6 Lactobacillus Fermentum – Foods, Supplements & Benefits
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In this Lactobacillus Fermentum article, we will discuss the health benefits of lactobacillus fermentum in light of several clinical studies and research reports that have been conducted with an aim to establish the benefits of this gram-positive probiotic strain.
What Is Lactobacillus Fermentum?
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Lactobacillus Fermentum is a probiotic strain that has not attracted enough attention yet, but it is assumed that this strain has some unique properties that make it at least as good if not better than other popular lactobacillus strains.
Some studies suggest that it may help in reducing cholesterol and boosting overall immunity of the body thus potentially making some people more resistant to disease.
Lactobacillus fermentum is a gram positive, lactic acid bacterium that is usually found in animal and plant products that have undergone fermentation. Lactobacillus fermentum is known to exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidative properties.
Lactobacillus fermentum probiotic supplements have been generally regarded as safe for consumption by FDA. There is some preliminary evidence to suggest that it can help with a variety of health conditions listed below. Further research is needed to ascertain how effective it is in helping these conditions.
Cholesterol
A small study carried out on 46 people found out that L. fermentum may help improve cholesterol in patients suffering from high cholesterol levels. L. fermentum is known to potentially lower total blood cholesterol, total triglyceride levels, and low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol in mice.
The same study also found that L. fermentum can lead to decreased body weight and lower weight/body weight ratio. There is a need to carry further research if L. fermentum has the same effect on humans as it had on mice with elevated cholesterol levels.
Inflammation
L. fermentum, both live and dead is known to lower the levels of inflammation in body. A study conducted in mice found that L. fermentum along with fructo-oligosaccharide prebiotics can reduce inflammation of upper small intestine in mice. While another study found that 500000000 CFU of L. fermentum taken daily for 3 weeks may improve the inflammatory response in rats with colitis.
Lactose Intolerance
L. fermentum may also be helpful for those suffering from lactose intolerance as it decreases the immuno-reactivity of αS1-casein by lowering the recognition and binding of this casein to IgE from the blood of the patients who suffer from an allergy to cow's milk.
Cognitive Function
L. fermentum is known to potentially enhance the mood and improve cognitive function by reducing anxiety like behavior by alleviating the ampicillin induced impairment in memory retention in mice. There is a high chance that it can do the same and help those who want to improve their cognitive function or deal with their anxiety but this has not be confirmed with scientific studies. Lactobacillus Helveticus is another probiotic strain that may help cognitively through learning and memory.
Infant Health
This randomized double-blinded controlled study from Spain found that the Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 strain with galactooligosaccharide prebiotics could be helpful in preventing upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in infants aged between 6 - 12 months of age. The paper was published in 2012 through the peer-reviewed Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
Lactobacillus Fermentum Foods
Lactobacillus fermentum is usually found in Fermented foods, yogurts, sour dough, french beans, eggplants, red beets, capers, and fermented cheese. L. fermentum also occurs naturally in human gut, and our gastrointestinal system. You can easily find probiotic supplements that contain L. fermentum strain.
Lactobacillus Fermentum Supplements
COA performance probiotic contains L. fermentum in addition to other lactobacillus strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, B. bifidum, B. breve and Sacchromyces Boulardii.
COA performance probiotic's contain L. fermentum and is known to help with a variety of health conditions. Before taking any probiotic supplement, you must consult with your doctor as probiotics must be taken only after seeking medical advice from a licensed medical practitioner.
Some people such as those who are immune compromised, have leaky gut, or other severe health issues must avoid probiotics containing L. fermentum and other lactobacillus strains unless explicitly advised by their doctor.
Final Thoughts
So there we have it, L. Fermentum has some solid studies behind it but keep in mind more studies are needed and that this probiotic strain should not be used as an alternative to any prescribed medication.
I am not a doctor and nothing in this guide is medical advice. Consult a medical professional if you have any health issues.
Has there been any evidence that L-Fermentum kills candida??? If not, do you have any suggestions regarding specific probiotics that do so?
Hi Marion, Most Lactobacillus probiotic strains SHOULD help. Lactobacillus Acidophilus has some good studies behind it for Candida! You could try Rexal Acidophilus from Dollar General.
Hello Alicia, is there a reason why most probiotics in the market do not include L-Fermentum in them ?
Hi Pavan, There aren’t a lot of Human studies on L. Fermentum so that’s why! Garden Of Life has L Fermentum in some of their probiotics 🙂
You noted patients with leaky gut should not take L. Fermentum (as well as other lactobacillus strains) unless doctor advises, why is this? And if my leaky gut symptoms are no longer an issue due to better diet, would that warning still apply? Thank you!