Understanding Strain Specificity
For many probiotic species, the benefits are not universal; they are defined by the specific strain used. This means a product containing L. reuteri is not enough information to guarantee a specific health effect. The unique alphanumerical code, like DSM 17938 or NCIMB 30242, is crucial for identifying the specific strain studied for a particular outcome. These codes refer to the international culture collection that safeguards and distributes the strain, ensuring consistency and reliability across different products.
Factors Influencing Strain Efficacy
Several factors contribute to a strain's effectiveness, including its origin, its ability to survive the gastrointestinal tract, and the antimicrobial compounds it produces. For example, the well-researched DSM 17938 strain was created by removing antibiotic resistance genes from its parent strain, ATCC 55730, making it a safer and more viable option for human use.
The Top L. reuteri Strains and Their Benefits
For Digestive and Infant Health: L. reuteri DSM 17938
Widely regarded as one of the most clinically supported probiotic strains, L. reuteri DSM 17938 is primarily recognized for its benefits in gut health, especially for infants and children. It has been extensively studied for issues like infantile colic, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Infantile Colic: Multiple clinical trials show that supplementation with DSM 17938 can significantly reduce crying time in breastfed infants with colic. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be linked to this effect.
- Diarrhea: This strain has been shown to reduce the duration of infectious and antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both children and adults by enhancing gut immunity and restoring the microflora balance.
- Constipation: Studies suggest DSM 17938 can improve bowel movement frequency in both children and adults with functional constipation by stimulating gut motility and modulating gut microbiota. It may also help reduce methane production, a factor linked to slow transit constipation.
- Gut-Brain Axis: Some research indicates DSM 17938 has 'psychobiotic' effects, influencing mood and anxiety by modulating neurotransmitter pathways and reducing inflammation in the gut.
For Heart Health: L. reuteri NCIMB 30242
Unlike the gut-focused DSM 17938, NCIMB 30242 (also known as LRC®) is specifically researched for its impact on cardiovascular health, particularly cholesterol management.
- Cholesterol Reduction: Clinical trials have shown that this strain can help maintain total and LDL cholesterol levels already within a normal range. Its mechanism is believed to involve inhibiting sterol absorption and producing bile salt hydrolase.
- Vitamin D Levels: Uniquely among L. reuteri strains, NCIMB 30242 has demonstrated the ability to increase mean circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
- Cardiovascular Markers: It may also help regulate other cardiovascular health markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen.
For Oral Health: L. reuteri Prodentis (DSM 17938 + ATCC PTA 5289)
For improving oral hygiene, the combination of strains DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289, branded as Prodentis, is the most clinically validated approach.
- Combats Harmful Bacteria: These strains compete with pathogenic bacteria for binding sites in the oral cavity and produce the antimicrobial compound reuterin to inhibit their growth.
- Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis: Studies have shown that this combination can lead to a significant reduction in plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.
- Reduces Bad Breath: The probiotic action helps combat bacteria responsible for bad breath.
L. reuteri Strains Comparison Table
| Strain | Primary Health Focus | Key Benefits | Notable Research Area | Target Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSM 17938 | Gut Health, Immunity, Brain | Reduces infantile colic, shortens duration of diarrhea, improves constipation, supports mood via gut-brain axis | Methane-related SIBO, infant gut health, immune function | Infants, children, adults |
| NCIMB 30242 | Cardiovascular Health | Supports healthy cholesterol levels, helps increase circulating vitamin D, promotes normal CRP levels | Hypercholesterolemia, Vitamin D deficiency | Adults |
| Prodentis | Oral Health | Reduces plaque and gingivitis, combats bad breath, inhibits oral pathogens like S. mutans | Chronic periodontitis, oral malodor | Adults, children, pregnant women |
| ATCC PTA 6475 | Inflammation, Bone Health | Anti-inflammatory effects, supports bone mineral density, improves gut-brain signaling pathways | Postmenopausal osteoporosis, IBS, inflammation | Specific cohorts (e.g., elderly women, IBS patients) |
| DSMZ 17648 | Stomach Health | Reduces H. pylori load as an adjunct therapy | H. pylori infection treatment | Adults |
How to Choose the Right L. reuteri Strain
Selecting the best L. reuteri strain requires a targeted approach based on your health objectives. Follow these steps to make an informed decision:
- Define Your Primary Health Goal: Is your main concern your infant's colic, your own cholesterol levels, or improving your oral hygiene? Your answer will direct you toward the most appropriate strain.
- Look for Clinical Evidence: Verify that the specific strain has been tested in human clinical studies for your intended use. A product should state the strain code clearly on the label.
- Check Dosage and CFU Count: Ensure the product's dosage matches the effective levels used in the clinical studies. For probiotics, more is not always better; it is about the right dose of the right strain.
- Consider the Source: Choose a product from a reputable company that provides transparent information about its strains, including registration in international culture collections.
- Talk to a Professional: Before starting any new supplement, especially for specific health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and ensure it aligns with your overall health plan.
Conclusion: Matching the Strain to Your Needs
Ultimately, there is no single best strain of L. reuteri for everyone. The 'best' strain is the one that has been clinically proven to address your specific health concerns. For digestive and infant issues, DSM 17938 is an excellent, well-researched option. If you are focused on cardiovascular support, NCIMB 30242 has demonstrated targeted benefits. For oral health, the Prodentis combination is the most effective choice. Understanding strain-specificity is key to unlocking the full potential of probiotic therapy. Examine.com provides comprehensive research breakdowns on probiotics like L. reuteri to help you evaluate specific strains based on science.
