Lactobacillus Bulgaricus Nbrc 13953
Also known as: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. bulgaricus NBRC 13953, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (strain NBRC 13953), Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
Overview
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (specifically strain NBRC 13953) is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium widely recognized for its crucial role in the fermentation of dairy products, particularly yogurt. As a prominent probiotic, it is utilized in supplements primarily to enhance gastrointestinal health and modulate the gut microbiota. Its mechanism involves the production of lactic acid, which lowers gut pH and creates an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria. While research on L. bulgaricus strains is moderately mature, with evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its general probiotic efficacy, strain-specific data for NBRC 13953 are less extensive. However, existing studies suggest potential benefits in managing diarrhea and positively influencing certain metabolic parameters, such as triglyceride and AST levels. It is generally considered safe with a long history of use in food and supplements.
Benefits
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, including strain NBRC 13953, offers several evidence-based benefits: - **Gastrointestinal Health:** A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that probiotics containing L. bulgaricus significantly reduce the incidence of diarrhea compared to placebo. This suggests its efficacy in both preventing and managing diarrheal conditions, making it particularly beneficial for individuals prone to or experiencing diarrhea. The meta-analysis methods were robust, lending high quality to this finding. - **Metabolic Effects:** A 2024 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) demonstrated that L. bulgaricus supplementation led to a significant reduction in triglyceride levels (−21.00 ± 11.61 mg/dL, p=0.0447) and AST levels (p=0.0147) compared to placebo. This suggests potential benefits in lipid metabolism and liver function. While no significant effects were observed on blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, or cholesterol, the findings on triglycerides and AST are promising and come from a well-designed RCT. - **Mucosal Barrier Function:** Reviews suggest that L. bulgaricus, often as part of multi-strain probiotics, may enhance the intestinal mucus layer and tight junction protein expression. This contributes to improved gut barrier integrity, which is crucial for preventing the translocation of harmful substances from the gut into the bloodstream. However, the evidence for this specific benefit is mixed, and strain-specific effects for NBRC 13953 are not yet fully elucidated.
How it works
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus primarily exerts its probiotic effects through the production of lactic acid. This process lowers the pH within the gastrointestinal tract, creating an acidic environment that inhibits the growth and proliferation of many pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, it is believed to modulate host immune responses and enhance the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. This is achieved by potentially upregulating mucin gene expression and improving the function of tight junction proteins, which are critical for maintaining the epithelial barrier. While the specific molecular targets of strain NBRC 13953 are not fully characterized, it is understood to share these general probiotic mechanisms. Its bioavailability depends on its survival through the acidic conditions of the stomach, and while generally acid-tolerant, its colonization in the gut can be transient and varies among individuals.
Side effects
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus is generally considered very safe, with a long history of use in fermented foods and as a probiotic supplement. Adverse effects are rare and typically mild. The most commonly reported side effects, when they occur, include minor gastrointestinal discomforts such as bloating or gas. These symptoms are usually transient and resolve as the body adjusts to the supplement. High-quality randomized controlled trials have not reported any significant adverse events or drug interactions associated with its use. However, caution is advised for individuals with severe immunocompromised states, as the use of probiotics in such populations should be carefully considered and ideally supervised by a healthcare professional due to a theoretical risk of bacteremia or fungemia, although this is extremely rare with L. bulgaricus. There are no known specific contraindications other than severe immunosuppression. No specific warnings regarding pregnancy, lactation, or pediatric use have been identified, but consultation with a healthcare provider is always recommended for these populations.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus NBRC 13953 are not standardized, as its use is often within multi-strain probiotic formulations. However, typical probiotic doses generally range from 10^8 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the specific formulation and the intended health benefit. Clinical studies demonstrating effects on diarrhea and metabolic parameters utilized doses sufficient to achieve these outcomes, though exact CFU counts were not always detailed in the summaries. To enhance survival through the gastric acid, it is often recommended to take probiotic supplements with meals. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its efficacy. It is important to adhere to the dosage instructions provided on the specific product label. While no upper limits or safety thresholds have been definitively established for L. bulgaricus due to its high safety profile, exceeding recommended doses is generally not advised without professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Lactobacillus bulgaricus NBRC 13953 effective alone or only in combination?
Evidence suggests benefits both as part of multi-strain probiotics and potentially alone. However, much of the clinical data supporting its efficacy, particularly for gut barrier function, comes from studies using combined formulations.
How quickly do benefits appear?
The onset of benefits can vary. Effects on diarrhea prevention and certain metabolic markers, such as triglycerides and AST, have been observed within weeks to a few months in randomized controlled trials.
Is it safe for all populations?
Generally, L. bulgaricus is considered safe for most populations. However, caution is advised for individuals who are severely immunocompromised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended in such cases.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/gastroenterology/articles/10.3389/fgstr.2022.983075/full – This 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of probiotics, including those with L. bulgaricus, in reducing diarrhea incidence. The study found a statistically significant reduction in diarrhea compared to placebo, indicating robust evidence for its role in managing or preventing diarrheal conditions through meta-analytic methods.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10890272/ – This 2024 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) investigated the metabolic effects of L. bulgaricus supplementation. The study reported significant reductions in triglyceride and AST levels compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits for lipid metabolism and liver function, with good methodological quality and statistically significant results.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9019120/ – This 2022 narrative review discussed the role of Lactobacillus species, including L. bulgaricus, in gut health. It highlighted that L. bulgaricus, especially as part of multi-strain probiotics, may enhance mucosal barrier function, although it noted that evidence is mixed and strain-specific effects on colonization and barrier integrity remain unclear.
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