Lactobacillus Gasseri L22g
Also known as: Lactobacillus gasseri (strain L22g), L. gasseri L22g, Lactobacillus gasseri probiotic strain, Lactobacillus gasseri L22g
Overview
Lactobacillus gasseri is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract and vaginal microbiota. As a lactic acid-producing bacterium, it is used as a probiotic supplement. L. gasseri strains are used to promote gut health, support immune function, and potentially aid in weight management and metabolic health. Strain-specific effects are important in probiotics; L. gasseri strains have been studied for their ability to modulate gut microbiota, improve metabolic parameters, and influence immune responses. While Lactobacillus gasseri as a species is well-studied, specific data on strain L22g is limited in the peer-reviewed literature. There is a lack of direct, high-quality RCTs or meta-analyses specifically on L. gasseri L22g, with most evidence derived from studies on other L. gasseri strains or general Lactobacillus gasseri species.
Benefits
Some Lactobacillus gasseri strains have been associated with improvements in metabolic health, including reductions in body weight and fat mass, though these effects are strain-dependent and not universally confirmed. A systematic review and meta-analysis on Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 (a different strain) showed significant improvement in sleep quality in adults with mild to moderate stress, indicating potential strain-specific benefits in neuropsychological health. General Lactobacillus probiotics, including some L. gasseri strains, have shown potential benefits in lipid profile improvement, such as reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, though effects on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol are inconsistent. Probiotics, including Lactobacillus species, may help modulate immune responses and reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms, but evidence is limited and strain-specific. Benefits have been reported primarily in adults with metabolic syndrome, mild stress, or allergic conditions, but data specific to L22g strain are not available. Benefits from probiotic supplementation typically require several weeks (4-12 weeks) of daily intake.
How it works
Lactobacillus gasseri strains produce lactic acid, lowering gut pH and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. They may modulate gut microbiota composition, enhance gut barrier function, and influence systemic immune responses. It mainly acts on the gastrointestinal tract, with downstream effects on metabolism, immune modulation, and possibly the gut-brain axis. Molecular targets are not fully elucidated but likely involve modulation of inflammatory cytokines, gut epithelial cells, and microbial metabolites. As a live probiotic, L. gasseri survives passage through the stomach to colonize or transiently inhabit the gut.
Side effects
Lactobacillus gasseri strains are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) with a long history of use in foods and supplements. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas (<5% incidence). Very rare cases of infection have been reported in immunocompromised individuals. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Caution is advised in severely immunocompromised patients. It is generally safe in adults, but there is limited data in pregnant women and children. Overall, L. gasseri is considered safe for most individuals, but those with compromised immune systems should exercise caution.
Dosage
Typical probiotic doses range from 1 billion to 10 billion CFU/day; specific dosing for L22g is not established. Most clinical studies on Lactobacillus gasseri strains use doses around 10^9 to 10^10 CFU/day. There is no established upper limit; doses up to 10^11 CFU/day have been used safely in studies. Daily intake with or without food is recommended, and consistency is important. It is available in capsules, powders, or fermented foods. Survival through gastric acid is critical; formulations with enteric coating or microencapsulation may improve viability. No specific cofactors are required.
FAQs
Is L. gasseri L22g effective for weight loss?
No direct evidence for L22g; some other L. gasseri strains have shown modest effects on body fat reduction. Effects are strain-specific, so results from other strains may not apply.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Yes, it is generally safe for long-term consumption in healthy adults. However, individuals with compromised immune systems should consult with a healthcare provider.
How long before effects are seen?
Typically, several weeks are needed before noticeable effects are observed. The exact time frame can vary depending on the individual and the specific outcome being measured.
Can it be taken with antibiotics?
Probiotics can be taken alongside antibiotics, but timing should be spaced to improve survival. Taking them at different times of the day can help maintain probiotic viability.
Does strain specificity matter?
Yes, probiotic effects are highly strain-specific. Therefore, the benefits observed with one strain may not necessarily be applicable to another strain.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37413809/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 on sleep quality. The study found that daily consumption of L. gasseri CP2305 significantly improved sleep quality in adults experiencing mild to moderate stress. It is important to note that this study focused on a different strain (CP2305) than L22g.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4725706/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the use of probiotics for allergic rhinitis. The review concluded that probiotics, including Lactobacillus species, may improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, the evidence was limited and highly strain-dependent, indicating that not all Lactobacillus strains are equally effective.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0178868 – This meta-analysis of 13 RCTs examined the effect of Lactobacillus species on lipid profiles. The study found that Lactobacillus species significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. However, it showed no significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, and the results may not be generalizable to L. gasseri L22g due to strain heterogeneity.
Supplements Containing Lactobacillus Gasseri L22g
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