Background

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the mouth and gut. It's also found in fermented foods.

"Good" bacteria such as L. plantarum can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. Specific strains of L. plantarum are commonly added to fermented foods like yogurt and are also found in probiotic supplements.

People use L. plantarum for eczema, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), and to prevent the common cold or other respiratory tract infections. It is also used for diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. plantarum for COVID-19.

Don't confuse L. plantarum with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that L. plantarum 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 plantarum rather than its new name, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Live L. plantarum is likely safe. It's been used safely together with other probiotics for up to 9 months. Some people might experience gas or bloating, but it's usually well-tolerated. Heat-killed L. plantarum is possibly safe when used for up to one year.

When applied to the vagina: L. plantarum is possibly safe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: L. plantarum is possibly safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It's been used safely starting at 10-12 weeks of pregnancy and continued until delivery.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L. plantarum is safe to use while breast-feeding. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Children: L. plantarum is likely safe when taken by mouth appropriately in most children. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if L. plantarum is safe for very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: L. plantarum 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. plantarum.

Damaged heart valves: L. plantarum 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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

L. plantarum is sometimes added to fermented foods such as yogurts, but it's most commonly taken in dietary supplements.

In adults, L. plantarum has most often been taken by mouth, alone or together with other probiotics, in doses of 500 million to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotic drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.