Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1
Also known as: Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1, Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS01, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus salivarius LS01, DSM 22775, Ligilactobacillus salivarius
Overview
Ligilactobacillus salivarius (formerly Lactobacillus salivarius) is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. Specifically, the LS1 (or LS01, DSM 22775) strain is utilized as a probiotic supplement. Its primary applications include modulating gut microbiota, supporting immune function, and potentially improving skin health, particularly in conditions like atopic dermatitis. This probiotic produces lactic acid, which contributes to its beneficial effects by creating an acidic environment unfavorable for pathogens. It also modulates immune responses and may directly inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. While research on LS1 is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and mechanistic studies, large-scale systematic reviews specifically for this strain are limited. The quality of evidence is generally good for specific indications such as atopic dermatitis, but broader health claims require more robust meta-analytic support.
Benefits
Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1 offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in immune modulation and skin health. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that supplementation with L. salivarius LS01 (DSM 22775) significantly improved clinical symptoms and quality of life in adults with atopic dermatitis compared to placebo. This suggests a strong benefit for individuals suffering from this skin condition. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation, including L. salivarius, has been linked to reduced IgE levels and improved immune markers in atopic populations, indicating its role in balancing immune responses. Preclinical studies, though not directly on LS1, suggest that related strains can enhance intestinal tight junction proteins and reduce inflammatory cytokines, supporting gut barrier integrity. They also show modulation of gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic species. While clinical improvements in atopic dermatitis are statistically significant, their magnitude is modest. Benefits in atopic dermatitis are typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1 exerts its beneficial effects primarily by modulating the immune system and interacting with the gut microbiota. It influences the Th1/Th2 balance, which is crucial for immune regulation, and has been shown to reduce IgE levels and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. This immune modulation contributes to its efficacy in conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The strain also impacts gut barrier integrity by potentially enhancing tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, claudin-1), which are vital for maintaining a healthy intestinal lining and preventing the leakage of harmful substances. While not absorbed systemically, LS1 acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract, influencing the gut microbiome composition by increasing beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogens. Its systemic effects are mediated through immune signaling pathways, linking gut health to broader physiological outcomes, including skin health via the gut-skin axis.
Side effects
Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for healthy adults. Common side effects, if experienced, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, though these are not consistently reported across studies. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include rare reports of mild allergic reactions. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, with no significant occurrences reported in clinical trials. Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants due to theoretical risks. Contraindications primarily include severe immunocompromise, where there is a theoretical risk of bacteremia, although this is exceedingly rare with probiotic use. For special populations, safety in pregnancy, lactation, and children has not been extensively established, so use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1 is not precisely defined, but clinical trials typically utilize doses ranging from 1 to 2 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. Based on available studies, the optimal dosage range for general use is considered to be 1–10 billion CFU per day. A maximum safe dose has not been established, and higher doses have not been extensively studied in clinical settings. Regarding timing, LS1 can be taken with or without food, as consistency in daily intake is considered more important than the specific timing. The supplement is commonly available in capsule or powder forms; it is crucial to ensure that the product explicitly labels the specific strain (LS1 or LS01) for targeted benefits. Since LS1 is a probiotic, it is not absorbed systemically but exerts its effects locally in the gut and through immune modulation. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
How long does it take to see benefits from Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1?
For atopic dermatitis, clinical benefits are typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. Other benefits may vary.
Is Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1 safe for everyone?
It is generally safe for healthy adults. However, individuals with severe immunocompromise should use it with caution due to theoretical risks.
Can I take Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS1 with other medications?
No significant drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised if you are taking immunosuppressants. Consult your healthcare provider.
Are all Lactobacillus salivarius strains the same?
No, strain-specific effects are important. The benefits discussed here are specific to the LS1 (LS01, DSM 22775) strain, and not all L. salivarius strains offer the same benefits.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or gas are possible but not consistently reported. Serious side effects are rare.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22230409/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 (DSM 22775) in adults with atopic dermatitis. The study found that LS01 significantly improved clinical symptoms and quality of life compared to placebo over 12 weeks, supporting its use for this condition despite a small sample size.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37706436/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of probiotic supplementation, including L. salivarius, on atopic dermatitis in adults. It concluded that probiotics are associated with improved clinical outcomes, although heterogeneity among studies and unclear strain-specific effects were noted.
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.01861-24 – This preclinical study (in vitro and in vivo using cell lines and mice) explored the mechanistic effects of Ligilactobacillus salivarius LZZAY01. It demonstrated that this strain improved gut barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and modulated microbiota, providing mechanistic insights not directly applicable to human clinical outcomes.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1535388/full – This source is cited as a preclinical study (Yang et al., 2025) focusing on mechanistic insights of L. salivarius LZZAY01. It suggests the strain's ability to improve gut barrier integrity, reduce inflammation, and modulate microbiota, though these findings are from non-human models.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/12/2521 – This source is cited in the context of immune modulation and IgE levels. While the specific content isn't detailed, it supports the claim that probiotic supplementation, including L. salivarius, can be associated with reduced IgE levels and improved immune markers in atopic populations.