Lactoselbacillus reuteri
Also known as: Lactobacillus reuteri, L. reuteri, probiotic, DSM 17938
Overview
*Lactobacillus reuteri* is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, as well as in fermented foods and breast milk. As a probiotic supplement, it is primarily used to support gastrointestinal health, particularly in managing acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and infant colic. *L. reuteri* is a well-studied strain known for its ability to modulate gut microbiota and enhance immune function. Research includes multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, providing a moderate to high level of evidence for its efficacy in specific applications. Available in various forms, including oil-based suspensions, capsules, and powders, it is commonly administered orally to exert its beneficial effects within the gut.
Benefits
*Lactobacillus reuteri* demonstrates notable benefits, particularly in infants and children. In children with acute gastroenteritis, *L. reuteri* DSM 17938 has been shown to reduce diarrhea duration by approximately 0.87 days (95% CI: -1.43, -0.31) compared to placebo. Additionally, in breastfed infants with colic, this strain significantly reduces crying time within two to three weeks, with moderate to large effect sizes reported across multiple studies. Secondary benefits may include a reduction in hospitalization duration for children with acute gastroenteritis, although this effect is generally small. The effects are typically observed within days to weeks of supplementation, making it a valuable option for managing these conditions in young populations.
How it works
*Lactobacillus reuteri* exerts its beneficial effects primarily by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing gut barrier function. It produces antimicrobial substances, such as reuterin, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thereby helping to restore a balanced gut environment. Additionally, *L. reuteri* interacts with the host's immune system, potentially reducing inflammation and further supporting gut health. Its action is localized to the gastrointestinal tract, where it influences microbial composition and immune responses without being absorbed systemically. While the precise molecular targets are not fully elucidated, the overall effect is a healthier and more resilient gut ecosystem.
Side effects
*Lactobacillus reuteri* is generally considered safe, especially in infants and children. Common side effects are rare, with most studies reporting no significant difference in adverse events compared to placebo. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. No significant drug interactions have been reported, and there are no established contraindications for general populations. However, caution is advised for immunocompromised individuals. While safe for use in infants and children, there is limited data on its use in pregnant or lactating women, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Dosage
For infant colic, a common dosage is 5 drops (0.2 × 10^8 CFU per drop) once daily. Optimal dosage ranges for infants and children typically fall between 10^8 and 10^9 CFU/day, depending on the specific indication. Doses up to 10^9 CFU/day are generally well-tolerated. *L. reuteri* is typically administered once daily, with or without food. It is available in various forms, including oil-based suspensions for infants and capsules or powders for older children and adults. As its effects are localized to the gut, absorption factors are not a primary consideration. No specific cofactors are required for its activity.
FAQs
What is *Lactobacillus reuteri* used for?
It is primarily used to manage gastrointestinal issues like acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and infant colic, especially in infants and children. Its benefits in adults are less established.
Is *Lactobacillus reuteri* safe?
Yes, it is generally safe with minimal side effects. No significant drug interactions have been reported, making it a well-tolerated probiotic for most individuals.
How should I administer *Lactobacillus reuteri*?
Administer it once daily, preferably at the same time each day. For infants, oil-based suspensions are common, while older children and adults can use capsules or powders.
How long does it take to see results?
You can expect to see a modest reduction in diarrhea duration or colic symptoms within days to weeks of consistent supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31739457/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n = 347 children) found that *L. reuteri* reduced diarrhea duration by 0.87 days and hospitalization duration by 0.54 days compared to placebo in children with acute gastroenteritis. The study highlights the potential benefits of *L. reuteri* in managing acute gastroenteritis, though it acknowledges the small effect sizes and methodological limitations in some trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26991503/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n = 1229 children) showed that *L. reuteri* reduced diarrhea duration by 24.8 hours and increased cure rate on days 1 and 2 in therapeutic settings for diarrheal diseases in children. The study indicates that *L. reuteri* is effective for therapeutic use but has limited evidence for preventive applications, with moderate to high overall quality.
- https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/141/1/e20171811/37745/Lactobacillus-reuteri-to-Treat-Infant-Colic-A-Meta – This meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (n = 423 infants) found that *L. reuteri* DSM 17938 significantly reduced crying time in breastfed infants with colic at two to three weeks. The study supports the use of *L. reuteri* for managing infant colic, particularly in breastfed infants, with well-designed RCTs and adequate sample sizes.
- https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2017/12220/efficacy_of_lactobacillus_reuteri_dsm_17938_for.122.aspx – This study investigates the efficacy of *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938 for infantile colic. The results suggest a significant reduction in crying time for infants treated with the probiotic compared to the control group, supporting its use as a potential intervention for colic.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0141445 – This research explores the impact of *Lactobacillus reuteri* on gut microbial composition. The findings indicate that *L. reuteri* supplementation can positively modulate the gut microbiota, potentially contributing to improved digestive health and overall well-being.