Lactobacillus Plantarum
Benefits of Lactobacillus Plantarum
- Gut microbiome
- Vaginal microbiome
- Digestion
- Form: Healthy bacteria
- Food source: Fermented foods like miso, kimchi and sauerkraut, and some plant-based yoghurts.
What is Lactobacillus Plantarum?
Lactobacillus plantarum is part of our gut microbiome. The gut and vagina are also connected via the 'gut-vagina' axis. The vaginal microbiome is made up of a range of microorganisms, and L. plantarum is one of the 'good' bacteria that live alongside other species there.
What does the research say about Lactobacillus Plantarum?
Compared to other bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum has been researched extensively in relation to digestion. A controlled, double-blind, randomised study of the L. plantarum 299v strain looked at its effects on the digestive tract, including wind. Live bacteria more widely have also been studied for their effects on stool consistency. Gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, which have been studied for their role in peristalsis (the constriction and relaxation of muscles in the intestine).
L. plantarum has also been studied in relation to cholesterol. Some bacteria can take up cholesterol, and a study of three L. plantarum strains (CECT 7527, 7528 and 7529) looked at their effect on blood cholesterol levels in adults.
It's important to remember that the relationship is a mutual one; this bacteria needs to be thriving and healthy itself. Gut bacteria need fibrous prebiotics as their food, so we need to include these in our diet too. One of the most important of these is Inulin, which can be found in a range of fruit and vegetables.
Form: Live bacteria.
You may also enjoy reading 'What is vaginal atrophy?', 'What is Bacterial Vaginosis?', '4 tips to manage cholesterol' and 'The impact of your gut on your heart'. You may be interested in reading 'What is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?', 'IBS explained' and 'Best probiotics for IBS'.
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