Background

Lactobacillus delbrueckii (L. delbrueckii) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found naturally in the human body. It's also found in fermented foods.

"Good" bacteria such as L. delbrueckii might help the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. These bacteria are sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and also found in dietary supplements.

People use L. delbrueckii for acne, hay fever, asthma, common cold, diabetes, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. delbrueckii for COVID-19.

Don't confuse L. delbrueckii with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that the Lactobacillus genus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Many species were reclassified at this time, but L. delbrueckii remains in the Lactobacillus genus. Its name did not change. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which was originally considered its own species, is now considered a subspecies of L. delbrueckii.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: L. delbrueckii is possibly safe for most people. In the US, most yogurt is made with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Probiotics similar to L. delbrueckii have been used safely and seem to be well-tolerated. It's most often used in combination with other probiotics.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L. delbrueckii is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there are no reasons to expect safety concerns when used appropriately.

Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L. delbrueckii is safe for children of any age, including very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: Probiotics have 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 probiotics, including L. delbrueckii.

Damaged heart valves: Probiotic preparations 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, including L. delbrueckii, before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

In adults, L. delbrueckii has most often been taken by mouth together with other probiotics. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotic drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

L. delbrueckii is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. delbrueckii can reduce the effects of L. delbrueckii. To avoid this interaction, take L. delbrueckii 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.