Understanding Lactobacillus Reuteri
Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a species of probiotic bacteria naturally found in the human gastrointestinal, oral, and urinary tracts. As a heterofermentative bacterium, it produces lactic acid, which helps create an environment hostile to harmful bacteria. Beyond simple lactic acid production, certain strains of L. reuteri also produce reuterin, a potent antimicrobial compound that inhibits a broad spectrum of harmful pathogens. This ability to combat bad bacteria while supporting the beneficial gut flora is a key reason behind the wide-ranging health benefits observed with supplementation.
Benefits for Digestive and Gut Health
One of the most well-documented benefits of taking L. reuteri relates to digestive health. Its ability to colonize the gut helps to restore and maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Relieves Infantile Colic: The most compelling evidence for L. reuteri is its efficacy in treating infantile colic. Multiple studies have shown that giving breastfed infants a specific strain (L. reuteri DSM 17938) can significantly reduce daily crying time.
- Combats Diarrhea and Constipation: Research indicates that L. reuteri can help manage acute diarrhea by restoring healthy gut bacteria and shortening its duration, particularly in children. Similarly, specific strains have been shown to improve stool frequency in infants and potentially help with functional constipation in adults.
- Supports Intestinal Barrier Function: The probiotic helps to strengthen the intestinal barrier, often referred to as preventing 'leaky gut'. By promoting the growth and maturation of intestinal epithelial cells, it helps create a protective mucus layer that prevents pathogens from entering the bloodstream.
- Manages H. pylori: As an adjunct to standard therapy, supplementation can help manage infections by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can cause ulcers. It works by competing with H. pylori and reducing its load in the gut.
Impact on the Immune System
The gut is intimately connected to the immune system, and L. reuteri plays a significant role in modulating immune responses. It has both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive properties, allowing it to adapt its response to the body's needs.
- Reduces Inflammation: Studies show that certain L. reuteri strains can decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which helps to reduce overall systemic inflammation.
- Enhances Regulatory T-cells (Tregs): The probiotic increases the amount of Treg cells, which are crucial for down-regulating the immune system and preventing excessive inflammatory reactions.
- Boosts Immune Response: L. reuteri has been found to enhance overall immune function, with some studies suggesting it may increase antibody production. For instance, it can help infants fight off infections.
Benefits for Oral, Skin, and Women's Health
Beyond the gut, the benefits of taking reuteri extend to other areas of the body, particularly oral and skin health, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Oral Health
L. reuteri can colonize the oral cavity, where it competes with and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, offering several dental benefits.
- Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis: By suppressing pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, it helps reduce plaque buildup and combat chronic gum inflammation, acting as a useful adjunct to professional dental cleaning.
- Fights Oral Pathogens: It has shown to be effective against bacteria that cause cavities, such as Streptococcus mutans, and yeast like Candida albicans, which can cause oral thrush.
- Improves Halitosis (Bad Breath): By suppressing the oral bacteria responsible for bad breath, L. reuteri can help improve oral odor.
Skin Health
The gut-skin axis highlights the connection between gut health and skin conditions. L. reuteri can influence skin health by reducing systemic inflammation.
- Alleviates Eczema and Dermatitis: Studies have shown that both oral and topical L. reuteri can be beneficial for those with atopic dermatitis (eczema), improving symptoms like dryness and redness.
- Supports Skin Barrier: Research indicates that the probiotic can strengthen the skin's protective barrier and promote better hydration.
- Combats Acne: By reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of pathogens, L. reuteri may help improve conditions like acne.
Women's Health
Some strains of L. reuteri are specifically beneficial for female health, particularly regarding urogenital issues.
- Vaginal and Urinary Tract Health: Oral supplementation can help restore a balanced vaginal flora and reduce the risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections.
- Menopausal Symptom Relief: Studies have investigated specific strains for alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Is Taking Reuteri Safe? A Comparison of Strains and Safety
While L. reuteri is generally considered safe for most people, it is important to choose the right strain and be aware of potential contraindications. Different strains offer different benefits and have varying safety profiles.
| Feature | L. reuteri DSM 17938 | L. reuteri ATCC 55730 | L. reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Use | Infants with colic, gut motility issues. | Broad probiotic effects, but replaced by DSM 17938 due to safety concerns. | Modulates immune response, beneficial for skin. |
| Primary Benefits | Reduces crying in colicky infants, improves diarrhea and constipation. | Historically used for diarrhea and immunity; less common now. | Increases Treg cells, potential for anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Safety Note | Considered safe, even for infants, with antibiotic resistance plasmids removed. | Historically carried antibiotic resistance plasmids; less common for safety. | Well-tolerated, but different effects than other strains. |
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a weakened immune system, damaged heart valves, or are pregnant.
The Future of L. Reuteri Supplementation
Research into L. reuteri is ongoing, with new applications constantly being explored. Scientists are investigating specific strains for their potential roles in regulating mood via the gut-brain axis, supporting bone health, and even combating obesity. As our understanding of the human microbiome and its far-reaching effects grows, so too will the targeted and effective uses of beneficial bacteria like L. reuteri. Its ability to produce a variety of bioactive compounds and modulate the immune system makes it a promising therapeutic agent for an increasing number of conditions.
Conclusion
Taking reuteri offers a promising and evidence-backed approach to supporting a wide array of health functions, particularly concerning digestive, immune, and oral health. From soothing infant colic to managing chronic conditions like gum inflammation and certain menopausal symptoms, its benefits are extensive. However, given the strain-specific nature of probiotics, choosing a product with well-researched strains is critical. As with any supplement, professional guidance is recommended to ensure it is the right choice for your individual health needs. For further reading, an excellent resource on the potential benefits and mechanisms of L. reuteri can be found in the comprehensive review, “Role of Lactobacillus reuteri in Human Health and Diseases,” published in Frontiers in Microbiology.
