Lactobacillus Reuteri Mak02l14r
Also known as: L. reuteri, Probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri
Overview
Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic bacterium naturally found in the human gut and in various fermented foods. It is primarily utilized for gastrointestinal health, boasting effects like reduction of diarrhea and alleviation of infantile colic. Different strains of L. reuteri, including DSM17938 and ATCC55730, demonstrate varying levels of efficacy, indicating strain-specific outcomes. The body of research surrounding L. reuteri is moderately developed, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses affirming its beneficial effects, though some findings vary in confidence due to differences in study design and strain specificity. The organism plays a crucial role in modulating gut microbiota and enhancing gut health.
Benefits
Lactobacillus reuteri has shown multiple evidence-based benefits including significant reductions in diarrhea duration and frequency, particularly supported by a meta-analysis indicating a relative reduction rate of 0.87 on the first day (95% CI: 0.78-0.97). It is especially effective in infants with colic, demonstrating a statistically significant decrease in crying time, with notable effects in the first week (p = 0.001). Benefits have also been observed for specific conditions like peri-implant diseases, although the evidence here is less robust. Populations that benefit most include children and infants, with effects typically manifesting within days after initiation of treatment.
How it works
Lactobacillus reuteri functions primarily by modulating the gut microbiota, improving gut barrier integrity, and regulating immune responses. It interacts with gut epithelial cells and immune cells, although the specific molecular targets are not thoroughly defined. This interaction fosters a balanced gut environment, promoting overall gastrointestinal health and mitigating conditions related to dysbiosis.
Side effects
Lactobacillus reuteri is generally regarded as safe for healthy individuals. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas. No significant adverse effects are commonly reported (1-5%), and rare occurrences (less than 1%) of systemic infections have been noted in immunocompromised patients. Drug interactions are not prevalent, and it is advisable to avoid use in severely immunocompromised individuals. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to exercise caution due to limited safety data.
Dosage
The typical minimum effective dose of Lactobacillus reuteri ranges from 1-10 billion CFU per day. For specific conditions like diarrhea, an effective dosage is generally 1-5 billion CFU daily. Although the maximum safe dose is not clearly established, doses up to 10 billion CFU are widely used without reported adverse effects. It is best taken with food to enhance gastric survival and effective delivery to the gut, usually available in forms such as capsules or powders. The consumption of food alongside the supplement is critical for maximizing absorption.
FAQs
How should I store Lactobacillus reuteri?
Ensure proper storage as per the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain the viability of the probiotic.
Is Lactobacillus reuteri safe for everyone?
It is generally safe, but consult a healthcare provider if you are immunocompromised or have health concerns.
When is the best time to take Lactobacillus reuteri?
Taking it with meals is recommended for better survival through the stomach.
When can I expect results from taking Lactobacillus reuteri?
Many users report benefits within a few days for gastrointestinal issues.
Are all strains of Lactobacillus reuteri equally effective?
No, efficacy can vary by strain, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37147591/ – This meta-analysis indicates that Lactobacillus reuteri significantly reduces the frequency and duration of diarrhea across various studies, emphasizing the importance of strain specificity and methodologies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34627993/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Lactobacillus reuteri effectively reduces crying time in infants with colic, although variability in study quality limited confidence in the findings.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This systematic review highlights the crucial role of strain specificity in the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri, indicating that different strains may have varied probiotic effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34281304/ – Research suggests that Lactobacillus reuteri provides benefits in gastrointestinal disorders, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the strain and specific health condition.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0141445 – This study demonstrates the positive impact of Lactobacillus reuteri on gut health, noting advantages in different populations while emphasizing specific strain effects.
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.