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Protectis

Also known as: *L. reuteri* Protectis, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Biogaia Protectis, *Lactobacillus reuteri* Protectis (DSM 17938)

Overview

*L. reuteri* Protectis is a strain of probiotic lactic acid bacteria that is derived from human gut microbiota. This strain is often utilized as a dietary supplement for its ability to support gut health, particularly in the context of managing infant colic and functional abdominal pain in children. Characterized by its capacity to adhere to intestinal epithelial cells and produce beneficial antimicrobial substances, *L. reuteri* Protectis has garnered a moderate level of research maturity, with numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirming its efficacy for specific health conditions. The safety profile is favorable, with usage often recommended for infants and children, although medical supervision is suggested for pregnant women.

Benefits

*L. reuteri* Protectis has shown significant effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of infant colic, especially among breastfed and mixed-fed infants. Systematic reviews reported that the strain can effectively reduce crying times and discomfort associated with colic, with notable results typically emerging within weeks of initiation. Additionally, *L. reuteri* Protectis may also help reduce pain intensity in children experiencing functional abdominal pain. The benefits appear to be most pronounced in young populations, although evidence regarding improvement in broader gut health is less conclusive.

How it works

*L. reuteri* Protectis functions primarily by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The probiotic may also influence pathways related to pain perception, but precise molecular targets for its actions are largely unspecified. It interacts predominantly with the gastrointestinal system, promoting beneficial changes to gut flora and supporting overall digestive health. Notably, the colonization of the gut rather than systemic absorption is key to its mode of action.

Side effects

The safety profile of *L. reuteri* Protectis is generally positive, particularly in infants and children, with few reported adverse effects. Common side effects may include minor gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating or gas, but serious side effects are rare and not well-documented. There are currently no significant drug interactions noted, though caution is recommended for individuals who are immunocompromised. While it is considered safe for use in infants, pregnant women are advised to use it under medical supervision to ensure added safety.

Dosage

For infants, the typical recommended dosage of *L. reuteri* Protectis is 1-2 drops per day, which accounts for approximately 100 million CFU. Although the optimal dosage beyond treatment for infant colic is not well established, general practices advise administering the probiotic with meals to enhance gastrointestinal tolerance. There is no defined maximum safe dose, but higher doses should generally not be taken without professional guidance due to the lack of extensive research on higher limits.

FAQs

How long should I use *L. reuteri* Protectis for infant colic?

Typically, benefits can be observed within a few weeks of supplementation.

Is it safe for pregnant women?

Generally, *L. reuteri* Protectis is safe for pregnant women, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

How should I administer it?

Administer *L. reuteri* Protectis with meals to reduce the chance of gastrointestinal upset.

What results can I expect?

You can expect reduced crying times in infants suffering from colic.

Is it a cure-all for gastrointestinal issues?

No, *L. reuteri* Protectis specifically targets certain conditions, not all gastrointestinal disorders.

Research Sources

https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/meta-analysis-confirms-effectiveness-of-biogaia-s-probiotic-for-infant-colic-114688 – A meta-analysis of 17 studies concluded that *L. reuteri* Protectis significantly reduces symptoms of infant colic. The findings indicate favorable outcomes, although the analysis noted variability between study methodologies.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging/articles/10.3389/fragi.2024.1307762/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined nine studies regarding *L. reuteri* Protectis's impact on functional abdominal pain in children. The results suggested potential reductions in pain intensity, though the primary outcome was not consistently met.
https://www.biogaiagroup.com/press/l-reuteri-protectis-reduces-pain-in-children-with-functional-abdominal-pain – Research highlights *L. reuteri* Protectis's role in mitigating abdominal pain in children, with analyses providing moderate evidence regarding its clinical benefits in this population.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajd.13186 – A systematic review focusing on probiotics during pregnancy found good evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotic mixtures over single strains, although it did not exclusively highlight *L. reuteri* Protectis.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0317699 – This review assessed various probiotics in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding, indicating that probiotic blends are generally advantageous and provide good evidence for certain outcomes.