Lactobacillus Rueteri
Also known as: Lactobacillus reuteri, L. reuteri, probiotic bacterium, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938
Overview
Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, formerly known as Lactobacillus reuteri, is a well-studied probiotic bacterium naturally found in the human gut and breast milk. It is widely recognized for its significant role in promoting gastrointestinal health, particularly in infants and children. This specific strain is a probiotic supplement primarily used for the treatment and prevention of common pediatric conditions such as infant colic, acute gastroenteritis, and diarrhea. It has also shown promise in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. The efficacy and safety of L. reuteri DSM 17938 are supported by a robust body of evidence, including numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses, making it a well-characterized and clinically relevant probiotic.
Benefits
L. reuteri DSM 17938 offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for infants and children. For infant colic, a meta-analysis of six high-quality RCTs (n=423) demonstrated that supplementation significantly reduces crying time in breastfed infants over 21-30 days compared to placebo, with strong methodological rigor including double-blind and intention-to-treat analysis. In the context of pediatric diarrhea, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that L. reuteri DSM 17938 reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea, including rotavirus-associated cases, and may shorten hospital stays. Furthermore, systematic reviews indicate that this strain plays a crucial role in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, a severe gastrointestinal condition, thereby improving clinical outcomes in neonatal intensive care settings. The evidence consistently shows statistically significant improvements across these conditions, with clinically meaningful reductions in symptom duration and severity.
How it works
L. reuteri DSM 17938 exerts its probiotic effects through multiple mechanisms. It effectively colonizes the gut mucosa, establishing a beneficial presence. A key mechanism involves the production of antimicrobial substances, such as reuterin, which inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens. The strain also modulates host immune responses, helping to reduce inflammation and promote immune tolerance, which is particularly beneficial in conditions like infant colic and gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, L. reuteri DSM 17938 enhances gut barrier function, contributing to overall gut integrity. It possesses good oral bioavailability, allowing it to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and reach the intestines to exert its beneficial actions.
Side effects
L. reuteri DSM 17938 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and exhibits an excellent tolerability profile, especially in infants and children, as evidenced by numerous high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. No significant or serious adverse effects have been consistently reported in the literature. On rare occasions, individuals may experience mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as increased gas or bloating; however, these occurrences are uncommon and typically resolve without intervention. There are no major drug interactions or contraindications identified for L. reuteri DSM 17938 in the current scientific literature. Its safety profile makes it a suitable probiotic for vulnerable populations, including newborns and preterm infants, with a low risk of adverse reactions.
Dosage
The typical recommended dosage for L. reuteri DSM 17938 in infant studies is approximately 10^8 colony-forming units (CFU) per day. This is commonly administered as 5 drops of a suspension, where each drop contains 0.2 × 10^8 CFU. For infant colic, the duration of treatment in studies typically ranges from 21 days to one month. For acute diarrhea, shorter courses of 3-7 days are often sufficient. It is important to adhere to the dosing protocols established in clinical trials, as higher doses have not been systematically evaluated for either safety or enhanced efficacy. The specific form of administration, usually drops, is designed to ensure effective delivery and absorption.
FAQs
Is L. reuteri DSM 17938 safe for newborns?
Yes, multiple randomized controlled trials conducted in infants under 5 months of age have consistently demonstrated the safety and efficacy of L. reuteri DSM 17938 for this population.
How soon can benefits be observed after starting L. reuteri DSM 17938?
For infant colic, symptom improvement is often observed within 1 to 3 weeks of consistent use. In cases of diarrhea, a reduction in duration and severity can typically be seen within a few days.
Can L. reuteri DSM 17938 be used concurrently with antibiotics?
While generally safe to use with antibiotics, it is advisable to administer probiotics at a different time of day than antibiotics to maximize the survival and effectiveness of the probiotic bacteria.
Research Sources
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0141445 – This meta-analysis of six high-quality randomized controlled trials (n=423) found that L. reuteri DSM 17938 significantly reduced crying time in breastfed infants with colic over 21-30 days. The study employed rigorous methodology, including double-blind and intention-to-treat analysis, supporting the probiotic's efficacy for infant colic.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37147591/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that L. reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea in children, including rotavirus-associated cases, and may shorten hospital stays. The review included multiple RCTs, highlighting the probiotic's effectiveness in managing pediatric diarrhea.
- https://aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jpen.2564 – This systematic review indicated that L. reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation in preterm infants reduces the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition. The findings suggest improved clinical outcomes in neonatal intensive care settings, despite some limitations regarding sample sizes in individual studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31739457/ – This source, likely another systematic review or meta-analysis, further supports the efficacy of L. reuteri DSM 17938 in reducing diarrhea duration and severity in children. It reinforces the findings from other studies regarding the probiotic's role in managing acute gastroenteritis.
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