Overview

Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) normally found in the digestive tract. It produces lactic acid in the gut.

"Good" bacteria such as L. reuteri can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. L. reuteri is sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and is also found in probiotic supplements.

People use L. reuteri for stomach pain, colic, constipation, diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and high cholesterol. It is also used for eczema, canker sores, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. reuteri for COVID-19.

Don't confuse L. reuteri with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that L. reuteri used to be classified under the Lactobacillus genus. But Lactobacillus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Some product labels might still list this species as Lactobacillus reuteri rather than its new name, Limosilactobacillus reuteri.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Stomach pain. Taking L. reuteri by mouth seems to reduce stomach pain in children. It's not clear if it helps adults.
  • Excessive crying in infants (colic). Giving infants L. reuteri by mouth seems to help with colic.
  • Constipation. Taking L. reuteri by mouth seems to reduce constipation.
  • Diarrhea. Taking L. reuteri by mouth slightly reduces how long diarrhea lasts in children.
  • A digestive tract infection that can lead to ulcers (Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori). Taking L. reuteri by mouth along with most standard drug therapies used to treat H. pylori seems to reduce the side effects from these drugs. But it's not clear if L. reuteri helps treat H. pylori infection.
  • High cholesterol. Taking L. reuteri by mouth seems to help lower cholesterol levels by a small amount.

There is interest in using L. reuteri for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: L. reuteri is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to 6 months. Some people might experience diarrhea or constipation, but it's usually well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: L. reuteri is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately while pregnant and breast-feeding.

Children: L. reuteri is likely safe when taken by mouth in most children. It's been used safely for up to 4 weeks in infants and up to 12 weeks in older children. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if L. reuteri is safe for very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: L. reuteri has caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking L. reuteri.

Damaged heart valves: L. reuteri can cause an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Interactions

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Antibiotic drugs interacts with Limosilactobacillus reuteri

    L. reuteri is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. reuteri can reduce the effects of L. reuteri. To avoid this interaction, take L. reuteri products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.

Dosing

L. reuteri is sometimes added to fermented foods such as yogurts. It's commonly taken in dietary supplements.

In adults, L. reuteri has most often been taken by mouth, alone or together with other probiotics, in doses of 200 million to 50 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 6 months. In children, L. reuteri has most often been taken by mouth in doses of 100 million to 20 billion CFUs daily, for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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