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Lactobacillus amylovorus

Also known as: Lactobacillus amylovorus

Overview

Lactobacillus amylovorus is a species of lactic acid bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, as well as in fermented foods. It is primarily studied and used as a probiotic supplement aimed at improving gut health, modulating microbiota composition, and potentially influencing metabolic and immune functions. This bacterium is characterized by its amylolytic activity, meaning it can break down starch, and its ability to tolerate acid and adhere to intestinal mucosa, which supports its probiotic potential. While the Lactobacillus genus is well-researched for its probiotic properties, specific high-quality clinical evidence for L. amylovorus is limited compared to more common strains like L. rhamnosus or L. acidophilus. Most of the current understanding of its benefits is inferred from broader Lactobacillus studies or animal models, with few dedicated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses focusing exclusively on this specific strain.

Benefits

The primary potential benefit of Lactobacillus amylovorus is its ability to improve gut microbiota balance and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This is achieved through competitive exclusion and the production of lactic acid, which lowers intestinal pH. While not specifically proven for L. amylovorus, some Lactobacillus strains have been shown in meta-analyses to contribute to lipid metabolism regulation, potentially reducing total and LDL cholesterol. Secondary effects, largely inferred from general Lactobacillus research and animal studies, include possible immunomodulatory effects and a reduction in inflammation. There's also a suggestion of potential neuroprotective effects via gut-brain axis modulation, based on studies linking the Lactobacillus genus with amyloid accumulation in Alzheimer's models. However, direct clinical evidence for these benefits specifically for L. amylovorus is currently lacking, and robust data to delineate specific populations benefiting from its supplementation are not available. Effect sizes and clinical significance remain unestablished due to the absence of targeted RCTs.

How it works

Lactobacillus amylovorus primarily functions by fermenting carbohydrates to produce lactic acid. This process lowers the intestinal pH, creating an environment less favorable for pathogenic bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial gut flora. By modulating the gut microbiota composition, it helps maintain a healthy balance within the gastrointestinal tract. As a live microorganism, it transiently colonizes the gut, with its survival through gastric acid and bile being crucial for its efficacy. While specific molecular targets for L. amylovorus have not been identified, its mechanisms align with general probiotic actions, primarily impacting the gastrointestinal tract. Potential systemic effects may occur through immune modulation and metabolic regulation, though these are less directly understood for this specific strain.

Side effects

Lactobacillus amylovorus is generally regarded as safe (GRAS), consistent with the safety profile of other Lactobacillus genus probiotics. Common side effects, if they occur, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, especially during the initial stages of supplementation. These usually subside as the body adjusts. Uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence) include rare allergic reactions or intolerance. Very rare cases of bacteremia or sepsis have been reported with probiotics in severely immunocompromised individuals, but not specifically for L. amylovorus. There are no well-documented drug interactions specific to L. amylovorus, but caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants. Contraindications include immunocompromised patients, who should consult a healthcare provider before use due to the theoretical risk of systemic infection. Data for special populations like children and pregnant individuals are limited, though generally, Lactobacillus probiotics are considered safe; more research is needed for L. amylovorus in these groups.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for Lactobacillus amylovorus has not been specifically established due to a lack of dedicated clinical trials. However, typical probiotic doses for other Lactobacillus strains range from 10^8 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. While a maximum safe dose for L. amylovorus is not defined, probiotic doses up to 10^11 CFU/day are generally well tolerated across the Lactobacillus genus. For optimal efficacy, it is often recommended to take probiotic supplements with meals, as food can help buffer stomach acid and enhance the survival of the live microorganisms through the gastric environment. L. amylovorus can be found in various forms, including capsules, powders, or fermented foods, and its viability is dependent on the specific formulation. Survival through stomach acid and bile salts is critical for its action, and microencapsulation may be used to improve delivery to the intestines. No specific cofactors are required, but the co-administration of prebiotics may enhance its colonization and beneficial effects in the gut.

FAQs

Is L. amylovorus effective for antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

There is no direct clinical evidence specifically for L. amylovorus. While other Lactobacillus strains have shown efficacy in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, L. amylovorus lacks dedicated randomized controlled trials for this indication.

Can it lower cholesterol?

Some Lactobacillus probiotics have demonstrated the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. However, there is no direct clinical evidence or specific studies confirming this effect for L. amylovorus itself.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Based on the general safety profile of the Lactobacillus genus, L. amylovorus is likely safe for long-term use. However, specific long-term studies on this particular strain are currently absent.

How quickly does it work?

The exact time frame for L. amylovorus to exert its effects is unknown. Probiotic benefits typically manifest within a few weeks of consistent supplementation, but this can vary by individual and specific strain.

Does it colonize the gut permanently?

No, like most probiotics, L. amylovorus is considered a transient colonizer of the gut. It does not permanently establish itself but exerts its effects while present in the digestive tract.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This meta-analysis by McFarland (2018) investigated the efficacy of various Lactobacillus strains for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). While it identified several strains that significantly reduced AAD risk, L. amylovorus was not specifically evaluated due to insufficient clinical trial data, highlighting the need for more targeted research on this particular strain.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0178868 – Wu et al. (2017) conducted a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials examining the effect of probiotics on lipid profiles. The study concluded that probiotics can reduce total and LDL cholesterol, but it did not single out L. amylovorus, indicating that the observed benefits were from a variety of probiotic strains.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11672027/ – The systematic review by Jimenez-García et al. (2024) explored the role of gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease. It noted an increased abundance of the Lactobacillus genus in AD models, suggesting a potential role in modulating neurodegeneration, but found no direct clinical evidence specifically supporting L. amylovorus supplementation for this condition.