Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic bacterium that resides in the human gut and is also found in various fermented foods. It is known for producing reuterin, an antimicrobial substance that helps maintain a healthy balance by inhibiting harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. L. reuteri promotes digestive health, supports gut barrier function, and enhances immune function, helping the body fight infections.

It has also been studied for its potential to improve conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastrointestinal infections, and vaginal health, while emerging research suggests it may benefit mental health by reducing anxiety and stress.

✔ What it is: A probiotic bacterium naturally found in the human gut and in fermented foods.

✔ What it does: Produces reuterin, an antimicrobial substance that helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

✔ Gut health: Promotes a healthy gut microbiome, supports gut barrier function, and helps manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

✔ Immune support: Enhances immune function by stimulating immune cells like macrophages and T-cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infections.

✔ Mental health: Emerging research suggests L. reuteri may help reduce anxiety and stress through its effects on the gut-brain axis.

✔ Where to find it: Present in fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir, as well as available in probiotic supplements.

Lactobacillus reuteri plays an important role in safeguarding your gut health. This probiotic bacterium naturally resides in the human gut and is found in fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir. It produces reuterin, an antimicrobial substance that helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome (Lü et al., 2021). By doing so, L. reuteri supports gut barrier function, preventing conditions like leaky gut, where harmful substances leak into the bloodstream and cause inflammation.

In addition to supporting digestion and gut health, Lactobacillus reuteri is known for its immune-modulating properties. It helps regulate the immune system by stimulating immune cells like macrophages and T-cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infections (Gänzle, 2020). Emerging research also suggests that L. reuteri may have mental health benefits through its effects on the gut-brain axis, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress (Lü et al., 2021).

Symptoms of low Lactobacillus reuteri levels can lead to various digestive and immune-related issues since this beneficial bacterium is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and supporting immune function. When Lactobacillus reuteri levels are low, it can result in:

Symptoms of Low Lactobacillus reuteri Levels

✔️ Digestive discomfort: Low levels of L. reuteri can impair lactose digestion, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and stomach cramps, especially in individuals who are lactose intolerant.

✔️ Increased risk of infections: Without enough L. reuteri, harmful pathogens may proliferate in the gut, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infections and gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance).

✔️ Weakened immune response: Since L. reuteri helps regulate immune function, low levels can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and other immune-related issues.

✔️ Gut inflammation: Low levels of L. reuteri can result in increased inflammation in the gut, which may contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

✔️ Mental health symptoms: Disruption in the gut-brain axis due to low levels of L. reuteri may contribute to anxiety, stress, and other mood disorders.

Lactobacillus reuteri has significant potential in disease prevention due to its beneficial effects on gut health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Potential in Disease Prevention

1. Gut Health: Lactobacillus reuteri plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome by producing reuterin, an antimicrobial substance that prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This helps maintain the balance of beneficial gut flora, supports gut barrier function, and improves digestion (Lü et al., 2021). It is particularly helpful for individuals with lactose intolerance as it aids in lactose breakdown, alleviating symptoms such as bloating and gas.

2. Immune Function: Lactobacillus reuteri strengthens the immune system by promoting the production of immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells. By enhancing immune responses and regulating inflammation, it helps reduce the risk of infections and plays a role in preventing autoimmune diseases (Gänzle, 2020).

3. Mental Health and Stress Reduction: Lactobacillus reuteri is increasingly recognised for its potential role in mental health. Research has shown that it can influence the gut-brain axis, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress by improving gut health and reducing gut inflammation (Lü et al., 2021).

4. Other Health Benefits: Lactobacillus reuteri has also been linked to oral health by reducing the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing gum disease, and contributing to overall dental health. Additionally, L. reuteri may support heart health by helping to reduce cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure (Lü et al., 2021).

✔️ Consume probiotic-rich foods: Include fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, and pickles. These foods naturally contain Lactobacillus plantarum and can help replenish your gut with beneficial bacteria.

✔️ Take a probiotic supplement: If you struggle to get enough Lactobacillus plantarum from food, consider a probiotic supplement specifically containing L. plantarum.

✔️ Increase prebiotic intake: Prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria. Foods like garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus provide prebiotics that help L. plantarum thrive.

✔️ Reduce processed foods and sugar: Excessive sugar and processed foods can negatively impact gut bacteria. Limiting these can help encourage the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum and other beneficial microbes.

✔️ Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep all contribute to a healthy gut and support the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum.