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Lactobacillus Reuteri Lro8

Also known as: Lactobacillus reuteri LMG P-27481, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08

Overview

Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08 is a specific probiotic strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri, naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is primarily utilized for its beneficial effects on gut health, including modulating the gut microbiota and addressing various gastrointestinal disorders such as acute gastroenteritis, functional constipation, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This strain is characterized by its ability to produce antimicrobial substances, such as reuterin, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like Clostridioides difficile and E. coli. Furthermore, Lr08 and closely related strains like DSM 17938 are known to modulate immune responses and potentially influence the gut-brain axis. While Lr08 has strong in vitro evidence for pathogen inhibition, much of the clinical efficacy data is derived from studies on the closely related and well-researched strain, L. reuteri DSM 17938, making it a promising candidate for similar applications.

Benefits

Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08, and closely related strains, offer several evidence-based benefits. Primarily, it demonstrates significant inhibition of intestinal pathogens; in vitro studies show Lr08 can reduce *Clostridioides difficile* and *E. coli* growth, suggesting its role in combating gut infections. For functional gastrointestinal disorders, meta-analyses on *L. reuteri* DSM 17938 indicate efficacy in increasing stool frequency in chronic constipation, though not stool consistency. In acute gastroenteritis, systematic reviews and meta-analyses support *L. reuteri* DSM 17938 in reducing diarrhea duration in children by approximately 0.5 days. Secondary benefits include potential modulation of anxiety and depression symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, though this area requires further research. Infants and children particularly benefit from its use in infantile colic, acute diarrhea, and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. Adults may find it useful for functional constipation and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Benefits for acute conditions like diarrhea are typically observed within days, while improvements in constipation may take several weeks.

How it works

Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08 exerts its beneficial effects through multiple mechanisms. It produces antimicrobial compounds, notably reuterin, which directly inhibit the growth of various pathogens, including *Clostridioides difficile* and *E. coli*, by interfering with their metabolic processes. This probiotic also modulates the composition of the intestinal microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful ones, thereby restoring microbial balance. Lr08 interacts with the host's immune system, helping to reduce inflammation and enhance the integrity of the mucosal barrier, which is crucial for gut defense. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence suggesting its involvement in gut-brain axis pathways, potentially influencing mood and anxiety, particularly in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. As a probiotic, its action is primarily local within the gut lumen, and colonization and persistence are key to its efficacy.

Side effects

Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08 is generally considered safe for consumption in immunocompetent individuals, including infants and preterm neonates. The incidence of side effects is low, typically manifesting as mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which occur in less than 5% of users. These symptoms are usually transient and resolve with continued use or dosage adjustment. No significant drug interactions have been reported with *L. reuteri* strains. However, caution is advised for immunocompromised patients, as there is a theoretical, albeit rare, risk of bacteremia or fungemia with any probiotic. There are no serious adverse events documented in high-quality randomized controlled trials involving *L. reuteri* DSM 17938, a closely related and well-studied strain. Contraindications are primarily limited to individuals with severely compromised immune systems or those with central venous catheters, where the risk of systemic infection, though low, might outweigh the benefits.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for *Lactobacillus reuteri* Lr08, based on studies of closely related strains like DSM 17938, typically ranges from 10^8 to 10^9 colony-forming units (CFU) per day. This range has been shown to be effective in clinical trials for various indications. For acute conditions such as diarrhea, supplementation may be required for 5–7 days, while for chronic issues like functional constipation, several weeks of consistent use may be necessary to observe benefits. The probiotic is usually administered orally, and it can be taken with or without food. It is available in various formulations, including capsules, drops, or powders, allowing for flexible administration. The viability of the live bacteria is crucial for efficacy, so proper storage conditions, as indicated by the manufacturer, should be followed. There are no specific cofactors required for its absorption, as its action is primarily local within the gastrointestinal tract.

FAQs

Is Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08 safe for infants?

Yes, closely related strains of *Lactobacillus reuteri* have demonstrated a strong safety profile, even in preterm infants, with minimal side effects.

How soon will benefits appear?

For acute conditions like diarrhea, benefits may be observed within a few days. For chronic issues such as constipation, it may take several weeks of consistent use.

Can it be used with antibiotics?

Generally, yes. *Lactobacillus reuteri* can help mitigate antibiotic-associated diarrhea by supporting gut microbiota balance during antibiotic treatment.

Is it effective for all gut disorders?

No, while promising for specific conditions like acute gastroenteritis and functional constipation, it is not a universal remedy for all gut disorders. Efficacy is condition-specific.

Are all Lactobacillus reuteri strains equivalent?

No, the effects of probiotics can be highly strain-specific. While Lr08 shows promising in vitro pathogen inhibition, clinical data often comes from other strains like DSM 17938.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00532/full – This in vitro study demonstrated that *Lactobacillus reuteri* LMG P-27481 (Lr08) significantly inhibited the growth of *Clostridioides difficile* and *E. coli*. The findings highlight the strain's potent antimicrobial activity against common intestinal pathogens, providing a strong basis for its potential clinical applications, though direct human trials are needed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893691/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938 for acute gastroenteritis in children. It concluded that supplementation significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea by approximately 0.5 days, with high certainty of evidence, supporting its clinical efficacy in pediatric populations.
https://www.longdom.org/open-access/emlactobacillus-reuteriem-dsm-17938-review-of-evidence-in-functional-gastrointestinal-disorders-41973.html – This review summarized the evidence for *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938 in functional gastrointestinal disorders. It confirmed the strain's safety and efficacy in conditions such as infantile colic, constipation, and diarrhea, identifying no significant safety concerns in immunocompetent individuals.
https://brieflands.com/articles/ijp-102212 – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938 for functional constipation. It found that the strain significantly improved stool frequency but did not have a significant effect on stool consistency, indicating a specific benefit for bowel movement regularity.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1095555/full – This article discusses the potential of *Lactobacillus reuteri* to modulate the gut-brain axis. It suggests that certain strains may influence anxiety and depression symptoms, particularly in conditions like IBD, through complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, highlighting a promising area for future research.