Lactobacillus gasseri probiotic: benefits, side effects, and contraindications (2024)

Lactobacillus gasseri is a bacterium that acts as a probiotic. Its properties and benefits for humans are significant since, besides being considered good for weight loss and fat reduction, it also produces gassericin A, a protein toxin that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

What Lactobacillus gasseri is and what it is used for

Lactobacillus gasseri is one of the lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus. It is part of the intestinal and vagin*l flora, and among its benefits is controlling the proliferation or growth of other bacteria that can harm people's health.

Gasseri is a common inhabitant in the female reproductive cavity, and its presence is considered normal as this microorganism is not pathogenic.

Below, we indicate what it can be used for.

Some of the benefits it may have

Part of its medicinal properties are due to the toxins it produces within the digestive and vagin*l tracts. Lactobacillus gasseri produces gassericin A, a type of protein toxin that inhibits the growth of similar bacteria trying to reproduce in the same area.

By blocking the presence of other bacteria, the probiotic L. gasseri prevents infections caused by Helicobacter pylori and Candida albicans, which causes Candidiasis.

Many more bacteria, fungi, and yeasts see their well-being diminished by its presence, but these two cases clearly indicate the importance of Lactobacillus gasseri as a probiotic.

Uses for improving digestion

It actively participates in the absorption of certain nutrients and carbohydrates, making trace elements acquired through food more bioavailable and thus present to synthesize vitamins and activate digestive enzymes.

At the same time, lactobacteria can assimilate lactose, the sugar in milk that in most adults causes belly bloating and gas formation.

Bacteriocins

A bacteriocin is a toxin synthesized by a bacterium. The purpose of producing this type of toxin is to avoid competitors in the area where it inhabits.

The bacteriocins of lactobacilli and probiotics are produced by non-pathogenic species that colonize the human body, that is, microorganisms that spread inside us without causing harm, but rather providing benefits and health properties.

This characteristic of Lactobacillus gasseri is similar to the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii and S. cerevisiae, which also produce another toxin that inhibits the growth of unhealthy yeasts in bread dough and wine. In the case of S. cerevisiae, it has even been called the killer effect due to its great power to maintain fermented foods in good condition.

We find more similarities with another lactobacillus, L. plantarum, which likewise produces its own bacteriocins that act against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile among the most notable microorganisms for their incidence in vagin*l, intestinal, and oral infections.

Although each probiotic bacterium has its affinity for certain areas of the human body, together they are a great defense against most microorganisms that, if we did not have the human microbiota, would be much more dangerous and recurrent.

The bacteriocin of lactobacilli is considered a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, and each one can be different in its morphology, chemical structure, and functioning.

Uses for Weight Loss: Is it Possible that it Works?

Certain studies indicate that obese individuals have more firmicutes and fewer bacteroidetes compared to thin individuals.

According to a study conducted by biologist Jeffrey Gordon and co-director of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it was discovered that obese individuals have an intestinal flora with a lower percentage of bacteroidetes, gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, and a higher percentage of firmicutes, which are endobacteria.

Although this data does not prove the benefits of L. gasseri for weight loss, it may provide clues or, at least, indicate a preference for certain types of bacteria to settle in the intestines of thin people.

Another study conducted by the Milk Science Research Institute of Japan in 2013 indicated that milk enriched with probiotics Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) had beneficial effects in reducing abdominal adipose tissue, that is, localized abdominal fat.

For gasseri to have good results, it needs to be administered in large doses; otherwise, its effects will be predictably poor.

The intake of L. gasseri for weight loss should be for at least 4 weeks to be effective, extending the administration up to 12 weeks.

The downside of this study and others in the bibliography is that, although it has weight-loss properties, when intake stops, the effects disappear.

If you are looking to lose weight, one of the best things you can do is consult a nutritionist to prepare a balanced diet calculated for your daily calorie consumption. If you have already done so and have your diet to eliminate fat, you can also check out the section on the effects of probiotics for weight loss.

Other lactic bacteria that may have properties related to adipose tissue, weight loss, and diets include L. rhamnosus.

Strengthening the Immune System

By providing live bacteria to the digestive system, we help it remain stable and the intestinal flora stays strong. This facilitates the modulation of the body's defensive response, both when it overreacts and when it is poor.

Another advantage of this type of probiotic is that bacteria that can cause infection will be kept away or, if they try to compete for the same gastrointestinal space, they will have a much harder time, thus making the probability of suffering a bacterial infection much lower.

Classification as a Probiotic L. Gasseri

For a bacterium to be considered a probiotic, it must meet a series of requirements and characteristics, and Lactobacillus gasseri meets them perfectly.

First, they must be present in such a large number that they can modify the host's intestinal microbiota whether through implantation or colonization, that is, the human or animal that consumes them or through natural means. At this point, it should be remembered that there are probiotics for humans and for pets such as dogs and cats.

Its second characteristic is to withstand the journey through the digestive tract. Resisting gastric juices and digestive processes and, after these, remaining in a considerable number to colonize the intestine or the area where they are applied if done artificially or, as mentioned, passing through the body's cavities without human intervention.

The third fundamental characteristic for L. gasseri to be considered a probiotic is to be recoverable alive in the feces or intestinal mucosa. This also applies to other probiotics or bacteria considered as such.

In summary, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined these premises or characteristics of probiotics, and in the published text, it states that, if these premises are met, they can promote benefits for human health.

Where Lactobacillus Gasseri is Found

Naturally, it can be found in the intestine and vagin*l mucosa, but since you are likely interested in finding the natural sources and foods with Lactobacillus gasseri, below we indicate where it is found:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Lassi
• Natto
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Kefir
• Yogurt
• Other fermented dairy products

We can obtain L. gasseri by eating fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut, but it is important that if you include yogurt in your diet, you always ensure it is natural and enriched with lactic ferments, that is, with live and active cultures which are nothing but live bacteria. This way, the yogurt you consume can be considered probiotic.

Side Effects

• Stomach bloating
• Diarrhea
• Digestive discomfort
• Abdominal distension
• Intestinal gas

It is rare for side effects to appear with Lactobacillus gasseri, but it is always important to remember that any type of dietary or medicinal supplement can have adverse effects on certain individuals, especially in the cases indicated below.

Contraindications

• Heart valve disease
• Babies
• Elderly
• Severe intestinal disease
• Immunodeficiency or depressed immune system
• Intestinal inflammation

Although many of its advantages are related to intestinal diseases and weakened defenses, individuals who suffer from immunodeficiency or have a weakened immune system should take precautions when using probiotics. The contraindications of Lactobacillus gasseri apply to these individuals, as with other lactobacteria since having a pre-existing condition where bacteria will proliferate could result in more severe side effects.

Does it Really Work?

Of course, it does, but like everything surrounding probiotics, there is a lot of publicity and quite a bit of misinformation.

Lactobacillus gasseri works because it meets the requirements set by the WHO to be considered a probiotic. Remember, it must pass through the digestive tract, resist bile acids to reach in large enough numbers to modify the intestinal flora, and additionally, be part of it. Furthermore, studies show that large amounts of L. gasseri can be found when human feces are analyzed, conditions that allow us to state that gasseri works.

However, as mentioned, there is a lot of publicity about probiotics, and many publications refer to medicinal benefits and miraculous properties that it does not actually possess. If you have overlooked this section or want to review it, you can read about the benefits of L. gasseri in this section.

Now, once we know everything this bacterium called “Gasseri” can do for us and our health, we will explain where you can find it so that you can include it in your diet.

Opinions on Lactobacillus Gasseri

While we have detailed all the characteristics and benefits of L. gasseri, it is important to mention again that not all the properties attributed to probiotics are accurate.
In the world of advertising, there are many economic interests and people who get carried away by the excitement of finding a remedy for any type of disease. Therefore, we always recommend that you read the information from various sources to verify if the opinions on Lactobacillus gasseri are truly accurate.

To check this firsthand, we recommend that you read some of the sources and scientific bibliography, media outlets, newspapers, and studies at the end of the article. There you can read everything we have gathered and developed to form a comprehensive opinion on L. gasseri.

Other Related Lactobacilli

References

• Ley RE, Turnbaugh PJ, Klein S, Gordon JI. «Microbial ecology: human gut microbes associated with obesity». Nature. 2006.
• Henig, Robin Marantz (13 de agosto de 2006). Fat Factors. New York Times Magazine. Consultado el 28 de septiembre de 2008.
• Ley R, Bäckhed F, Turnbaugh P, Lozupone C, Knight R, Gordon J (2005). «Obesity alters gut microbial ecology». Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102 (31): 11070-5. PMID 16033867.
• Ley R, Turnbaugh P, Klein S, Gordon J (2006). «Microbial ecology: human gut microbes associated with obesity». Nature 444.
• Kadooka Y1, Sato M, Imaizumi K, Ogawa A, Ikuyama K, Akai Y, Okano M, Kagoshima M, Tsuchida T., «Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus Gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial», Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010.
• Martínez-Cañavate A1, Sierra S, Lara-Villoslada F, Romero J, Maldonado J, Boza J, Xaus J, Olivares M., «A probiotic dairy product containing L. Gasseri CECT5714 and L. coryniformis CECT5711 induces immunological changes in children suffering from allergy», Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2009.
• Harvard Medical School. Health benefits of taking probiotics. Harvard Health Publications.
• Kadooka Y1, Sato M, Imaizumi K, Ogawa A, Ikuyama K, Akai Y, Okano M, Kagoshima M, Tsuchida T., «Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus Gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial», Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010.
• British Journal of Nutrition, 2009, Vol. 101, pp 716-724.
• University of Michigan. Probiotics. University of Michigan Health System.
• Zohreh Mazloom, PhD, Abbas Yousefinejad, PhD student, and Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesh, MD. «Effect of Probiotcs on Lipid Profile, Glycemic Control, Insulin Action, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Trial». Iran J Med Sci. 2010.
• Miguel Bixquert. «Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with probiotics: growing evidence». Indian J Med Res. 2013.
• Ryuzo Deguchi, Hidemasa Nakaminami, Emiko Rimbara, et al. «Effect of pretreatment with Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 on first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy». J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2012.
• Itoh H, Uchida M, Sashihara T. «Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 is effective especially on the menstrual pain and dysmenorrhea in endometriosis patients: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study». Cytotechnology. 2011.