What is Lactobacillus reuteri?
Lactobacillus reuteri, now technically known as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, is a well-studied probiotic bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other mammals. As a 'good' or friendly bacterium, it plays a key role in maintaining a healthy balance within the gut microbiome. It functions by producing various antimicrobial substances and competing with harmful pathogens for resources and adhesion sites, thus supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Unlike many other probiotics, L. reuteri is also unique for its ability to produce the potent antimicrobial compound known as reuterin. This compound has a broad-spectrum effect, inhibiting the growth of various harmful bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Due to its adaptability and numerous health-promoting properties, L. reuteri has become a popular and widely researched dietary supplement.
Primary Health Benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri
The health benefits attributed to L. reuteri are diverse and supported by a growing body of clinical evidence. These effects are often strain-specific, highlighting the importance of choosing products with well-documented strains like DSM 17938 or RC-14.
Digestive Health
One of the most recognized uses for L. reuteri is the management of various gastrointestinal conditions, where it helps restore and maintain a balanced intestinal flora.
- Relief from Diarrhea: Studies, especially in children, show that L. reuteri can significantly reduce the duration and severity of infectious diarrhea, particularly rotavirus-associated cases.
- Addressing Constipation: By influencing intestinal motility and bowel movements, L. reuteri supplementation can help alleviate chronic constipation in infants and adults. Its impact on methane-producing gut bacteria may also play a role.
- Managing H. Pylori Infection: When used as an adjuvant to standard drug therapy for Helicobacter pylori, L. reuteri can suppress the harmful bacteria and reduce antibiotic side effects, improving treatment tolerance.
- Functional Abdominal Pain: Research in children with functional abdominal pain or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has shown that L. reuteri can reduce the frequency and severity of pain.
Infant Health
For new parents, L. reuteri is often synonymous with relief for a crying baby.
- Infant Colic: Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated L. reuteri's efficacy in treating infantile colic, significantly reducing crying time in exclusively breastfed infants. It works by modulating the microbial colonization pattern and potentially reducing intestinal inflammation.
- Digestive Comfort: Beyond colic, the probiotic can also help address general stomach pain and functional constipation in infants, promoting better digestive comfort.
Immune System Support
L. reuteri’s influence extends beyond the gut, playing a vital role in immune function throughout the body.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: This probiotic has been shown to reduce inflammatory agents and promote the development of T-cells, which are crucial for protecting the body against disease. It strengthens the gut barrier, which in turn reduces systemic inflammation.
- Respiratory Health: Research has shown that regular intake of L. reuteri may help reduce sick days associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, supporting overall immunity.
Skin Health
The connection between gut health and skin health is known as the gut-skin axis. L. reuteri supports this connection through several mechanisms.
- Managing Skin Conditions: It may offer benefits for conditions like acne and eczema by balancing the skin's microbiome and reducing systemic inflammation. Some topical applications have also shown promising results.
- Improving Skin Barrier: L. reuteri can improve the skin's natural barrier function, enhancing moisture retention and protection against environmental aggressors. Research has also explored its role in reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Oral Health
L. reuteri is also a prominent strain in oral health probiotics, helping to create a healthy balance in the oral microbiome.
- Reduces Gum Inflammation: Studies have shown that L. reuteri can reduce gingival inflammation, bleeding, and plaque, making it beneficial for managing gum disease.
- Inhibits Harmful Bacteria: The probiotic inhibits the growth of pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, a primary cause of tooth decay, and other bacteria linked to periodontal disease.
- Combats Bad Breath: By reducing the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for halitosis, certain L. reuteri strains can help freshen breath.
Cholesterol Management
Preliminary evidence suggests a role for L. reuteri in cardiovascular health.
- Lowering Cholesterol: Some research indicates that certain strains can slightly lower cholesterol levels, likely by modifying the gut microbiota and its metabolic processes.
A Comparison of L. reuteri with Another Popular Probiotic
| Feature | Lactobacillus reuteri (e.g., DSM 17938) | Lactobacillus rhamnosus (e.g., GG) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefits | Infant colic, digestive health, skin barrier support, oral health | Infectious diarrhea, allergy support, general digestive balance |
| Key Mechanisms | Produces antimicrobial reuterin; modulates immune response; adheres to epithelial surfaces | Produces lactic acid; supports intestinal barrier; excludes pathogens via competition |
| Application Focus | Pediatric care, especially for breastfed infants; targeted immune and anti-inflammatory effects | General gut health; prevention/treatment of specific infections like rotavirus |
Conclusion
Lactobacillus reuteri is a remarkably versatile probiotic with well-documented benefits spanning from infant care to adult digestive, immune, oral, and skin health. Its ability to produce unique antimicrobial compounds and modulate the body's immune system makes it an effective tool for restoring microbial balance. While research continues to uncover new applications and mechanisms, the existing evidence firmly establishes L. reuteri as a potent probiotic for improving overall wellness. For more in-depth, clinically-validated information on specific probiotic strains, reliable sources such as WebMD offer valuable insights into their uses, side effects, and more. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen.
