Lactobacillus Reuteri Probiotic Supplement Benefits & Side Effects

Lactobacillus Reuteri is a probiotic strain that is found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract.

It is one of the most widely researched species of probiotic bacteria and may have benefits for general health, digestive function and cholesterol levels.

It is a type of Lactic-acid producing bacteria that exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. It was initially used in infants to help protect against the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as necrotizing colitis.

As a result of this initial use, it is considered to be one of the safest probiotic strains sold today.

It is commonly found in probiotic complex formulas designed for adults, children and babies. Two of the most commonly used strains include Lactobacillus Reuteri ATCC 55730 and DSM 17938.

Research into the benefits of Lactobacillus Reuteri shows that this supplement may support the function of the immune system, improve skin quality and exhibit anti-obesity effects.

By colonizing the intestines with good probiotic bacteria, this supplement may also inhibit the growth of bad pathogenic bacteria and fight infection-causing agents.

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 Reuteri?

Lactobacillus Reuteri occurs naturally in many foods, including milk and meat products. It is also found in human breast milk.

It does exist within the human gastrointestinal tract, but most people have relatively low levels of this particular strain. For this reason, supplementation may be beneficial.

The Lactobacillus Reuteri probiotic produces reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde) which is an antimicrobial that impedes the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

This probiotic strain also produces folate (B9, folic acid) and cobalamin (B12) as nutrients. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with anemia, cancer and heart disease.

Lactobacillus Reuteri is used to treat gastrointestinal and urogenital conditions and has applications for oral health, eczema and as a treatment for the H. pylori infection.

Lactobacillus Reuteri Benefits

The BMC Journal in February 2009 published a clinical study that showed L. reuteri biofilms secreted factors that promote the action of immunomodulation and pathogen inhibition. Immunomodulation is described as the improvement of immune system responses and augmenting resistance to diseases.

Clinical studies have shown that L. reuteri prevents the growth of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. This is the main cause of gastric ulcers and risk factor for developing stomach cancer.

Another clinical study showed L. reuteri also helped reduced the growth of the pathogenic E. coli bacteria. In clinical studies L. reuteri also promotes resistance to the Salmonella typhimurium pathogen, which is a bacterium that causes food poisoning.

This supplement may also have a protective effect against yeast infections caused by Candida albicans, though it is considered less effective than some other strains of Lactobactillus probiotoics.

L. reuteri also provides protection against various other forms of bacterial infections and helps boost the immune system.

A study published in International Microbiology in March 2015 showed that Lactobacillus reuteri cells retained their antagonistic activity toward Listeria monocytogenes even after incubation of the lactobacilli under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

The disease is most dangerous to older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with impaired immune systems. These vulnerable groups account for more than 90% of all cases.

Listeria is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website.

Additional Uses of L. Reuteri

In the Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology in September 2015 L. reuteri was studied for its suitability in a vaccine against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC).

UPEC is the most frequent cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a delivery system shows potential as a method to induce mucosal and systemic immune responses needed to provide protection against UPEC.

This strain of probiotic is also useful in treating diarrhea and reducing the recovery time needed. It offers protection against the rotavirus causing diarrhea.

The RC14 L. reuteri strain is used as a preventative for yeast and urinary tract infections as well as Gardnerella vaginalis (BV, Bacterial vaginosis) and helped prevent recurrence of these conditions.

L. reuteri is also used for oral heath as it prevents the production of Streptococcus mutans a bacterium that caused tooth decay. L. reuteri also helps prevent Gingivitis (gum disease).

Clinical studies published in Mucosal Immunology in September 2015 showed Lactobacillus reuteri helped social stress induced severity Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis. Citrobacter rodentium is a pathogen that is related to E. Coli.

Infections that are caused by enteric bacterial pathogens triggers cause gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation. Symptoms of GI inflammation include diarrhea and intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. The study concluded that the probiotic L. reuteri can prevent the aggravating effects of stressor exposure on pathogen-induced colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) with chronic inflammatory condition of the colon and rectum. It is considered an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

The symptoms of UC are mucus-like stools with blood, tenesmus (incomplete stool evacuation) and may include weight loss. In severe cases fever may also be present.

Contraindications

Lactobacillus reuteri is well researched and is regarded as safe when used appropriately by adults and children. The most common side effects associated with probiotics are abdominal cramps, bloating and intestinal gas. These symptoms are usually mild and decrease with continued use of probiotics.

Lactobacillus reuteri and other probiotics should not be taken by those with impaired immune systems such as organ donors, those using a catheter or those with open surgical wounds. People with SBD (Short Bowel Disease) should avoid probiotics.

Those allergic to milk or lactose intolerant should avoid milk based probiotics. There have been reports of an increase in nausea when probiotic supplements are used by HIV patients. Probiotics should be avoided unless directed for use by a medical professional for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Probiotics do interact with antibiotics and should be taken at least two hours apart from each other. Some medications that suppress the functioning of the immune system may also interact with probiotics.

These medications include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) and daclizumab (Zenapax) (used to prevent organ rejection). The medications muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune) may also interact.

Steroid medications Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone) and corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) should also be avoided.

Lactobacillus Reuteri has many applications for the treatment of diarrhea and infections as well as providing protection against bacterium that cause gastric ulcers and food poisoning.

Research is on-going to determine its effects for lowering cholesterol levels and promoting weight loss. Speak to your doctor if you want to learn more about Lactobacillus reuteri supplements and the use of probiotic products.

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