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What Is Lactobacillus Bulgaricus?
Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a helpful natural bacterium, and a member of the family microflora, that can fight harmful bacteria that may invade your digestive system. L. bulgaricus is a specific type of micro-organism that is known as a probiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms, which, may provide numerous health benefits, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Function
L. bulgaricus lives in the intestinal mucosa, the mucous membrane that lines the gastrointestinal tract. L. bulgaricus is hardy enough to be able to withstand the acidic digestive juices secreted by the stomach. The organism grows when it’s needed and diminishes when it’s not. L. bulgaricus is called a symbiotic bacterium; it lives in harmony with the other helpful bacteria that normally live in your gastrointestinal tract. Here the micro-organism helps neutralize toxins and kill harmful bacteria by producing its own natural antibiotics.
- L. bulgaricus lives in the intestinal mucosa, the mucous membrane that lines the gastrointestinal tract.
- L. bulgaricus is called a symbiotic bacterium; it lives in harmony with the other helpful bacteria that normally live in your gastrointestinal tract.
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L. bulgaricus and other probiotics can also be purchased as capsule, tablet or powder supplements from health food outlets.
Needs
In most cases, you will never need a probiotic such as L. bulgaricus because the helpful bacteria that occur naturally in your gastrointestinal tract, or gut, will be able to do the job they are designed to do--protect your digestive system. If, however, your native gut bacteria are overwhelmed for some reason, probiotics, such as L. bulgaricus can help repopulate your intestinal tract with healthy bacteria again.
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A balance of healthy bacteria is necessary to boost your immune system, protect against disease and aid in the digestion of food.
Safety
Most people can take probiotic supplements or add probiotic-containing foods to their diets. However, as with any dietary supplement, it is always wise to check with your doctor first. And never use a probiotic in place of regular medical treatment. Side effects of probiotic supplementation are usually mild and include gas and bloating, but probiotics could possible cause infections 1.
- Most people can take probiotic supplements or add probiotic-containing foods to their diets.
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References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: What you need to know. Updated August 2019.
- Su G, Ko C, Bercik, P, ET al. AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterology. June 9 2020. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059
- Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M. Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2015;21(10):3072-3084. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3072
- Homayouni A, Bastani P, Somayeh Z, et al. Effects of probiotics on the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: A review. Low Genit Tract Dis. 2014 Jan;18(1):79-86. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31829156ec
- Falagas ME, Betsi GI, Athanasiou S. Probiotics for prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2006;58(2):266-72. doi:10.1093/jac/dkl246
- Floch MH, Walker WA, Madsen K, et al. Recommendations for probiotic use-2011 update. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011;45 Suppl:S168-71. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e318230928b
- Doherty G, Bennett G, Patil S, Cheifetz A, Moss AC. Interventions for prevention of post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD006873.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006873.pub2
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics. Updated une 26, 2019.
- Cai, J.; Zhao, C.; Du, Y. et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Systematic review with network meta-analysis. United European Gastroenterol J. 2018 Mar; 6(2): 169-80. DOI: 10.1177/2050640617736987.
Writer Bio
An organic chemist with a Master of Science from Case-Western Reserve University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University, Ann Louise Truschel has been a freelance medical and business writer since 1982. Her client list includes big pharma, insurers, CME firms, medical journals, trade magazines, professional medical organizations, newspapers and The Department of Defense.