What is Lactobacillus gasseri?
Definition
Lactobacillus gasseri is a strain of the genus Lactobacillus, a family of bacteria naturally found in the digestive system and urinary tracts. The bacteria helps the body by suppressing harmful bacteria, which, enhances immune function and aids in digestion in return. They also maintain “healthy” vaginal flora and aid in weight loss.
History
Lactobacillus gasseri is a species in the genus Lactobacillus identified by François Gasser and his associates. It is part of the vaginal flora. L. gasseri is normally found in the lower reproductive tract of a healthy women. It produces Lactocillin.
Is Lactobacillus Gasseri safe?
Probiotics like Lactobacillus gasseri are considered safe with few risks. Sometimes, Lactobacillus gasseri may trigger side effects like gas and bloating. Most cases improve as the body adapts to the supplement.
What contains Lactobacillus Gasseri?
Lactobacillus gasseri is also found in certain fermented foods such as Puba or carimã (a Brazilian staple food). You can also increase your Lactobacillus intake by consuming fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, miso, kimchi, tempeh, miso, pickles, and sauerkraut.
Is Lactobacillus gasseri best for weight loss?
Of all the probiotic bacteria studied to date, Lactobacillus gasseri shows the most promising effects on weight loss. Numerous studies in rodents have found that it has anti-obesity effects.
Risks and benefits of Lactobacillus gasseri probiotics?
Uses
Here is a look at several studies investigating the purported benefits of Lactobacillus gasseri:
Weight Loss
Several clinical trials and animal-based studies have suggested that Lactobacillus gasseri may reduce abdominal fat and support weight loss.
Of all the probiotic bacteria studied to date, Lactobacillus gasseri shows the most promising effects on weight loss. Numerous studies in rodents have found that it has anti-obesity effects. Additionally, studies in Japanese adults showed that taking Lactobacillus gasseri for 12 weeks reduced body weight, fat around organs, BMI, waist size, and hip circumference. Belly fat was reduced by 8.5%.
Vaginal Health
Lactobacillus strains are known to promote vaginal health by suppressing harmful bacteria and fungi. This is evident after antibiotic therapy when the risk of vaginal candidiasis is high. While Lactobacillus suppositories have proven beneficial in treating yeast infections.
On the other hand, Lactobacillus gasseri may help lessen menstrual pain in women with endometriosis.
Bowel Diseases
Lactobacillus is among the probiotic bacteria believed to offer relief from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Studies published in 2011 concluded that Lactobacillus gasseri exerted anti-inflammatory effects in the colon beneficial to the reduction of IBS and ulcerative colitis symptoms. It appeared less effective in the actual prevention of bowel infection.
H. Pylori Infection
Other scientists evaluated the effects of probiotic supplements on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria which is known to be the predominant cause of stomach ulcers.
Side Effects
Possible Side Effects of Lactobacillus gasseri are considered safe with few short-term or long-term risks. In some cases, Lactobacillus gasseri may trigger side effects such as gas and bloating. But the body improves as it adapts to the supplement.
Compromised immune systems
The only people who may need to avoid Lactobacillus are those with compromised immune systems. Without an intact immune system, probiotic bacteria can overgrow. In rare cases, Lactobacillus can cause an infection in the heart chambers and valves.
Children / During Pregnancy / Breastfeeding
The use of Lactobacillus in children and during pregnancy or breastfeeding has been under-researched.
Probiotic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Lactobacillus gasseri
A total of 22 Lactobacillus strains, which were isolated from infant feces were evaluated for their probiotic potential along with resistance to low pH and bile salts. Two strains, in particular, the L. rhamnosus, 4B15 (4B15), and L. gasseri 4M13 (4M13) showed considerably higher anti-oxidation, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, and cholesterol-lowering, and greater inhibition of nitric oxide production than other strains. Moreover, the two selected strains substantially inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators. These results suggested that the 2 strains showed the highest probiotic potential and have an impact on immune health by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.
