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Lactobacillus Helveticus R0052

Also known as: Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, L. helveticus R0052, Lacidofil® STRONG

Overview

*Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 is a strain of lactic acid bacteria that is commonly found in fermented dairy products and is used as a probiotic supplement. It is primarily used to support gastrointestinal health, reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and potentially manage other health conditions such as seizures and depression. This probiotic is known for its ability to modulate the immune system, maintain epithelial barrier function, and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Research on *L. helveticus* R0052 is considered to be of moderate to high maturity, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some meta-analyses available. It is often used in conjunction with other probiotics, such as *Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus* R0011, to enhance its beneficial effects. The available evidence is generally high-quality, with well-designed RCTs and systematic reviews, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects on various health conditions.

Benefits

*Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052, often in combination with *Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus* R0011, has demonstrated several notable benefits. It significantly reduces the duration of diarrhea-like defecations and improves bowel consistency in healthy adults taking amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, as shown in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Another RCT demonstrated that the combination of *L. helveticus* R0052 and *L. rhamnosus* R0011 as an adjuvant to standard triple therapy increased *H. pylori* eradication rates and reduced gastrointestinal side effects associated with the treatment. Additionally, a study in mice suggested potential anticonvulsant effects by increasing the threshold for psychomotor and myoclonic seizures, partly mediated by increased production of SCFAs. Some studies also suggest that *L. helveticus* R0052 may improve depressive symptoms and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, although these findings require further confirmation.

How it works

*Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 primarily works by modulating the immune system, maintaining epithelial barrier function, and inhibiting pathogen adhesion in the gastrointestinal tract. It also produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate and butyrate, which can influence gut microbiota composition and the gut-brain axis. By enhancing the epithelial barrier and reducing inflammation, it interacts with the gastrointestinal system to promote gut health. Furthermore, it may influence the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, potentially affecting mood and seizure susceptibility. The probiotic affects the production of proinflammatory cytokines and increases the levels of SCFAs.

Side effects

*Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. No common side effects (greater than 5%) have been reported in the studies reviewed. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) were also not significant in the RCTs. There is no evidence of rare side effects (less than 1%) from the reviewed studies. No significant drug interactions have been reported, although *L. helveticus* R0052 may affect the bioavailability of certain medications like valproate. There are no specifically identified contraindications in the reviewed literature. While no specific contraindications or precautions for special populations were noted, caution should always be exercised in immunocompromised individuals.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of *Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 is typically administered at 0.2-4 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day, often in combination with other probiotics. The optimal dose is generally considered to be within the range used in the studies (0.2-4 billion CFU/day). No maximum safe dose has been established, but doses above 4 billion CFU/day are not commonly studied. It is usually administered twice daily after meals, during and after antibiotic treatment or other therapeutic regimens. It is available in capsule form, often combined with other probiotics. Oral administration ensures direct contact with the gastrointestinal tract, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is *L. helveticus* R0052 safe?

*L. helveticus* R0052 is generally safe and well-tolerated, with no significant side effects reported in clinical trials. However, caution should be exercised in immunocompromised individuals.

When and how should I take *L. helveticus* R0052?

It is best administered twice daily after meals, during and after antibiotic treatment or other therapeutic regimens, typically in capsule form.

What results can I expect from taking *L. helveticus* R0052?

You can expect reduced gastrointestinal side effects from antibiotics, improved *H. pylori* eradication rates, and potential benefits in seizure susceptibility and depressive symptoms.

Is *L. helveticus* R0052 a cure-all for gastrointestinal issues?

No, it is not a cure-all but rather a supportive adjunct to standard treatments for gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/gastroenterology/articles/10.3389/fgstr.2023.1245993/full – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy and safety of *Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus* R0011 and *Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 as an adjuvant for *Helicobacter pylori* eradication. The study found that the probiotic combination increased *H. pylori* eradication rates and reduced gastrointestinal side effects in patients with *H. pylori* gastritis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37966492/ – This animal study examined the effect of dietary supplementation with *Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 on seizure susceptibility in mice. The key finding was that *L. helveticus* R0052 increased the threshold for psychomotor and myoclonic seizures, partly mediated by increased production of short-chain fatty acids.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effectiveness-of-lactobacillus-helveticus-and-lactobacillus-rhamnosus-for-the-management-of-antibioticassociated-diarrhoea-in-healthy-adults-a-randomised-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-trial/492F2521AE693D58D7FBC6023BB98323 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of *Lactobacillus helveticus* R0052 and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* R0011 for managing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in healthy adults taking amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The study demonstrated that the probiotic combination reduced the duration of diarrhea-like defecations and improved bowel consistency.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/4/3081 – This review article discusses the potential of probiotics, including *Lactobacillus helveticus*, in improving mental health by modulating the gut-brain axis. It highlights the role of probiotics in influencing neurotransmitter production and reducing inflammation, which may contribute to alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.