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Lactobacillus brevis W63

Also known as: L. brevis W63, probiotic strain of Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus brevis W63

Overview

Lactobacillus brevis W63 is a specific strain of Lactobacillus brevis, a species of lactic acid bacteria commonly found in fermented foods and the human gut microbiota. As a probiotic supplement, it is utilized for its potential to modulate gut microbiota, enhance immune function, and improve metabolic and inflammatory parameters. While research specifically on the W63 strain is emerging and somewhat limited compared to broader Lactobacillus or general probiotic studies, it is often included in multi-strain probiotic formulations that have been investigated in randomized controlled trials. The strain is part of the larger Lactobacillus family known for its beneficial effects on gut health, including increasing beneficial bacteria populations and short-chain fatty acid production, which supports gut barrier function and reduces inflammation. Its application extends to areas such as muscle mass and strength improvement, and modulation of lipid profiles, contributing to overall well-being.

Benefits

Lactobacillus brevis W63, as part of Lactobacillus-containing probiotic formulations, offers several evidence-based benefits. It primarily improves gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial Lactobacillus populations and enhancing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which is crucial for gut barrier function and inflammation reduction. This effect is supported by systematic reviews on synbiotics in healthy adults, showing improved gut barrier integrity and reduced inflammation. Probiotic supplementation, including Lactobacillus strains, has also demonstrated modest improvements in muscle mass and strength, with a standardized mean difference of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.10–0.74) in muscle mass, indicating a small to moderate effect size relevant for sarcopenia management, particularly in older adults. Furthermore, some Lactobacillus strains have been associated with statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, contributing to cardiovascular health, as evidenced by meta-analyses. Secondary benefits include modulation of inflammatory biomarkers and enhancement of intestinal permeability, especially with synbiotic use. While direct, high-quality RCTs exclusively on L. brevis W63 are limited, the broader evidence for Lactobacillus species supports its likely efficacy within multi-strain or synbiotic formulations. Benefits typically manifest after several weeks to months of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Lactobacillus brevis W63, similar to other Lactobacillus strains, primarily exerts its effects through several key mechanisms. It modulates the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as propionate, which are vital for gut health. This modulation helps to enhance gut barrier integrity, thereby reducing intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation. The strain also interacts with immune cells, contributing to the modulation of inflammatory responses. Additionally, it may influence lipid metabolism through mechanisms like bile salt hydrolase activity and cholesterol assimilation. Indirectly, L. brevis W63 could impact muscle metabolism by reducing systemic inflammation and modulating the gut-muscle axis. Its efficacy depends on its survival through the gastrointestinal tract and its ability to colonize the gut.

Side effects

Lactobacillus brevis strains, including W63, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and have a long history of use in fermented foods and dietary supplements. Adverse effects are rare and typically mild, primarily involving transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, or mild abdominal discomfort in some sensitive individuals. These symptoms usually subside with continued use or a slight reduction in dosage. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically reported for L. brevis W63 in healthy populations. However, individuals with compromised immune systems, those with severe underlying medical conditions, or those with central venous catheters should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before initiating probiotic supplementation due to a theoretical risk of bacteremia or fungemia, although this is extremely rare with Lactobacillus species. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor. Overall, L. brevis W63 is considered safe for the general healthy population when used as directed.

Dosage

Specific dosing guidelines for Lactobacillus brevis W63 are not yet firmly established, as most research involves multi-strain formulations. However, probiotic studies generally utilize doses ranging from 10^8 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day for various Lactobacillus strains. The optimal dosage for L. brevis W63 would depend on the specific formulation and the desired health outcomes. To enhance the survival of the probiotic through the acidic environment of the stomach, it is often recommended to take probiotics with meals. For improved efficacy, L. brevis W63 may be included in synbiotic formulations, which combine probiotics with prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria), thereby supporting the growth and activity of the probiotic strain. There are no specific upper limits or safety thresholds defined for L. brevis W63, but adherence to product-specific recommendations is advised.

FAQs

Is Lactobacillus brevis W63 effective alone or only in combination?

Most evidence for L. brevis W63 comes from multi-strain or synbiotic formulations. While it contributes to the overall effect, its isolated efficacy requires further dedicated study.

How long before effects are seen?

Benefits from L. brevis W63, like other probiotics, typically become noticeable after several weeks to months of consistent daily supplementation.

Is it safe for everyone?

Generally, L. brevis W63 is safe for healthy individuals. However, immunocompromised individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Can it replace medication?

No, L. brevis W63 and other probiotics are intended as dietary supplements and should not be used as replacements for prescribed medications or medical treatments.

Research Sources

https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/83/2/e4/7606372 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Nutrition Reviews in 2024, examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in healthy adults. It concluded that synbiotic supplementation, often including Lactobacillus strains, significantly increased Lactobacillus abundance and short-chain fatty acid production, leading to improved gut barrier function and reduced inflammation. The study highlighted the high quality of included methodologies but noted heterogeneity in probiotic strains and formulations.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcsm.13132 – Published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle in 2022, this systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 24 RCTs. It found that probiotic supplementation, including various Lactobacillus strains, significantly improved muscle mass (SMD 0.42, p=0.009) and strength in adults. The research included adequate sample sizes and controls, though it acknowledged variability in probiotic strains and populations as a limitation.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0178868 – This meta-analysis, published in PLOS ONE in 2017, synthesized data from thirteen randomized controlled trials. It demonstrated statistically significant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol with Lactobacillus supplementation. The study confirmed the significance of its findings with no publication bias, but noted limitations such as strain heterogeneity and the relatively short duration of the included studies.