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Bacteria

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus is a group of rod-shaped lactic acid bacteria found in the gut, mouth and vagina and in fermented foods. In 2020 many of its species were moved into new genera.

Gut HealthImmune Support

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Microbiome healthGut HealthStrongA3 studies
DiarrheaStrongA3 studies
Gut healthModerateA3 studies
Bloating & gas reliefGut HealthModerateA3 studies
ConstipationModerateA3 studies
Immune SupportModerateA3 studies
All 7 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What does Lactobacillus mean?

Lactobacillus is a group of bacteria used in probiotics. A finding for one strain cannot automatically be applied to another. 1

How might these bacteria help?

Proposed actions include influencing the gut microbial community, producing useful substances and changing immune responses. These mechanisms help explain research questions, but do not establish that every product will improve symptoms. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Lactobacillus's ratings.

Lactobacillus reuteri in digestive system diseases: focus on clinical trials and mechanisms2023The effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on functional gas and bloating in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2023Effect of the probiotic strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P9, on chronic constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.2023Gut microbiome and human health: Exploring how the probiotic genus Lactobacillus modulate immune responses2022A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Lactobacillus acidophilus for Treating Acute Gastroenteritis in Children2022
All 17 studiesEvery publication linked to Lactobacillus

Why people take it

Gut Health27%
Immune Support26.7%
Essential Health19.8%
Women's Hormones7%
Energy6.5%
Detox5.6%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Are all Lactobacillus products equivalent?

No. The strain and studied use matter; results cannot automatically transfer between products. 1

Is a higher CFU count better?

Not necessarily. The specific organisms and their dose both matter. 2

Can probiotics prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

Certain strains can reduce risk, with evidence varying by age and treatment context. 3

Was P9 tested for constipation?

Yes. A placebo-controlled trial found more complete spontaneous bowel movements with this strain. 4

Is DR7 proven to prevent all infections?

No. Its trial assessed upper respiratory symptoms and immune markers in adults. 5

Sources

  2. Probiotics: Consumer Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
  3. Probiotics: Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements