Lactobacillus reuteri is a well-studied strain of probiotic bacteria. People are using it as a beauty supplement and to increase vitamin D. Although Lactobacillus reuteri boasts many purported health benefits, the majority still lack proper evidence. Read on for a breakdown of the science.

What is Lactobacillus reuteri?

Overview

Lactobacillus reuteri is a strain of lactic acid bacteria that live in the intestines, and occasionally the stomachs, of humans (although not all individuals), other mammals, and birds.

Its name comes from German microbiologist, Gerhard Reuter, who discovered it in samples of human intestine and feces in the 1960s.

Different strains of Lactobacillus reuteri have been shown to have different physiological effects. For example, Lactobacillus reuteri DSMZ 17648, trademarked “Pylopass” is used for H. pylori [1], while Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242, trademarked “Microbiome Plus+” is used to address high cholesterol [2].

In the 1960s, 30-40 percent of the population had Lactobacillus reuteri as a part of their microbiome. Today, estimates suggest it is found in only 10-20 percent [3, 4].

Have in mind that Lactobacillus reuteri supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Snapshot

Proponents

• People say it promotes beautiful skin and thick, lustrous hair
• May help fight infections
• May reduce inflammation and increase beneficial TREGs
• May improve gut health (possibly decreasing IBS and IBD symptoms)
• May lower cholesterol

Skeptics

• May not be good for those with histamine intolerance
• May cause weight gain in some people
• Large-scale clinical research lacking
• The safety of long-term supplementation is unknown

Research Limitations

Most of the research on Lactobacillus reuteri was conducted in animals or cells. Clinical studies are sparse, and most of them are low quality, small, or potentially biased. Additionally, the exact strains that were used differ from one study to another.

Purported Benefits of Lactobacillus reuteri

Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Lactobacillus reuteri supplements. Probiotics should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

Possibly Effective for:

1) Abdominal Pain

According to clinical studies, taking Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 100 million colony-forming units daily)