L. Reuteri

L. Reuteri is a dietary supplement containing a naturally-occurring strain of Lactobacillus bacteria known as Lactobacillus reuteri. L. Reuteri helps to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, while also promoting a healthy balance of normal intestinal flora. L. Reuteri can be used by both children and adults and does not require refrigeration like other Lactobacillus supplements.

Destroying pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria with antibiotic drugs also kills normal intestinal flora. At least 400 different species of “beneficial” bacteria exist in the human gastrointestinal tract, most of which are present in the colon. Intestinal bacteria inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, enhance immune function, increase resistance to infection and promote healthy digestion, among other benefits. Unfortunately, antibiotic-associated disruption of intestinal bacteria can lead to diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in small children. In fact, estimates indicate that 20 to 40% of all children taking broad-spectrum antibiotics develop diarrhea. The balance of intestinal flora can also be upset due to poor diet, alcohol consumption, the use of antacids and laxatives, oral contraceptives, serious illness, hospitalization and even aging.1-6

Research has shown that certain live microorganisms known as probiotics can help re-populate the gastrointestinal tract with healthy bacteria and promote better overall health. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, once ingested, demonstrate a beneficial effect upon the body by improving the balance of the intestinal flora. Probiotics have been shown to exert antimicrobial, antiallergenic, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities, as well as other health benefits. Probiotics prevent the growth of pathogenic organisms, not only by competing for nutrients and space, but also by secreting organic compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, which make the intestinal pH more acidic—most intestinal pathogens fail to thrive in an acidic environment—as well as producing bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill unwanted microorganisms.2-12

L. reuteri is found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans, poultry, swine and other animals. L. reuteri is a natural colonizer of the gastrointestinal tract and has been shown to increase Lactobacilli counts and decrease the colonization of intestinal pathogens, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli, in animals.13-17

L. reuteri produces a broad-spectrum antimicrobial substance called reuterin, which has been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts, fungi and protozoa. Laboratory research also suggests that L. reuteri inhibits the binding of Helicobacter pylori to receptor cells in the early stages of colonization. Such potential is promising, given that research to-date has confirmed a causal relationship between H. pylori infection and gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer.18-20

In addition, L. reuteri has been shown to accelerate recovery from acute diarrhea, including rotavirus-induced diarrhea in children—childhood diarrhea accounts for significant morbidity (the incidence of a disease in a population) and mortality (death-rate) worldwide. Fortunately, a study of 40 children (ages 6-36 months) hospitalized with acute diarrhea found L. reuteri effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea. L. reuteri reduced the mean duration of watery diarrhea after treatment by 58% (1.7 days in the L. reuteri group versus 2.9 days in the placebo group), with only 26% of patients exhibiting watery diarrhea on the second day of treatment, compared to 81% of those receiving placebo. In addition, cultures of lactobacilli from stool samples confirmed the effective colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by L. reuteri. This is especially significant since the normal balance of gastrointestinal microflora is disrupted during episodes of diarrhea, which can leave the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. A second study, a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, again found that L. reuteri effectively colonized the gastrointestinal tract following administration and significantly shortened the duration of rotavirus-associated watery diarrhea. A correlation was also noted between the dosage of L. reuteri used and the clinical effect.3,14,21-23

Other potential benefits of L. reuteri have been demonstrated in animal studies. For example, one study found L. reuteri to be effective in preventing hypercholesterolemia (abnormally high cholesterol) in mice by increasing the ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 17%. L. reuteri has also been shown to prevent the development of colitis (inflammation of the colon) in genetically-susceptible mice, and to be beneficial in reducing the severity of experimentally-induced colitis in rats. In addition, L. reuteri significantly reduced the incidence of systemic candidiasis in immunodeficient mice, as well as counteracted the growth-inhibiting effects of Candida albicans—mice treated with L. reuteri demonstrated less weight-loss, perhaps through improved nutrient utilization and/or availability.24-28

Each tablet of L. Reuteri provides 100 million bacteria, in a base of mannitol, xylitol, lactulose, mono- & diglycerides, malic acid, natural lemon flavor, zein (corn protein) and riboflavin phosphate. L. Reuteri is sold under license from BioGaia AB, patent No. 5,849,289.