Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Pylopass Lactobacillus Reuteri

Also known as: Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus reuteri, L. reuteri, Pylopass™, L. reuteri DSM 17648

Overview

Limosilactobacillus reuteri, formerly known as Lactobacillus reuteri, is a probiotic bacterium naturally found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. It is widely used as a dietary supplement, particularly as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, and mitigate the adverse effects of antibiotic treatments. The strain L. reuteri DSM 17648, marketed as Pylopass™, is recognized for its unique ability to co-aggregate with H. pylori, facilitating its removal from the stomach. Research on L. reuteri for H. pylori eradication is well-established, supported by numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. High-quality evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirms its effectiveness in improving H. pylori eradication rates and reducing antibiotic-associated side effects. It is available in various forms, primarily capsules, ensuring effective delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.

Benefits

Limosilactobacillus reuteri offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and gastrointestinal health. A meta-analysis of eight RCTs involving 1087 patients demonstrated that L. reuteri supplementation significantly increased the eradication rate of H. pylori (ITT: 80.0% vs 72.6%, p = 0.005; PP: 81.8% vs 75.0%, p = 0.006). The same analysis also revealed a significant reduction in adverse events associated with antibiotic therapy (ITT: RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.67-0.78; PP: RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.65-0.77). Furthermore, patients treated with L. reuteri experienced greater improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms (pooled mean difference: -2.43, 95% CI: -4.56 to -0.29, p = 0.03). Some studies suggest that probiotics, including L. reuteri, may enhance patient compliance by reducing side effects and improving symptoms. Clinical trials have shown benefits in both adult and pediatric populations in reducing H. pylori load and improving gastrointestinal discomfort. The number needed to treat (NNT) for H. pylori eradication was 14 for ITT and 15 for PP analysis, indicating a clinically significant effect. Benefits are typically observed during and shortly after the treatment period, with follow-up assessments often conducted one month after treatment completion.

How it works

Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 primarily functions by co-aggregating with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cells in the stomach. This co-aggregation process forms clusters of L. reuteri and H. pylori, which are then naturally eliminated from the gastrointestinal system. By reducing the H. pylori load in the stomach, L. reuteri helps to improve eradication rates when used in conjunction with standard antibiotic therapies. The interaction occurs directly within the gastrointestinal tract, where L. reuteri adheres to H. pylori cell surface structures, facilitating their removal. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, this adhesion mechanism is crucial for its efficacy. Since L. reuteri acts locally, its systemic absorption is not a critical factor.

Side effects

Limosilactobacillus reuteri is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has a Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status in the EU. There are no commonly reported side effects associated with its supplementation; instead, it is known to reduce the incidence of adverse events associated with antibiotic therapy. No significant uncommon or rare side effects have been reported in the literature. No significant drug interactions have been reported, and it is often used in conjunction with standard antibiotic therapy for H. pylori eradication. There are no known contraindications for the use of L. reuteri, and it is considered safe for use in both adults and pediatric subjects. Overall, L. reuteri is well-tolerated and does not pose significant safety concerns when used as directed.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Limosilactobacillus reuteri is typically around 1 × 10^9 CFU (Colony-Forming Units) per day, often administered in capsule form. Studies have used doses ranging from 1 × 10^9 to 2 × 10^9 CFU per day, with the specific strain DSM 17648 being particularly effective. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 2 × 10^9 CFU per day are not commonly studied. It is usually administered concurrently with or shortly after antibiotic therapy to maximize its benefits in H. pylori eradication. The capsule form is common, ensuring the probiotic survives stomach acid and reaches the intestines effectively. Since it acts locally, absorption is not a critical factor, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is Limosilactobacillus reuteri safe to use?

Yes, L. reuteri is considered safe and well-tolerated, with no significant side effects reported in clinical studies. It has GRAS status in the US and QPS status in the EU.

When should I take Limosilactobacillus reuteri?

For optimal effect, L. reuteri should be taken concurrently with or shortly after antibiotic therapy when used as an adjunctive treatment for H. pylori eradication.

What are the expected benefits of taking Limosilactobacillus reuteri?

Expected benefits include improved H. pylori eradication rates, reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, and fewer adverse events associated with antibiotic therapy.

Can Limosilactobacillus reuteri replace standard antibiotic therapy for H. pylori?

No, L. reuteri is not a replacement for standard antibiotic therapy but rather an adjunctive treatment to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38846173/ – This meta-analysis of eight RCTs involving 1087 patients showed that L. reuteri supplementation significantly increased the eradication rate of H. pylori and reduced adverse events. The study highlights the potential of L. reuteri as an adjunctive therapy to improve treatment outcomes and patient tolerance.
https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v21/i14/4345.htm – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 studies found that probiotics, including L. reuteri, improve H. pylori eradication rates and reduce adverse events when used as adjunctive therapy with standard eradication regimens. The findings support the use of probiotics to enhance the effectiveness and tolerability of H. pylori treatment.
https://www.novozymesonehealth.com/solutions/pylopass – This resource describes Pylopass™, a specific strain of L. reuteri (DSM 17648), and its ability to co-aggregate with H. pylori, facilitating its removal from the stomach. It highlights the targeted action of this strain in reducing H. pylori load and improving gastrointestinal health.
https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/download/10733/8069/103263 – This clinical trial investigated the effects of L. reuteri DSM 17648 on H. pylori infection. The study found that L. reuteri DSM 17648 specifically co-aggregates with H. pylori, reducing its load and improving gastrointestinal symptoms, while also reducing the side effects of antibiotic therapy.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2022.1042070/pdf – This research article provides insights into the cellular and infection microbiology aspects of L. reuteri and its interaction with H. pylori. It details the mechanisms by which L. reuteri can modulate the gut microbiota and reduce the colonization of H. pylori, contributing to improved gastrointestinal health.