Lactobacillus gasseri

Background

Lactobacillus gasseri (L. gasseri) 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. gasseri 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. gasseri for hay fever, asthma, common cold, diarrhea, indigestion, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse L. gasseri 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. gasseri remains in the Lactobacillus genus. Its name did not change.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Live L. gasseri is possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. Heat-killed L. gasseri is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months. It seems to be well-tolerated.

When applied to the vagina: L. gasseri is possibly safe when used for up to 10 days.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

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

Children: L. gasseri is possibly safe when taken by mouth in children 6-12 years-old. It's been used safely for up to 8 weeks. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if L. gasseri is safe for children of other ages, including very small premature infants.

Liver scarring (cirrhosis): There is some concern that L. gasseri might cause an infection in people with cirrhosis. If you have cirrhosis, talk with your healthcare provider before taking L. gasseri.

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. gasseri.

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. gasseri, before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Effectiveness

Effective Effectiveness definitions

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

Dosing & administration

Live L. gasseri has most often been used by adults alone or together with other probiotics in doses of 1-2 billion colony-forming units daily for up to 12 weeks. Heat-killed L. gasseri has most often been used by adults in doses of 10 billion cells daily for up to 24 weeks. L. gasseri has also been applied to the vagina in a capsule. 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. gasseri is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. gasseri can reduce the effects of L. gasseri. To avoid this interaction, take L. gasseri products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.