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Bacteria

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Lactobacillus reuteri, now named Limosilactobacillus reuteri, is a lactic acid bacterium that lives in the gut of humans and animals and also occurs in breast milk.

Also listed as ATCC PTA 6475, ATCC 55730, DSM 17938, NCIMB 30242

Gut HealthImmune SupportHair & SkinLongevity

Can it reduce crying with infant colic?

ESPGHAN says clinicians may consider DSM 17938 for colic in breastfed infants, a weak recommendation based on moderate-certainty evidence. It gives no recommendation for formula-fed infants because evidence is insufficient. The feeding distinction matters when choosing whether to try it. 1

Why the results still need perspective

In a small 2017 trial, 20 infants were randomized to DSM 17938 or placebo. Crying time did not differ significantly, and no severe adverse events occurred. This small study cannot settle effectiveness or detect uncommon harms, even though the wider guideline assessment is more favorable for breastfed infants. 1 2

What about recurring abdominal pain?

ESPGHAN allows consideration of DSM 17938 for functional abdominal pain disorders in children, with a weak recommendation and moderate certainty. Functional pain describes symptoms without an identified structural explanation; the guideline focuses on reduced pain intensity, not a cure for every cause of stomach pain. 1

Diarrhea treatment and prevention are different

For childhood acute gastroenteritis, ESPGHAN offers only a weak recommendation with very-low-certainty evidence. It recommends against DSM 17938 to prevent hospital-acquired diarrhea because trials did not show efficacy. IQWiG also concludes that probiotics overall probably do not shorten acute diarrhea. 1 3

DiarrheaMixed

Evidence for acute childhood gastroenteritis is uncertain and should be distinguished from diarrhea prevention. 1 3

Is it an established constipation treatment?

ESPGHAN does not recommend probiotics for childhood functional constipation, either alone or added to usual treatment, because efficacy has not been shown. That conclusion concerns constipation and should not be blurred with the separate evidence on infant colic. 1

ConstipationNot supported

Probiotics are not recommended for childhood functional constipation because efficacy has not been demonstrated. 1

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Hair & Skin1 effect

Skin InflammationHair & SkinModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Longevity1 effect

Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Other effects3 effects

DiarrheaStrongA3 studies
Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in Diarrhea and Constipation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?2021Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 shortens acute infectious diarrhea in a pediatric outpatient setting.2015Diarrhea in Preschool Children and Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomized Controlled Trial2014

Rated by SuppCo · high confidenceEvidence record

InflammationModerateA3 studies
Lactobacillus reuteri V3401 Reduces Inflammatory Biomarkers and Modifies the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: The PROSIR Study2019The role of potential probiotic strains Lactobacillus reuteri in various intestinal diseases: New roles for an old playerThe potential therapeutic role of Lactobacillus reuteri for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Rated by SuppCo · high confidenceEvidence record

ConstipationModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

All studies

12 publications are linked to Lactobacillus Reuteri, newest first.

Lactobacillus reuteri in digestive system diseases: focus on clinical trials and mechanisms2023Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in Diarrhea and Constipation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?2021Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation on the gut microbiota in extremely preterm infants in a randomized placebo-controlled trial2021Lactobacillus reuteri V3401 Reduces Inflammatory Biomarkers and Modifies the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: The PROSIR Study2019Lactobacillus reuteri for Infants with Colic: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial2017Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 shortens acute infectious diarrhea in a pediatric outpatient setting.2015Improvement of digestive health and reduction in proteobacterial populations in the gut microbiota of cystic fibrosis patients using a Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic preparation: a double blind prospective study.2014Diarrhea in Preschool Children and Lactobacillus reuteri: A Randomized Controlled Trial2014Colonization and Immunomodulation by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract2004The role of potential probiotic strains Lactobacillus reuteri in various intestinal diseases: New roles for an old playerThe potential therapeutic role of Lactobacillus reuteri for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseaseOne-year supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 counteracts a degradation of gut microbiota in older women with low bone mineral density

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