Lactobacillus Fermentum Nbrc 3071
Also known as: Limosilactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3071, Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3071, L. fermentum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum
Overview
Limosilactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3071 is a probiotic bacterial strain, formerly known as Lactobacillus fermentum, belonging to the lactic acid bacteria group. It is typically isolated from fermented foods or the human microbiota. This strain is primarily utilized as a probiotic supplement to enhance gastrointestinal health and potentially modulate the vaginal microbiota. A key characteristic of L. fermentum NBRC 3071, similar to other effective probiotic strains, is its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastric acidity and bile salts, allowing it to exert beneficial effects on the host's microbial balance. While research on L. fermentum strains in general is moderately mature with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, specific high-quality data directly on the NBRC 3071 strain are limited. Therefore, understanding of its potential benefits often relies on evidence from closely related strains such as L. fermentum CECT5716 or LF5, which share similar probiotic properties.
Benefits
Evidence from closely related strains suggests that Limosilactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3071 may offer several health benefits. For gastrointestinal health, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on L. fermentum CECT5716 demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence rate of gastrointestinal infections (GIs) in infants. This meta-analysis, involving 435 infants, reported an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.36–0.74, p=0.0004), indicating approximately a 48% reduction in GI incidence compared to placebo. This suggests a strong preventive effect against common childhood infections. For vaginal health, an RCT comparing L. fermentum LF5 to standard miconazole treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) found that LF5 achieved similar microbiological eradication rates (around 94-96%) and comparable symptom remission. This indicates that L. fermentum strains have significant potential as a probiotic intervention for vaginal infections, offering an alternative or complementary approach to conventional antifungal treatments. Additionally, some studies on various L. fermentum strains suggest immunomodulatory effects, potentially contributing to a reduction in symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, although direct, robust evidence for NBRC 3071 specifically is still emerging.
How it works
Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains primarily exert their beneficial effects through several mechanisms. They produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH in the gut and vagina, creating an unfavorable environment for the growth of many pathogenic bacteria and fungi. These probiotics can also modulate host immune responses by interacting with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), influencing cytokine production and immune cell activity. Furthermore, L. fermentum strains compete with harmful pathogens for adhesion sites on mucosal surfaces and for essential nutrients, thereby inhibiting their colonization and proliferation. Like other effective probiotic strains, L. fermentum NBRC 3071 is expected to survive the acidic conditions of the stomach and the presence of bile salts in the small intestine, allowing it to reach and colonize the lower gastrointestinal tract and potentially the vaginal environment, where it can exert its therapeutic effects.
Side effects
Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains are generally considered safe for consumption, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects, which are rare and typically mild, include transient gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas. These effects are usually self-limiting and resolve as the body adjusts to the probiotic. There have been no documented significant drug interactions with L. fermentum strains, nor are there any known contraindications for their use in healthy individuals. Clinical trials involving specific populations, such as infants and women with vaginal infections, have also reported good safety profiles, indicating that these strains are well-tolerated across different age groups and health conditions. As with any probiotic, individuals with compromised immune systems or those with severe underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, although specific safety concerns for L. fermentum in these groups have not been widely reported.
Dosage
Effective dosages for Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains, based on clinical trials with related strains, typically range from approximately 8.4 × 10^8 to 1 × 10^9 colony-forming units (cfu) per day. This dosage is commonly administered orally, often via milk formula for infants or in capsule form for adults. The duration of administration varies depending on the intended purpose; for acute conditions like vaginal infections, treatment durations can be as short as 3 days, while for preventive measures such as reducing gastrointestinal infections in infants, supplementation may extend up to 6 months. To ensure the viability and efficacy of the probiotic, the timing of administration and the formulation are crucial. Products are often designed to protect the bacteria from gastric acid, with encapsulation or delivery in dairy-based products being common methods to enhance survival through the gastrointestinal tract. There are no established upper limits for L. fermentum, as it is generally considered safe, but adhering to clinically studied dosages is recommended for optimal benefits.
FAQs
Is NBRC 3071 effective for GI infections?
While direct evidence for NBRC 3071 is limited, closely related L. fermentum strains, like CECT5716, have shown significant preventive effects against gastrointestinal infections in infants, reducing incidence by nearly 50% in studies.
Can it treat vaginal infections?
Yes, similar L. fermentum strains, such as LF5, have demonstrated efficacy comparable to conventional antifungal drugs like miconazole for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis, achieving high rates of microbiological eradication and symptom remission.
Is it safe for infants and adults?
Clinical trials involving L. fermentum strains, including those with infants and adults, consistently report good safety profiles with no serious adverse events, indicating it is generally well-tolerated across age groups.
How long until benefits appear?
For gastrointestinal infection prevention, benefits typically become apparent over several months of consistent use. For treating vaginal infections, effects can be observed within a few days of starting supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34208893/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effect of L. fermentum CECT5716 on gastrointestinal infections in infants. It found a significant 48% reduction in GI infection incidence (IRR 0.52, p=0.0004) in infants receiving the probiotic, suggesting a strong preventive effect. The study highlights the potential of this strain for infant health, despite some heterogeneity and risk of bias in included studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1428590/pdf – This double-blind randomized controlled trial compared L. fermentum LF5 to miconazole for vulvovaginal candidiasis in adult women. It concluded that LF5 was as effective as miconazole in achieving microbiological eradication and symptom remission, suggesting its potential as a probiotic treatment for vaginal infections. The study was a high-quality RCT, though with a relatively small sample size and short follow-up.
- https://www.scribd.com/document/804044576/Probiotics-Review-and-Top-Picks-ConsumerLab-com-1 – This review, while not peer-reviewed, references various RCTs and reports modest benefits of L. fermentum strains in reducing respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It provides a general overview of the strain's potential, serving as supportive context for its broader applications, though it should be considered a lower-quality source compared to peer-reviewed research.
Recommended Articles
Top Ingredients for Optimal Gut Health
Fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, hydration, and fermented foods are crucial for maintaining healthy digestion and gut function.
Best Probiotic Strains & CFU for Health
Certain probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with CFU counts ranging from 1 billion for general wellness to 100 billion for conditions like IBS, are most beneficial.
Best Probiotic Strains for Your Health Goals
Certain probiotic strains offer targeted benefits for digestive health, immune support, weight management, and mental health.
Top Digestive Health Ingredients
Dietary fiber, probiotics, and natural ingredients like ginger and peppermint oil are essential for improving digestive health.