Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1
Also known as: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1, Lactobacillus plantarum
Overview
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a species of lactic acid bacteria commonly found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough, as well as in the human gastrointestinal tract. The LP1 strain is a specific isolate utilized as a probiotic supplement. It is primarily used to enhance gastrointestinal health, improve oral health, positively influence cardiovascular markers, and potentially modulate immune and inflammatory responses. As a facultative heterofermentative bacterium, L. plantarum LP1 is capable of surviving the harsh conditions of gastrointestinal transit and adhering to mucosal surfaces, which is crucial for its probiotic function. Research on this strain, and L. plantarum in general, is moderately to advanced, with numerous clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supporting its health effects. While strain-specific data for LP1 can be less abundant compared to other L. plantarum strains, the overall evidence quality, including randomized controlled trials, is strong.
Benefits
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 offers several evidence-based benefits. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials demonstrated significant improvements in periodontal health, including reduced pocket depth and bleeding on probing (p < 0.001). It also effectively reduces gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly abdominal pain (p < 0.001). Furthermore, supplementation with L. plantarum has been shown to decrease infectious disease markers, such as C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), and improve cardiovascular markers by lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). These benefits are particularly relevant for adults experiencing periodontal disease, gastrointestinal discomfort, and those with cardiovascular risk factors. While some studies suggest potential neuroprotective effects, these require further clinical validation. The observed improvements, such as meaningful reductions in LDL cholesterol and inflammatory markers, represent clinically significant outcomes for reducing the risk of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Clinical improvements can typically be observed within weeks to months, with some studies showing effects as early as four weeks.
How it works
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 primarily exerts its effects by modulating the gut microbiota composition and enhancing the mucosal barrier function, which is crucial for gut integrity. A key mechanism involves the deconjugation of bile acids through its bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. This process promotes cholesterol metabolism and contributes to the reduction of LDL cholesterol. The strain also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing systemic inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. While its primary action occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, L. plantarum LP1 can exert systemic effects through immune modulation and metabolic pathways, influencing overall cardiovascular health. It survives gastric acidity and bile salts, allowing for colonization and activity within the intestine, although long-term colonization post-supplementation may be limited.
Side effects
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has a strong safety record in clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in less than 5% of individuals, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which typically resolve with continued use. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include rare allergic reactions or intolerance, though these are not frequently reported. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, with no such occurrences reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials. No significant drug interactions have been documented; however, caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants. Immunocompromised individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using this supplement. For special populations like neonates and pregnant women, careful consideration is warranted, although evidence supports its safety in preterm infants, noting that colonization may be transient.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 varies by study, but clinical trials commonly use doses ranging from 10^9 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. Optimal dosage ranges for effective outcomes typically fall between 10^9 and 10^11 CFU per day. There is no established maximum safe dose, as doses up to 10^11 CFU per day have been well tolerated in studies. For optimal survival through the gastrointestinal tract, daily administration with meals is often recommended. L. plantarum LP1 is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fermented food products; the stability and viability of the live bacteria are critical for efficacy. Co-administration with prebiotics may enhance its colonization and activity, though no specific cofactors are strictly required. Dietary fiber can also support probiotic function.
FAQs
Is Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 safe for long-term use?
Yes, clinical studies indicate that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 has a good safety profile, making it suitable for extended use.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some benefits, such as relief from gastrointestinal symptoms, may be noticed within a few weeks, while cardiovascular effects might require longer supplementation.
Can it replace antibiotics or other medications?
No, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 is an adjunctive therapy and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications or treatments.
Does it permanently colonize the gut?
Colonization by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1 is often transient, meaning its presence in the gut may not be permanent and can vary based on the strain and individual host factors.
Are all L. plantarum strains equally effective?
No, the effects of L. plantarum are strain-specific. While LP1 has demonstrated benefits, the efficacy can vary between different L. plantarum strains.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38816672/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 18 randomized controlled trials, found that L. plantarum supplementation significantly improved periodontal health, gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles. Despite some heterogeneity in strains and dosages, the high-quality evidence supports the clinical benefits of L. plantarum.
- https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/120/7/708/7634448 – This pilot exploratory randomized controlled trial investigated a combination of BSH-active L. plantarum strains over four weeks in overweight subjects. It demonstrated significant reductions in various cardiovascular risk markers, including ApoB100, ApoB48, small LDL particles, and LDL oxidation susceptibility, supporting the metabolic benefits relevant to atherosclerosis.
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msphere.01032-24 – This study, a neonatal probiotic RCT and meta-analysis, evaluated an L. plantarum strain in very low birth weight infants. It showed that the strain prevented late-onset sepsis but did not lead to long-term colonization, highlighting its safety and some efficacy in vulnerable populations despite transient colonization.