Lactobacillus brevis

What is Lactobacillus brevis?

Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis) is a species of lactic acid producing bacteria, meaning that it converts sugars into lactic acid, which helps to create a healthy gut environment. It is a naturally occurring microorganism found in the human gastrointestinal tract and in a variety of fermented foods. L. brevis is classified as a probiotic strain due to its ability to provide health benefits.

Health Benefits:

Supports Digestive Heath

Through the production of lactic acid, L. brevis lowers the pH of the gut, creating a more acidic environment that inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and supports a balanced intestinal microbiota. Studies support that L. brevis can improve intestinal microorganism diversity and reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria.

By contributing to a healthy gut microbiome, L. brevis may help alleviate digestive discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain. Furthering this, one study showed that treatment with L. brevis was associated with reduced symptoms of colitis, such as reduced body weight loss and colonic tissue damage. This suggests that L. brevis may have potential value for treating and preventing digestive disorders such as colitis.

May Modulate Immunity

Studies also indicate that L. brevis may potentially be involved in modulating the immune system and help to support healthy immune system response. For instance, one study found that treatment with the ZG2488 strain of L. brevis enhanced the immune response of mice to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with significantly greater antigen-specific antibody and T-cell responses. By modulating the immune system, L. brevis may help to protect the body from pathogens, fight infection and protect long term health.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties

L. brevis has potential anti-inflammatory effects, particularly within the gut, suggesting that this bacterium may be useful for treating chronic inflammation-related diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases. For example, research has shown that treatment with L. brevis K65 led to lowered expression of inflammatory molecules in mice with induced ulcerative colitis. Furthering this, a study found evidence that suggests that L. brevis may alleviate Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli induced intestinal inflammation in mice through restoring gut microbial diversity that had been damaged by Escherichia coli and increasing the expression of the tight junction proteins.

Typical Use:

This probiotic bacterium is most commonly delivered in capsule, sachet, or powder form as part of multi strain probiotic supplement blends, although single strain formulations are also available. Such supplements are typically formulated to enhance digestive health through supporting the gut microbiome as well as boosting the immune system.

L. brevis can also be included in fermented functional foods (e.g. sauerkraut and pickles) and beverages.