Lactobacillus Fermentum: Learn about the properties and benefits of the probiotic

Lactobacillus fermentum or L. fermentum is a type of probiotic, a Gram-positive bacterium from the lactobacillus genus. Some strains are considered probiotics that can be taken to help regulate the microbiota of animals, including humans. This way, it is possible to aid in the recovery from mastitis and urogenital infections in women.

Characteristics of Lactobacillus fermentum

It is considered a probiotic because it meets certain characteristics. It is a non-pathogenic microorganism of human origin and has high resistance when passing through the intestines of animals. Additionally, to be classified as a probiotic, it must provide benefits to the immune system.

All probiotics, such as fermentum, lactobacillus brevis, L. casei, plantarum, salivarius, and saccharomyces boulardii, have properties and benefits for the host's body, in this case, for human health.

Due to its morphology and characteristics of Lactobacillus fermentum, it is possible to detect it in the intestinal tract. It can also participate in cholesterol metabolism.

Currently, studies are ongoing with the original strain and patented variations to verify its potential as a probiotic.

What is it used for? How is it used?

In its natural state, it is associated with oral problems such as dental caries and gum inflammation. Its deficiency or abnormal growth can also cause inflammation of the breast tissue and mastitis when the probiotic colony decreases in the body.

Currently, it is being used as an agent to reduce recurrent allergic episodes, control neoplastic growth, and combat intestinal inflammation.

It can also be used for food fermentation.

Another use of L. fermentum is as a gene vector due to its antibiotic resistance. This makes its application in medicine viable to improve some drugs or as a complementary therapy in certain treatments.

Uses as a probiotic

Its administration is based on the properties it can exert on intestinal problems and its function to prevent and help treat various health issues.

The uses of lactobacillus fermentum as a probiotic are to:

• Reduce the incidence of allergies.
• Neoplastic growth.
• As complementary therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.
• Control urogenital infection.
• Increase intestinal flora.

Neoplastic growth is the abnormal development of cells.

Regarding intestinal inflammation, it is believed that it can have a measurable benefit in reducing the swelling and discomfort caused by the imbalance of intestinal flora.

Likewise, lactobacilli also play an important role in the host's metabolism, with studies on cholesterol metabolism through BAL, which have a function as probiotics.

In cholesterol elimination, various trials have detected a cholesterol reduction in vitro. The data showed that it could be achieved through assimilation, incorporation of lactobacilli into cell membranes, or binding to surface cells.

Uses in pH resistance and bile tolerance

This microorganism has strong resistance to pH changes, making its growth and survival excellent at different acidity levels.

There are also tests in which its tolerance to gastric acid is good when bile concentration is high, allowing its transfer to the intestines without significantly reducing its number. The trials demonstrated that they survive when incubated with 3g L-1 of bile salt.

These data confirm that L. fermentum is an excellent bacterium for functioning as a probiotic. It survives gastric juices and digestive system processes and easily withstands stomach pH variations (pH 1.5 to 3) and increased bile in the upper intestine (3 to 5 g L-1).

Does it work for cholesterol?

One of the mechanisms it uses is absorbing cholesterol particles. Lactobacillus fermentum is capable of accelerating cholesterol metabolism and absorbing it.

Tests with various Lactobacillus strains in cholesterol broths have yielded good results in this regard. It can be incorporated into the cell membrane or even the cell walls, increasing the resistance of bacterial membranes.

Another use of L. fermentum is recycling bile salts to improve their expulsion from the body.

Antibiotic resistance

There is evidence of its resistance to norfloxacin and amikacin, which is similar to LAB, making this resistance considered normal and natural.

Other antibiotics it shows resistance to include tetracycline, erythromycin, and the glycopeptide vancomycin.

However, when exposed to other antibiotics, it is sensitive. Tests have been conducted with penicillin, erythromycin, carbenicillin, gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cefazolin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and amikacin, all of which showed action against L. fermentum.

Possible side effects

Since it can naturally be found in the human body and some animals, lactobacilli are considered safe for humans.

They are associated with many foods and are part of the intestinal microflora and are identified as microorganisms with low pathogenic potential. This makes most specialists and scientists consider it a safe microbe.

Laboratory tests on mice indicate no health changes in the specimens administered with L. fermentum for 28 consecutive days. Each mouse was fed intragastrically with varying concentrations of L. fermentum and a control group.

At the end of the study, blood tests of the mice found no differences in blood biochemistry, glucose, cholesterol, albumin, and proteins. Additionally, no changes or side effects of Lactobacillus fermentum were detected during the tests.

The experiment concluded without the occurrence of diarrhea, weight gain or loss, and the same coat quality. The entire study was conducted by John-Hwan, Park, Yeonhee Lee, Enpyo Moon, Seun-Hyeok Seok, and Min-Won Baek. "Safety assessment of lactobacillus fermentum PL 9005, a potential lactic acid probiotic bacterium, in mice". Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 15, no. 3 (2005): 603 – 608, which supported the consideration of these lactobacillus strains as safe for food use.

Types of Lactobacillus fermentum: strains and varieties

The scientific name that encompasses all bacterial variations within this group is “Lactobacillus fermentum”, and the following identified strains will be explained below:

Lactobacillus fermentum LC40 Hereditum strain CECT5716

Lactobacillus fermentum LC40 is a type of probiotic developed by Biosearch Life laboratories. It has been developed and patented under the name Hereditum CECT5716 to reduce the staphylococcal load in breast milk.

Lactobacillus fermentum LC40

It is a Gram-positive bacterium classified within the Lactobacillus genus. Fermentum LC40 or Hereditum Lactobacillus is part of the natural microbiota of animals, including humans.

The purpose of this lactobacillus strain is to reduce the risk of suffering from bacterial dysbiosis or the so-called female mastitis.

Hereditum fermentum has been studied for over 15 years, with various laboratory studies conducted and results published to validate its potential and uses as a probiotic.

It is obtained from the isolation of breast milk from healthy women, intended to treat women during the lactation period, thereby reducing the risk of breast infections. The scientific dossiers on LC40 have been presented by Biosearch Life following the regulations established by the EFSA.

Studies on Lactobacillus fermentum

A total of 3 clinical studies have been recorded with a group of 900 women, all meeting the requirements established by the EFSA.

The human trials sought positive results on the prevention of mastitis, showing data on the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects and benefits as an adjunct to other specialized treatments.

Results of fermentum CECT5716

Studies conducted with Lactobacillus fermentum strain CECT5716 indicate an 80% reduction in Staphylococcus load in breast milk when administered to women with mastitis. Additionally, 40% of cases reported relief from breast pain when breastfeeding.

The reduction in Staphylococcus load results in less severe inflammation of breast tissue, thus avoiding many breast discomforts and isolating other symptoms of mastitis during lactation.

The scientific community and many gynecologists believe that reducing the number of Staphylococcus in breast milk reduces the risk of infectious mastitis.

However, despite presenting various studies and trial data, the EFSA considers that there is not enough clinical documentation to approve it as a probiotic for mastitis in breastfeeding women. According to Biosearch, the EFSA has not considered the latest analyses in healthy breastfeeding women. The brand asserts that the control group is large enough to yield positive, homogeneous results with sufficient data to ensure its efficacy without causing risks or side effects with Lactobacillus fermentum LC40.

Benefits of Lactobacillus fermentum

• Reduction of Staphylococcus load in breast milk.
• Increase in intestinal flora.
• Improvement of the patient's immune system.
• Increase in microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing beneficial microorganisms against pathogenic microbes.
• Reduction of the risk of infectious mastitis.

CECT 5716 is considered by Biosearch Life as a probiotic that modulates the human immune response, reducing the risk of breast infections.

It also reduces inflammation in breast tissue when mastitis appears as well as chronic breast diseases.

It can be administered as a supplement for infant nutrition, as part of functional foods, and to complement the breastfeeding diet. It is suitable for inclusion in fermented foods, dairy products, and infant preparations.

Commercial names

• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus strain CECT5716.
• Lactobacillus fermentum hereditum.

Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 for the digestive system and defenses

Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 is a species of microorganism classified as a probiotic. Its properties and benefits are antimicrobial and antioxidant, strengthening the immune system response and preventing oxidative stress damage in the body.

Discovery of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3

The first reference to this microorganism dates back to 1994 when human feces were analyzed. Since Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 is resistant to bile and gastric acids, it passes through the stomach and reaches the intestines, with concentrations found in the expelled feces.

Tests conducted with the ME-3 strain indicate that its resistance is high to the varying conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, enduring and reaching areas where human microbiota resides. The colony count confirmed in the tests is significant after coming into contact with gastric juices, which is important to achieve its goal of strengthening the intestinal flora and alleviating discomfort caused by various inflammatory and infectious conditions.

One of the advantages of Lactobacillus ME-3 is that it is capable of surviving the changing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, both lower and upper intestines, maintaining its presence when pH levels change. It can withstand pH values between 2.5 and 4.0 without a significant loss in the number forming the lactobacilli colony.

Is it considered a probiotic?

Similar to Hereditum LC40, the ME-3 strain withstands pH variations well and reaches the intestine without difficulty, providing benefits to the individual who takes it. This qualifies it as a probiotic. It protects the host by strengthening the immune system, preventing the recurrence of infections, and having antioxidant effects in food.

Properties and benefits

• Antimicrobial.
• Antibacterial.
• Reduces the presence of gram-negative bacteria.
• Eliminates E. coli and Enterococcus.
• Acts on the number of Staphylococcus aureus.

The action of Lactobacillus fermentum ME3 is more significant on gram-negative bacteria, although it also reduces other pathogenic microorganisms like Enterococci and other types of Staphylococcus.

It is associated with the production of lactic acid, succinic acid, putrescine, and acetic acid, which are substances that interact with microbes.

There is also data on the properties of ME-3 in foods, particularly on cheese preservation, as it prevents deterioration.

Regarding human health, studies indicate that it plays an important role in restoring and balancing intestinal flora. Taking encapsulated L. fermentum increases beneficial bacteria at the expense of pathogenic ones.

Another benefit of fermentum is the reduction of oxidized LDL cholesterol, which is considered harmful to the cardiovascular system and prone to causing coronary diseases, atherosclerosis, etc.

Antioxidant effects

Through the mechanism that modulates reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione in the blood, there is an increase in paraoxonase levels, a protein that functions as an antioxidant enzyme. This protects LDL cholesterol molecules from oxidation.

Dairy products containing it have a longer shelf life against deterioration. It also reduces the occurrence of pathogens like Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp.

In the urinary tract, it suppresses the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus spp., enhancing the presence of other beneficial lactobacilli.

Commercialization

It can be purchased in various countries around the world, including the USA and Europe. Its distribution is also present in Asia as a dietary supplement to promote cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and as an adjunct therapy for detoxification.

The commercial name for Lactobacillus fermentum is Reg'activ ME3, while other strains are marketed under the name Hereditum LC-40.

Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 for the urinary tract and defenses

Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 is a type of probiotic strain with beneficial properties for urogenital infections in women. Its action prevents and treats some pathologies affecting this part of the human body.

Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14

Studies have included the application of Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 and L. rhamnosus GG strains vaginally.

The control group consisted of 10 healthy women who used lactobacilli strains (GR-1, RC-14, and rhamnosus). The study evaluated the activity of vaginal flora and the quantity of Lactobacillus. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed for this purpose.

The analysis results to detect the presence of microorganisms in the vaginal tract indicated that both the CD-14 and GR-1 strains remained in good numbers 19 days after vaginal application. However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG could be detected up to 5 days after.

These clinical data indicate the presence of administered microbiota in the human vagina, as obtained through RAPD analysis.

Uses

• Treat vaginal infections.
• Help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and yeast vaginitis.

According to consulted references, the molecular biology of Lactobacillus RC-14 and GR-1 strains function as vaginal or urogenital probiotics, maintaining activity after administration, confirming colonization, and strengthening vaginal flora.

As the human vaginal ecosystem is complex, it is crucial to select the strains of microorganisms used appropriately. Not all probiotics work the same in different parts of living organisms.

Therefore, Lactobacillus fermentum RC14 can be used as a urogenital probiotic.

Many microorganisms (live probiotics) work well in the intestine but lose effectiveness in the vaginal tract, and the microflora varies. Therefore, ensuring that beneficial bacteria colonize the tissues is of utmost importance. For example, L. rhamnosus GG has been shown to have benefits in the intestine as a complementary therapy to treat diarrhea. It inhibits the growth of pathogens but has not been proven effective in the vagina. Another strain used for gastrointestinal issues is Lactobacillus fermentum ME3.

Although these lactobacilli variations have properties beneficial to the host, they are not ideal for urinary disorders.

Effectiveness of RC-14

Both L. fermentum RC-14 and L. rhamnosus GR-1 are effective in urogenital adherence and colonization. Their properties make them suitable probiotics for treating urinary tract infections.

Both strains can adhere to uro-epithelial cells, preventing adhesion and inhibiting the growth of other pathogens.

### Basis of RC-14 studies

Statistics show that only about 22% of healthy women have flora consisting of Lactobacilli, indicating that vaginal microbiota imbalance can have severe consequences for women's health.

Among the pathologies detected with weakened Lactobacillus are infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, increased frequency of urinary tract infections, and increased activity of the human immunodeficiency virus. There are also more cases of yeast vaginitis and patients with bacterial vaginosis.

Based on this, it was crucial to determine the viability of probiotics with Lactobacillus fermentum RC14 to maintain the intimate microflora in perfect condition.

Since antibiotic use does not work in some urinary tract infection cases, it was necessary to find a viable mechanism to eradicate bacterial vaginosis.

At the same time, while antibiotics have many benefits, they also have significant side effects, reactions that probiotics with Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 strains do not have. A decrease in defenses is likely to occur with this type of treatment; some chemotherapy patients cannot use them, nor can those with certain tolerances, as the results will not be as expected. Therefore, prophylaxis needed to find an alternative route for urinary tract disorders.

Lactobacillus fermentum PCC for respiratory and allergic infections

Lactobacillus fermentum P.C.C. is a trademark registered by Bioxyne Ltd. Based on a variation of a Lactobacillus strain. It has been approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) since 2002, with over 12 billion CFU doses per day tested in clinical studies.

What is it used for?

• Boost the body's defenses and response.
• Reduce respiratory tract infections.
• Decrease skin irritation and associated symptoms.

All data obtained from the consulted clinical studies indicate that the uses and benefits of P.C.C. improve the immune response of the human body.

In cases of respiratory infection and skin allergies, there is an increase in the immune response of the studied subject, so a probiotic that reduces lymphocyte activation without causing side effects is good news.

Additionally, according to the reports, Lactobacillus fermentum PCC has the ability to strengthen the body's microbiota, reducing the number of respiratory infections in individuals.

Data on PCC^® studies

• Men aged between 26 and 44 years.
• Women aged between 27 and 45 years.
• VO2max 56 ± 6 ml.kg-1.min-1, mean ± standard deviation.
• Administration of Lactobacillus fermentum PCC® (minimum 1x10^9).
• Treatment duration 11 weeks.
• Double-blind controlled trial.
• Fecal count of L. fermentum.
• Analysis of side effects.
• Disease control in evaluated subjects.
• Study of serum cytokines.

Results

After administration, nearly 8 times more lactobacilli were detected in men who took the probiotic for the study.

In the case of women, the results were slightly lower, with a 2.2 times increase in flora containing live lactobacilli.

Those who took PCC experienced mild gastrointestinal symptoms for twice as long. However, these same subjects had a significant reduction in the severity of gastrointestinal infection (from 0.2 to 1.2 less).

In respiratory diseases, men who took this probiotic had a factor of 0.31 (99% CI; 0.07 to 0.96) compared to the placebo used for control. However, there was an increase of 2.2 (0.41 to 27) in women according to the data provided in the trial registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000006943.

Based on the results, the use of L. fermentum is indicated for healthy men, with further studies needed on the female population to confirm the results and verify if it is equally effective in this group.

Differences with other fermentum probiotics

While L. PCC is used to control the immune system response and increase the body's defenses, other lactobacillus strains are suitable for treating urogenital infections, such as L. fermentum RC14.

Other modifications are also possible as Lactobacillus improvement has been in development for several years, studying their benefits as probiotics in various disorders affecting human health.

Genetic safety

While the safety of foods containing Lactobacillus fermentum is considered high, it is also essential to evaluate if it produces gene transfers that can develop resistance.

For L. fermentum to be considered a probiotic, it must not transfer resistant genes. This way, the effects of antibiotics are not blocked.

Commercial Names of Lactobacillus fermentum (Brands)

There are different brands and commercial names of Lactobacillus fermentum. Various laboratories market and sell their probiotics with the strain CCT5716 called Lactobacillus fermentum LC40 and Lactobacillus ME-3.

• Lactancia Hereditum.
• Nutergia Ergyphilus Intima.
• Lactobacillus Plus.
• Sandoz Bienestar Intim Lactobacillus 20 Capsules.

All these products are considered probiotics because they offer benefits to those who take them. They strengthen the immune system and increase intestinal flora, also boosting the human microbiota.

Certain probiotics with L. fermentum also include other strains of microorganisms such as L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus, and other beneficial live bacteria strains for health.

Typically, products sold as live probiotics contain a mix of microorganisms to strengthen all the microbes that are part of the human body (children, adults, and the elderly). This way, it is possible to increase the beneficial population inhabiting the intestines, oral cavity, and tissues where bacterial balance is crucial.

Another strain classified as a probiotic for human use to regulate vaginal flora is RC-14. Due to the resistance this microorganism has to pH fluctuations and bile resistance, it should be used appropriately for the cases indicated in studies and product information. In contrast, L. fermentum P.C.C has properties to treat respiratory tract infections.

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Other Related Lactobacilli

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References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC119863/
• https://www.chr-hansen.com/es/probiotic-supplements-and-infant-formula/cards/product-cards/lactobacillus-fermentum-pcc
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083335/