Understanding Lactobacillus reuteri and Its Health Benefits

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l Reuteri

What is Lactobacillus reuteri?

Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a probiotic bacterium naturally present in the human gut, oral cavity, and other mucosal surfaces. It has gained popularity for its potential to improve digestion, boost immunity, and support overall health. Specific strains, such as DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 6475, are known for their targeted benefits (Martín et al., 2015).

What Can L. reuteri Do for Your Health?

  1. Digestive Health: Studies show L. reuteri can reduce colic in infants and alleviate adult constipation, particularly with the DSM 17938 strain (Sung et al., 2018).

  2. Immune Support: Certain strains of L. reuteri can lower inflammation and encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helping the immune system function more effectively (Martín et al., 2015).

  3. Mood and Oxytocin: Animal studies suggest L. reuteri might increase oxytocin, the “bonding hormone”, potentially improving mood and social interactions. However, these effects are not yet confirmed in humans (Poutahidis et al., 2013).

  4. Skin Health and Ageing: Probiotics, including L. reuteri, may reduce skin inflammation, but claims of increased collagen production and anti-ageing effects lack robust evidence (Toscano et al., 2017).

  5. Heart Health: Strain NCIMB 30242 has been linked to lower LDL cholesterol levels, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits, although this is strain-specific (Jones et al., 2012).

Dr William Davis and Super Gut: Highlights and Controversy

Dr William Davis, author of Super Gut, has played a significant role in popularising L. reuteri. In his book, he advocates for high-dose L. reuteri through homemade yoghurt, claiming it can improve skin, boost mood, and even enhance muscle growth. While his ideas are intriguing, some claims have drawn criticism:

  1. Homemade Yoghurt: Davis promotes fermenting L. reuteri yoghurt at home to maximise its benefits. While this can be beneficial, improper preparation can lead to contamination and inconsistent doses (Marco et al., 2017).

  2. Exaggerated Claims: Some assertions, such as L. reuteri reversing ageing or significantly enhancing oxytocin levels, rely on animal studies and lack sufficient human research (Poutahidis et al., 2013).

  3. Focus on One Strain: Critics argue that Davis’s emphasis on L. reuteri overlooks the importance of microbial diversity for a healthy gut. A single strain cannot replace the need for a varied and balanced microbiome (Cammarota et al., 2019).

  4. Simplistic Solutions: The suggestion that a single probiotic or yoghurt recipe can address complex health issues like inflammation or ageing is overly simplistic and not aligned with current scientific understanding.

The Importance of Microbiome Diversity

The benefits of L. reuteri depend on each person’s unique microbiome. A healthy gut requires diversity, meaning a wide range of beneficial bacteria. Relying solely on L. reuteri or any single strain cannot fully support a resilient microbiome. Consuming a diet rich in fibre, whole foods, and fermented products is essential for maintaining microbial diversity and long-term health (Cammarota et al., 2019).

Tips for Using L. reuteri Safely

  1. Seek Professional Advice: Consult a competent professional (dietician, medical person) before making significant dietary changes or trying high-dose probiotics. This person will know you better and also take responsibility for the outcome.

  2. Don’t Overdo It: High doses of probiotics can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of your gut microbiome.

  3. Think Holistically: Incorporate L. reuteri as part of a balanced diet rather than expecting it to be a cure-all.

Conclusion

L. reuteri is a promising probiotic with proven benefits for digestion and immunity. However, its broader claims, such as reversing ageing or drastically improving mood, require more scientific evidence. The key to gut health lies in a diverse microbiome supported by a varied and balanced diet. While L. reuteri can be helpful, it is not a miracle solution.

References

Sung, V., D’Amico, F., Cabana, M., et al. (2018). Lactobacillus reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 141(1), e20171811. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-1811

Martín, R., Bermúdez-Humarán, L. G., & Langella, P. (2015). Searching for Probiotic Mechanisms in Human Gut Microbiota: From Culturomics to Metagenomics. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 354. Frontiers | Phenotypic and transcriptional profiling in Entamoeba histolytica reveal costs to fitness and adaptive responses associated with metronidazole resistance

Poutahidis, T., Kearney, S. M., Levkovich, T., et al. (2013). Microbial Symbionts Accelerate Wound Healing via the Oxytocin Pathway. PLoS ONE, 8(10), e78898. Microbial Symbionts Accelerate Wound Healing via the Neuropeptide Hormone Oxytocin

Marco, M. L., Pavan, S., & Kleerebezem, M. (2017). Towards Understanding Molecular Modes of Probiotic Action. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 49, 128–135. Redirecting

Jones, M. L., Tomaro-Duchesneau, C., & Prakash, S. (2012). The Gut Microbiome, Probiotics, and Cardiovascular Disease. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 94(5), 1079–1089. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-012-4080-0

Cammarota, G., Ianiro, G., Ahern, A., et al. (2019). Gut Microbiome, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, and Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: A New Frontier in Infectious Diseases. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 25(12), 1360–1368. Redirecting

Toscano, M., De Grandi, R., Stronati, L., et al. (2017). Effect of Probiotics on the Incidence of Nosocomial Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 6(11), 105. Inter-Rater Reliability of Provider Interpretations of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Food and Symptom Journals