“Lactobacillus fermentum?”Here!L. fermentum probiotic
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As a supplement
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A species of lactic acid bacteria used as a probiotic ingredient, found naturally in fermented foods and traditionally used in fermentation.
Why it’s used
Taken as a probiotic, typically for general digestive or immune support, depending on the specific strain and formulation.
What the evidence says
NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements notes that probiotic effects are strain-specific and that results from one Lactobacillus strain cannot be assumed to apply to another, even within the same species. Some individual strains of Lactobacillus fermentum have been studied in small trials for digestive or vaginal health outcomes, but evidence is mixed and often not replicated, and the strain used on a given label frequently is not specified in a way that matches the studies available.
Context
Probiotic research is highly strain-dependent, and studies typically report colony-forming unit (CFU) counts rather than mass-based doses, which limits comparability across products.
Rumors
Lactobacillus fermentum (strain ME-3) raises the body's glutathione levels, acting as a powerful antioxidant.
Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Measured as a biomarker.
- Evaluation of the functional efficacy of an antioxidative probiotic in healthy volunteers (Peer-reviewed) · Funded by Estonian Science Foundation; Estonian Technology Agency; EU (government) · Authors declare a conflict of interest
Who’s saying this
- naturalmedicinejournal.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
Lactobacillus fermentum supplements cause gas and bloating.
Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Studied in: competitive cyclists (healthy athletes).
Measured as an outcome.
- Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC) supplementation and gastrointestinal and respiratory-tract illness symptoms: A randomised control trial in athletes (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
- Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora: randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 64 healthy women (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- Kaiser Permanente — a brand: health plans and care provider (doctors, hospitals, health plans)
How we know who this is
- “Learn how Kaiser Permanente provides form 1095-B for proof of minimum essential coverage.” (their page)
- “Our doctors, hospitals, and health plans are all connected — collaborating seamlessly across specialties so you can stay at your best.” (their page)
Lactobacillus fermentum lowers cholesterol and improves heart health.
Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Studied in: clinically healthy adults with borderline-high LDL-C and/or elevated triglycerides.
Measured as a biomarker.
- Regulation of plasma lipid profile by lactobacillus fermentum (probiotic strain ME-3 DSM14241) in a randomised controlled trial of clinically healthy adults (Peer-reviewed) · Funded by European Regional Development Fund; Estonian Ministry of Education and Research; University of Tartu (government) · Authors declare a conflict of interest
Who’s saying this
- naturalmedicinejournal.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
Lactobacillus fermentum supplements boost immunity.
Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence
Studied in: endurance athletes/elite distance runners and competitive cyclists.
Measured as an outcome.
- Evaluation of the Effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 on Gastrointestinal Infections in Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not clearly stated · Authors declare a conflict of interest
- Oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003 and mucosal immunity in endurance athletes (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
- Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC) supplementation and gastrointestinal and respiratory-tract illness symptoms: A randomised control trial in athletes (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- Probiotics.org — an individual: earns commission recommending probiotic supplements
How we know who this is
- “Probiotics.org was founded by Evan Jerkunica, a physicist.” (their page)
- “Probiotics.org makes some money from recommending top tier probiotic supplements.” (their page)
Lactobacillus fermentum helps prevent yeast infections and urinary tract infections in women.
Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Measured as a biomarker.
- Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora: randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 64 healthy women (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
- Efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis: comparative analysis with topical miconazole in a single-blind randomized clinical trial (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- Humarian — a brand: sells its own Probonix probiotics
How we know who this is
- “Dr. Bentley and the doctors at Humarian uniquely formulated the Probonix line of probiotics to address the needs of their patients and those suffering from a variety of health conditions.” (their page)