacteria which cannot tolerate high acidity.

L. Plantarum is uniquely able to switch between being heterofermentative or homofermentative, meaning it has the ability to work in two ways to convert carbon (sugars, carbon dioxide) into useful substances, such as lactic acid, ethanol and acetic acid.

Lactobacillus plantarum also produces hydrogen peroxide which kills bad bacteria. Some food products are manufactured utilizing lactobacillus plantarum’s ability for fermentation. It is both acid and salt bile tolerant, making it one of the most useful and commonly used probiotics available today.

Benefits of This Super Probiotic

In order for probiotics to be effective, they must be able to reach the site where they perform their protective and beneficial functions.

Lactobacillus plantarum can safely navigate the human and animal GI tract and, once in the intestines and colon, can colonize itself effectively to produce its probiotic effects. It also works both symbiotically and as a strong support for other healthy bacteria.

Lactobacillus plantarum is also resistant to most antibiotics, making it an optimal choice for probiotic supplementation during and after a course of antibiotic therapy.

Lactobacillus Plantarum for IBD and Crohn’s

Studies lead researchers to conclude that lactobacillus plantarum works to reduce or prevent inflammation in the epithelial lining of the intestines.

This inflammation is often seen in individuals with Crohn’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colitis. It does this by maintaining the epithelial barrier and inhibiting inflammatory responses.

Lactobacillus plantarum can be used to restore the homeostasis of microflora following illness or other disruption, such as antibiotic therapies. It also works to limit the number of pathogenic bacteria within the GI tract.

When supplementing with lactobacillus plantarum, proper digestive health is often restored; constipation or diarrhea improve; symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and IBD have been reported to decrease, sometimes significantly, with continued supplementation.

Because the microflora in our gut contributes to the function, or dysfunction, or our immune system, supplementation of lactobacillus plantarum as a restorative measure often results in improved immune function.

Sources and Dosage

Foods which contain lactobacillus plantarum include sauerkraut, kimchi, brined olives, pickles, and sourdough. Some cultural foods, like sauerkraut and Korean kimchi (a fermented spicy cabbage dish) provide vast quantities of this helpful probiotic.

Unless an individual regularly consumes fermented food products, regular supplementation is probably not occurring.

Lactobacillus Plantarum is available in supplement form from many pharmaceutical and health food companies.

Dosing of lactobacillus plantarum is dependent on the symptoms being treated. Your personal health care provider can instruct you on proper dosage for your needs and can check for any interactions with medications you are already taking.

Typical dosage for daily supplementation and general microflora support is 10 billion viable cells, taken 1- 2 times daily. This is a hardy bacteria whose shelf life can be prolonged by using freeze-dried specimens.

Side Effects

There are few side effects reported from using this probiotic supplement. Although lactobacillus plantarum is considered a safe and “good” bacteria for humans and animals, it is always recommended you talk to your doctor before beginning any supplementation regimen.

Lactobacillus Plantarum in Review

This powerful, versatile and adaptive bacteria has been shown to be effective at maintaining, restoring and balancing the microflora in our GI tract.

It has the largest genome of all the lactobacillus species and functions effectively on its own and as a supporter of many other good bacteria. Studies show improvement in symptoms experienced with Crohn’s, IBD and colitis, as well as constipation, overall digestive vigor and digestion.

It has anti-microbial properties and serves to inhibit pathogenic agents. Lactobacillus plantarum is considered safe and is a recommended part of every probiotic regimen.

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