Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 is considered to be a “heart-healthy” probiotic because it helps lower LDL and total cholesterol. Plus, it’s the only probiotic strain that might give your vitamin D levels a boost. Can it also reset the gut microbiome in people with IBD? Read on for a breakdown of the complete research on its possible health benefits and side effects.
What is Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242?
Overview
Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 was discovered in 2010 by a team of Canadian scientists. It was initially selected among other probiotic strains in the lab for safety and desired qualities before being tested in clinical trials [R].
Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 was first called “Cardioviva” but is now trademarked “Microbiome Plus.”
It has been granted a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation by the FDA. Interestingly, several Lactobacillus probiotics have GRAS status because they’re a normal part of our gut flora and have a long history of safe use in traditional fermented foods.
However, Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and lack large-scale clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.
How It Works
Scientists think Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242 may work by helping the body take in less and get rid of more cholesterol.
L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 carries an important enzyme called bile salt hydrolase (BSH). This enzyme sets bile acids free from their bound form (deconjugating them) [R].
Bile acids conjugated into bile salts with the amino acids glycine or taurine have digestive action [R].
Free bile acids in the gut reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut that comes from both food and circulating bile. Unlike bound bile salts, free bile acids attach to cholesterol and get eliminated with the stool [R].
To make up for the loss, the liver increases the production of new bile acids. The body breaks down more cholesterol to keep up [R].
When free bile acids are released in the gut, mucin production also rises. Mucin is a gel-like layer that lies on top of the gut lining. It helps protect the gut lining, repair gut damage, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Low mucin has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [R, R].
On a cellular level, the BSH action of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB
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