Supplements Containing Lactobacillus Gasseri for Gut Health and Weight Management

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients, certain strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus gasseri, have shown promise in reducing abdominal adiposity and supporting healthy gut flora. This bacterium is found in various dietary supplements, formulated both as a standalone ingredient and in multi-strain blends to enhance digestive and overall health.

Quick Summary

This guide examines specific supplements that contain Lactobacillus gasseri, detailing key brands, product types (single-strain vs. blends), and associated health benefits, including support for weight management and vaginal health. It provides a comprehensive overview of how and where to find this beneficial probiotic.

Key Points

Single-Strain Options: Brands like Swanson and Hexagon offer supplements focusing exclusively on Lactobacillus gasseri for targeted benefits like weight management.
Multi-Strain Blends: L. gasseri is often part of complex probiotic formulas from companies like Thorne and Uni-Vite Healthcare for a wider range of digestive and general wellness support.
Weight Management Benefits: Research indicates that specific strains of L. gasseri, such as BNR17 and SBT2055, can help reduce abdominal fat.
Women's Health Support: This probiotic is a crucial component of a healthy vaginal microbiome and has been shown to help prevent bacterial vaginosis and combat pathogens.
Quality Matters: Look for supplements with acid-resistant capsules and a guaranteed CFU count at expiration to ensure the bacteria remain viable until they reach the gut.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a healthcare provider before starting a new probiotic, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are on medication.

Understanding Lactobacillus Gasseri in Supplements

Lactobacillus gasseri is a type of beneficial bacteria that naturally resides in the human gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Its potential health benefits have made it a popular ingredient in probiotic supplements, particularly for those interested in weight management and women's health. Manufacturers formulate it in different ways, including as a single, potent strain or as part of a synergistic blend with other probiotic species. These supplements are often designed with acid-resistant capsules to ensure the bacteria survive the stomach's harsh environment and reach the lower GI tract for optimal colonization.

Standalone Lactobacillus Gasseri Supplements

For those seeking a targeted approach, several brands offer supplements containing Lactobacillus gasseri as the sole active probiotic ingredient. This allows for concentrated dosing and specific focus on the benefits associated with this particular strain, such as its effects on fat metabolism and gut balance.

Swanson Lactobacillus Gasseri: This product is frequently cited and offers a specific CFU count of L. gasseri per vegetarian capsule. It is often marketed for digestive support and weight management, with some variations featuring delayed-release capsules.
L1fe Nutrition L-Gasseri: Available from retailers, this brand offers L. gasseri in a straightforward, high-strength formula, emphasizing its purity and lack of artificial fillers.
Hexagon Lactobacillus Gasseri: A French-made option, this supplement comes in gastro-resistant vegetable capsules to protect the bacteria from stomach acid, providing 10 billion CFUs of L. gasseri.
Vitamatic Lactobacillus Gasseri: This option provides a higher CFU count per capsule and includes prebiotic fiber to support the probiotic's activity.

Probiotic Blends Featuring Lactobacillus Gasseri

Beyond single-strain products, L. gasseri is also included in multi-strain probiotic formulas that target broader health concerns. These blends often combine several compatible species to offer a wider range of benefits.

Humanx Lactobacillus Gasseri & Reuteri+: This formula combines L. gasseri and L. reuteri with a prebiotic blend and pomegranate extract for enhanced digestive support.
Thorne FloraMend Prime Probiotic: This supplement includes a blend of L. gasseri (strain KS-13), B. longum, and B. bifidum.
Thorne Women's Daily Microbiome Formula: Designed specifically for women, this product features L. gasseri (strain LbV 150N) alongside other beneficial bacteria to support a healthy microbiome.
Apyforme Lactobacillus Gasseri: Some products from Apyforme may also contain L. gasseri, sometimes in combination with other strains and with a focus on specific health outcomes.
Uni-Vite Healthcare's MicroBiotic Plus: A comprehensive blend, this product incorporates L. gasseri alongside many other strains to support general gut and women's health.

Benefits Associated with Lactobacillus Gasseri

Research has linked L. gasseri supplementation to several health benefits, which explains its inclusion in a variety of products.

Weight Management: Some studies suggest that specific L. gasseri strains, like SBT2055 and BNR17, can help reduce abdominal fat and waist circumference in adults with obesity. The mechanism may involve regulating leptin, a hormone that controls appetite and metabolism.
Vaginal Health: L. gasseri is a key component of a healthy vaginal microbiome. Studies have shown its potential to restore microbial balance, help prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV), and combat pathogenic bacteria and fungi by producing lactic acid.
Digestive Health: Like other probiotics, L. gasseri aids digestion, promotes a balanced gut microbiome, and helps alleviate symptoms associated with digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Immune Support: By influencing the balance of gut bacteria and modulating inflammatory responses, L. gasseri can contribute to a stronger overall immune system.

Comparison of Supplement Types


Feature	Single-Strain L. Gasseri	Multi-Strain Blend	Considerations
Targeted Action	Concentrates on specific benefits of L. gasseri, such as weight management.	Addresses a wider array of health issues by leveraging multiple strains.	For specific concerns, a single strain is precise; for general wellness, a blend is broader.
Ingredient Complexity	Minimal ingredients, focusing on one probiotic species.	Contains multiple probiotic species and often prebiotics or other complementary ingredients.	Simpler formulas may reduce the risk of reaction to certain strains.
Cost	Often more affordable per serving, depending on CFU count and brand.	Can be more expensive due to the complexity and variety of ingredients.	The value depends on your specific health goals and budget.
Product Potency	CFU count is dedicated solely to L. gasseri, offering high doses of this specific strain.	The total CFU count is divided among several different strains, which may offer a lower dose of L. gasseri per serving.	Ensure the label guarantees the CFU count for each specific strain, not just the total.

How to Choose the Right Supplement

When searching for supplements containing Lactobacillus gasseri, it is important to consider your specific health goals. If you are targeting weight management or a specific aspect of women's health, a standalone L. gasseri product might be the best option. For general digestive maintenance or broader gut support, a multi-strain blend with L. gasseri could be more suitable.

Beyond formulation, always check the label for the specific strain of L. gasseri (e.g., SBT2055, BNR17) and the Colony Forming Unit (CFU) count, which indicates the number of live microorganisms. Quality supplements will provide a guaranteed CFU count through the expiration date, not just at the time of manufacture. Additionally, check for third-party certifications and read customer reviews to assess product reliability and efficacy. Consulting a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can also provide personalized guidance on selecting the best probiotic for your needs, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus gasseri is a versatile and beneficial probiotic strain available in both standalone supplements and multi-strain blends. Notable standalone brands include Swanson, L1fe Nutrition, and Hexagon, which offer targeted support for weight management and digestive health. Blends from manufacturers like Thorne, Uni-Vite Healthcare, and Humanx integrate L. gasseri with other probiotics and prebiotics to provide broader health benefits, including support for vaginal and immune health. The right choice depends on your specific health goals, but prioritizing products with clear labeling, guaranteed CFU counts, and third-party testing is crucial for ensuring quality and effectiveness.

For further information on specific strains and their clinical studies, consider exploring reputable resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lactobacillus gasseri is primarily used for promoting digestive health, supporting weight management by potentially reducing abdominal fat, and maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Lactobacillus gasseri is available in both standalone supplements and multi-strain blends. Brands like Swanson and L1fe Nutrition offer it as a single ingredient, while others, such as Thorne and Humanx, include it in comprehensive formulas.

Some studies have shown promising results regarding Lactobacillus gasseri's role in reducing abdominal and visceral fat, particularly strains like SBT2055 and BNR17. However, results can vary, and it should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.

The best option depends on your goal. A single-strain supplement offers a high, targeted dose of L. gasseri for specific concerns like fat metabolism. A multi-strain blend provides broader benefits but may offer a lower dose of L. gasseri.

For maximum effectiveness, look for supplements that use delayed-release capsules to protect the bacteria from stomach acid. Also, check the label for a guaranteed CFU count through the expiration date and seek products with third-party testing.

Not always. Many modern probiotic supplements, including some containing L. gasseri, are formulated to be shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. Always check the storage instructions on the product label.

Probiotics like L. gasseri are generally considered safe, but some individuals may experience mild side effects such as gas or bloating, especially when first starting. These symptoms often subside as your body adjusts.