From the Guidelines
To maximize Lactobacillus reuteri levels in your body, consume probiotic supplements specifically containing L. reuteri strains at doses of 100 million to 1 billion CFU daily, as supported by recent studies 1.
Key Recommendations
- Consume probiotic supplements containing L. reuteri strains, such as ATCC 6475, DSM 17938, or RC-14, at the recommended doses.
- Alternatively, make homemade yogurt using L. reuteri starter cultures, fermenting for 24-36 hours at 100°F for higher bacterial counts.
- Include prebiotic foods in your diet, such as garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains, to nourish these beneficial bacteria.
- Reduce consumption of processed foods, excessive alcohol, and unnecessary antibiotics, which can harm gut bacteria.
- Regular consumption of fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir may also support overall gut microbiome health, creating an environment where L. reuteri can thrive.
Benefits of L. reuteri
- Produces antimicrobial compounds that inhibit harmful bacteria.
- Strengthens intestinal barriers.
- Modulates immune function.
Additional Tips
- Eat a varied and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, as recommended by recent studies 1.
- Increase fibre intake, including plenty of fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day.
- Limit processed foods and added sugars, which can negatively impact gut health.
- Consider a multivitamin or supplement, after consulting a healthcare professional, to determine if necessary.
Importance of Consistency
- Maintain these practices consistently over time, as gut bacteria populations respond gradually to dietary and supplement interventions, as noted in recent studies 1.
From the Research
Maximizing L. reuteri Levels
To maximize the body's L. reuteri levels, consider the following:
- Direct supplementation with L. reuteri may be an effective way to increase its abundance in the body, as suggested by studies 2, 3.
- Prebiotic modulation of L. reuteri may also be beneficial, although more research is needed to understand its effects 2.
- Certain strains of L. reuteri, such as DSM17938, ATCC PTA4659, ATCC PTA 5289, and ATCC PTA 6475, have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects and may be more effective at reducing inflammation than others 3.
- The use of biocompatible, semipermeable, porous dextranomer microspheres (DM) to deliver L. reuteri may enhance its efficacy, as these microspheres can induce L. reuteri to form a biofilm, which has been shown to increase its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties 4.
Factors Affecting L. reuteri Abundance
Several factors can affect the abundance of L. reuteri in the body, including:
- The presence of other microorganisms, such as pathogens, which can be inhibited by L. reuteri's antimicrobial compounds 5, 6.
- The individual's diet and lifestyle, which can influence the composition of the gut microbiota 2.
- The use of antibiotics or other medications, which can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota and reduce L. reuteri abundance.
Potential Health Benefits
Increasing L. reuteri levels in the body may have several potential health benefits, including:
- Reduced inflammation and improved immune function 2, 3.
- Improved gut health and reduced symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection 4.
- Reduced risk of inflammatory diseases, such as those affecting the gut and remote tissues 2.