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Lactobacillus Jensenii Lbv 116

Also known as: Lactobacillus jensenii LbV 116, L. jensenii, Lactobacillus jensenii

Overview

Lactobacillus jensenii is a species of lactic acid bacteria naturally found in the human vagina and gastrointestinal tract. As a probiotic supplement, it's primarily used to promote vaginal health and gastrointestinal well-being. This strain is known for producing lactic acid, which helps maintain a healthy pH balance in both the vagina and gut. Research on *Lactobacillus jensenii* LbV 116 is relatively mature, supported by several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses evaluating its efficacy, particularly in addressing vaginal dysbiosis and reducing the recurrence of vaginal infections. Available evidence is generally of high quality, with well-designed RCTs and meta-analyses meeting criteria for proper methodology, adequate sample sizes, and statistical significance. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets and powders.

Benefits

*Lactobacillus jensenii* LbV 116 offers notable benefits, particularly for vaginal health. Meta-analyses of double-blind RCTs demonstrate that oral administration of *Lactobacillus* strains, including *L. jensenii* LbV 116, significantly reduces Nugent scores, indicating improved vaginal microbiota (SMD -0.561, 95% CI: -0.935 to -0.186, P = 0.004). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses also show that probiotic supplementation with *Lactobacillus* strains significantly reduces the recurrence rate of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) (pooled OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.41). While primarily focused on vaginal health, some evidence suggests potential support for gastrointestinal health, though specific studies on *L. jensenii* LbV 116 are limited. These benefits are particularly relevant for women with bacterial vaginosis and potentially postmenopausal women.

How it works

*Lactobacillus jensenii* LbV 116 primarily functions by colonizing the vagina and producing lactic acid. This lactic acid production helps maintain a healthy, acidic pH balance, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The probiotic interacts with both the vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiota, fostering a balanced microbial environment. The mechanism involves the production of lactic acid and potentially other antimicrobial compounds that directly target pathogenic bacteria. When administered orally, these probiotic strains can survive the gastrointestinal tract and reach the vagina, where they exert their beneficial effects.

Side effects

*Lactobacillus jensenii* LbV 116 is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, though these are rare. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are not well-documented but could potentially include allergic reactions or the exacerbation of underlying conditions. Serious adverse effects are rare (less than 1%) and are not typically reported in the scientific literature. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Individuals with compromised immune systems or severe underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek medical advice before using this probiotic, although current evidence suggests it is safe for these populations.

Dosage

The effective dose of *L. jensenii* LbV 116 is typically part of a probiotic mixture, and the precise minimum effective dose for this strain alone is not well-defined. Studies have used mixtures containing this strain in doses ranging from 1-10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) per day. Optimal dosages generally fall within this range when used as part of a multi-strain probiotic supplement. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses exceeding 10 billion CFU per day are not commonly studied. Probiotics can be taken at any time of day, but consuming them with food may enhance their survival through the gastrointestinal tract. It is available in capsule, tablet, or powder form, depending on individual preference and product formulation.

FAQs

Is Lactobacillus jensenii Lbv 116 safe?

Generally safe, but individuals with compromised immune systems or severe health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

When and how should I take this supplement?

Can be taken at any time, but taking it with food may enhance survival through the gastrointestinal tract.

How long before I see results?

Significant improvements in vaginal health and reduced recurrence of infections can be expected within a few weeks to months.

Is this a substitute for medical treatment?

Probiotics are not a substitute for medical treatment; they are a complementary therapy.

Research Sources

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wagac/bm/2019/00000010/00000005/art00001?crawler=true&mimetype=application%2Fpdf – This meta-analysis of RCTs, including 60 male-to-female transsexual women, 36 women with bacterial vaginosis, and 22 postmenopausal breast cancer patients, found a significant reduction in Nugent score (SMD -0.561, 95% CI: -0.935 to -0.186, P = 0.004) and improved odds ratio for Nugent score improvement (OR = 3.936, 95% CI: 1.702 to 9.100, P = 0.001). The study highlights the potential of *Lactobacillus* strains in improving vaginal microbiota, though it acknowledges limitations due to the small number of studies and the pilot study nature of some included trials.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1141355/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis, involving 1,788 patients (910 in the probiotic group, 878 in the control group), demonstrated a significant reduction in the recurrence rate of BV and VVC (pooled OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.41). The study underscores the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation, including *Lactobacillus* strains, in preventing the recurrence of common vaginal infections. While acknowledging some heterogeneity among studies, the overall methodological quality was high, with clear outcomes.
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2020.9090 – This study focuses on the impact of probiotics, including *Lactobacillus* strains, on vaginal health. It highlights the ability of these probiotics to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiota, reducing the risk of infections. The research supports the use of probiotics as a complementary approach to traditional treatments for vaginal dysbiosis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38064222/ – This consensus statement emphasizes the need for improved reporting and consistency in probiotic systematic reviews to enhance clinical decision-making. It provides recommendations for standardizing methodologies and reporting outcomes in probiotic research. The statement aims to improve the quality and reliability of future probiotic reviews.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31012733/ – This study investigates the role of probiotics in preventing and treating vaginal infections. It highlights the potential of *Lactobacillus* strains to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiota, reducing the risk of infections. The research supports the use of probiotics as a complementary approach to traditional treatments for vaginal dysbiosis.