What Sets Lactobacillus Apart as a "Probiotic of All Ages"?

There is evidence that the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri, which originated from humans, colonizes the human alimentary canal, extending from the mouth cavity to the large intestine. Natural lactobacillus called Lactobacillus reuteri has been shown to exist in most mammals and to be transferred from mother to child through breast milk. Since ancient times, it has coexisted with people and animals and is known to cause no harm to the host.

"Smart" features of Lactobacillus reuteri

The lactobacillus reuteri benefits are numerous, making it a unique lactic acid bacterium sometimes referred to as the "bacterial conductor" or "super lactic acid bacterium." It produces only one natural antibacterial substance, reuterin (3-hydroxy propionaldehyde), in the presence of harmful bacteria that are harmful to the human body. It does not produce reuterin or increase in response to these beneficial resident bacteria, like bifidobacteria, until it can maintain the diversity of bacteria within the body and also balance out good and bad bacteria. Quite paradoxically, this species of Lactobacillus is so essential that it needs to be "alive" to wield its mighty power.

Benefits of Lactobacillus Reuteri

Pediatric Applications

Lactobacillus reuteri is one of the most studied and powerful lactobacilli found in the intestinal mucosa during the first few hours of a neonate's life and is part of the critical immunological support given from mother to child. The lactobacillus reuteri benefits include acting as a first defensive measure with an anti-inflammatory impact in the intestine. It is no surprise, then, that it is now one of the most safe and widely distributed probiotic strains in the pediatric field, forming the area of application for its use given the great benefits ensured not only as a probiotic but also in cases of annoying gas colic frequently inflicted on babies, primarily formula-fed ones. 

Lactobacillus Reuteri Benefits for Adult 

Among the lactobacillus reuteri benefits for adults is its beneficial "immunomodulatory" action in situations of stress, lowered immune defences, inflammatory episodes, gastrointestinal infections, and prolonged use of antibiotics. It is particularly useful for this purpose in cases of diarrhoea, gastroenteritis (as it offers protection against rotavirus), and irritable bowel, by counteracting the worsening of diarrhoea and reducing the necessary recovery time. It can also provide benefits in cases of atopic dermatitis and infections of the urogenital system (for example, against candidiasis). 

Oral Health

Among the lactobacillus reuteri benefits for oral health is its ability to inhibit the production of Streptococcus mutans, the caries-producing bacteria for tooth cavities. Lactobacillus reuteri helps prevent Gingivitis, a gum disease, as well.

Cardiovascular Health

Like the one on prominent research that is garnering more and more attention these days, many are now verifying that healthy gut flora is also beneficial to the improvement of our cardiovascular health. In fact, lactobacillus reuteri benefits cardiovascular health by helping to maintain "safe" blood cholesterol levels, crucial for healthy hearts that circulate blood efficiently.

The aforementioned probiotic bacteria, along with the numerous other physiological conditions in which they may be implicated, appear to be one of the most novel approaches for controlling blood cholesterol levels via mechanisms that have yet to be described.

Lactobacillus species create exopolysaccharide fibres that trap cholesterol, which can then be consumed. An enzyme complex containing bile salt hydrolase, or BSH, would also be linked to a decreased percentage of cholesterol in food absorbed in the intestine; the cholesterol would then be ejected in faeces. Fats, particularly cholesterol, require conjugated bile acids to be digested. This suggests that by disrupting the chemical bonds of conjugated bile acids, Lactobacillus reuteri consumption increases the amount of cholesterol expelled through the stool. Although other processes are similar, it is this additional action on cardiovascular health that allows for more in-depth investigation. 

Lactobacillus reuteri is becoming increasingly popular as an adjuvant to a balanced diet, physical activity, and the consumption of certain nutraceutical supplements such as omega 3, citric bioflavonoids like bergamot, phytosterols, and vitamin K2. Thus, Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria is useful as a probiotic since childhood, with a wide range of possible applications.

Conclusion:

Lactobacillus reuteri is one of the most potent healing probiotics; it is also one of the staples for immune support and has anti-inflammatory effects on cardiovascular health. Production of its antibiotic compound, reuterin, selectively potentiates gut flora balance. From the easing of pediatric colic to immune function improvement in adults, L. reuteri assumes important roles in the maintenance of good health in general.