The Power of Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactobacillus salivarius, reclassified to Ligilactobacillus salivarius in 2020, is a fast-growing probiotic species that naturally inhabits the mouth, gut, and vaginal tract. It supports a balanced microbiome by producing organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and small antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocins, which help suppress undesirable microorganisms. This versatile action allows it to influence health in multiple parts of the body. While it has a long history of study, the benefits are often strain-specific, so it is important to research the exact strain included in a product.
Probiotic Products with L. salivarius
Many reputable probiotic manufacturers include Lactobacillus salivarius in their formulations, often blending it with other complementary strains to achieve a synergistic effect. Products are available in various forms, catering to specific health goals.
Standalone L. salivarius Supplements
Some brands provide dedicated products focusing solely on Lactobacillus salivarius. These are ideal for those who want a high concentration of this specific strain without other probiotics.
- Vitamatic: Offers a dedicated Lactobacillus Salivarius product with 2 Billion CFU in delayed-release capsules, designed to survive stomach acid and support digestive health.
- Windsor Botanicals: Markets Lactobacillus salivarius capsules for powerful all-around probiotic support, including oral, gut, and immune health.
Oral Health Blends
Lactobacillus salivarius is a common ingredient in oral probiotics due to its strong performance in maintaining a healthy oral environment.
- Bristle Oral Health Probiotic: A chewable mint tablet formulated with a blend of strains, including Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus salivarius K12, and Lactobacillus reuteri, to combat bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum inflammation.
- VINATURA Lactobacillus Salivarius Oral Probiotics: These chewable mint tablets contain a complex blend that includes L. salivarius, along with L. acidophilus and L. reuteri, for bad breath treatment and gum health.
- BIOACTIVE LABS: Offers a chewable oral probiotic with a complex blend of strains, including L. salivarius, targeting teeth, gums, and overall breath freshness.
Multi-Strain Digestive Supplements
For comprehensive gut support, L. salivarius is often included in broader multi-strain probiotic formulas.
- Balance ONE Probiotic: A multi-strain, delayed-release tablet that features L. salivarius alongside other targeted strains for optimal gut and overall microbiome balance.
List of Common Product Types with L. salivarius:
- Capsules (regular and delayed-release)
- Chewable mint tablets
- Lozenges
- Powder formulations
Comparison of Probiotic Products Containing L. salivarius
| Feature | Vitamatic (Capsule) | Bristle (Chewable Tablet) | Windsor Botanicals (Capsule) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Delayed-release capsule | Chewable mint tablet | Standard capsule |
| L. salivarius CFU | 2 Billion CFU | Included in a 3.5B CFU blend | Part of a 24bn CFU blend |
| Other Strains | Contains only L. salivarius | Includes S. salivarius, L. reuteri, and others | Often included in complex oral/gut formulas |
| Focus | Primarily digestive health | Oral health (teeth, gums, breath) | Oral, gut, and immune support |
| Prebiotics | Contains prebiotic inulin fiber | Includes xylitol instead of sugar | Contains prebiotics |
Oral Health Benefits of L. salivarius
Research indicates that L. salivarius can have significant positive effects on the oral microbiome.
- Combats Bad Breath: It helps reduce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that are a major cause of halitosis.
- Reduces Plaque and Decay: Studies show that certain strains of L. salivarius can significantly decrease levels of Streptococcus mutans, a primary bacterium associated with tooth decay.
- Supports Gum Health: It produces bacteriocins that can inhibit pathogenic species implicated in gum disease and inflammation.
- Promotes pH Balance: By producing lactic acid, it helps create a stable, slightly acidic oral environment that is less hospitable to opportunistic pathogens.
Gut and Immune System Effects
Beyond the mouth, L. salivarius also provides robust support for the digestive tract and immune function.
- Crowds out Harmful Bacteria: It can inhibit the growth of common pathogens like Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens. Some strains have shown potential to suppress Helicobacter pylori, which is associated with stomach ulcers.
- Aids Digestive Comfort: It promotes comfortable digestion by supporting a balanced gut ecosystem.
- Modulates the Immune System: As a colonizer of gut-associated lymphoid tissue, certain strains of L. salivarius interact with the immune system to promote a balanced immune response.
- May Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels: Some preliminary human research, particularly when combined with prebiotics, suggests a potential link between L. salivarius and improved cholesterol markers.
Food Sources and Prebiotic Support
While specific, potent strains are best obtained through supplements, a healthy diet can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria like L. salivarius.
- Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut contain various live microbes and fermentation byproducts. However, most commercial yogurts do not specifically contain L. salivarius unless added.
- Prebiotic-Rich Foods: These foods contain fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Good sources include garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, chicory root, and bananas, which provide inulin and FOS.
How to Choose a Probiotic Supplement
Selecting the right probiotic requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Specific Strains: Look for products that list the specific strain of L. salivarius, such as WB21 or HM-6, as effects can be strain-dependent.
- CFU Count: The number of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) indicates the potency. Oral health products often have lower CFUs than digestive blends, but consistency of dosage is key.
- Delivery System: Delayed-release capsules, chewable tablets, or lozenges are often used to help the bacteria survive the journey through the digestive system or to maximize contact time in the mouth.
- Third-Party Testing: Reputable brands use independent laboratories to verify the potency and purity of their supplements.
Conclusion
Finding a probiotic that contains Lactobacillus salivarius is straightforward, with options available from many brands specializing in both oral and digestive health supplements. For targeted oral benefits like fighting bad breath and plaque, specialized chewable tablets or lozenges are ideal. For broader digestive and immune support, multi-strain capsules are often the best choice. Due to the strain-specific nature of probiotics, checking the product label for specific strains and CFU counts is crucial for achieving desired results. For the most informed decision, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
For more in-depth research on the mechanisms and applications of this probiotic, review the analysis on the National Institutes of Health website.
