Lactobacillus salivarius

Lactobacillus salivarius

Lactobacillus salivarius is one of the most abundant species in the saliva and in the gastrointestinal tract. These probiotic bacteria produce lactic acid and acetic acid from carbohydrates, which can suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms. In addition, they also produce antimicrobial substances that help kill bad bacteria and other foreign bodies.

Lactobacillus salivarius is used as an active ingredient in yogurt, cheese, and fermented milk. The most widespread and employed form of these probiotic bacteria is that of dietary enhancers that come in a variety of strain combinations. Lactobacillus salivarius is also available as pills, powder sticks, capsules, and liquid drops.

Benefits of Lactobacillus salivarius

Optimizing the levels of Lactobacillus salivarius in your gastrointestinal tract can give you the following proven health benefits:

Maintains Healthy Gums and Teeth

The antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus salivarius can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Results from one study show that healthy volunteers who took Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 tablets had a significant reduction in the number of plaque-causing bacteria in their mouth.^[1] In another study assessing the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 tablets in healthy volunteers with halitosis (bad breath), researchers found a significant improvement in oral malodor parameters at 2 weeks and a decrease in the prevalence of bleeding gums at 4 weeks of treatment.^[2]   

Improves Digestive Health

In order for you to have a healthy digestive system, there must be a balance between the number of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Results from one clinical trial have shown that Lactobacillus salivarius supplementation can help improve digestive health by increasing the production of beneficial bacteria in the gut such as Bacteroides, Prevotellae, and Porphyromonas.^[3]

Improves Cholesterol Levels and Inflammatory Markers

One study found that 6-week supplementation of Lactobacillus salivarius in patients with abnormal cholesterol levels significantly reduced total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides, and increased high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).^[4] Moreover, the levels of blood inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α were also significantly reduced.

Boosts Immune Function

There is increasing evidence that Lactobacillus salivarius can help maintain a healthy immune system. In one clinical trial involving 40 healthy adults, Lactobacillus salivarius CECT5713 supplementation was associated with significant increase in the percentage of immune system cells such as natural killer cells, white blood cells, regulatory cytokine IL-10, and immunoglobulins M, A and G.^[5]

Prevents Breast Infection

Oral administration of Lactobacillus salivarius during late pregnancy appears to be a safe and effective method of preventing breast infection during pregnancy. When researchers administered Lactobacillus salivarius supplements or placebo in 108 women during their late pregnancy, the group who received Lactobacillus salivarius significantly reduced their risk for breast infection.^[6]  

References:

1. Mayanagi G, Kimura M, Nakaya S, et al. Probiotic effects of orally administered Lactobacillus salivarius WB21-containing tablets on periodontopathic bacteria: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. J Clin Periodontol. 2009;36(6):506-13.
2. Iwamoto T, Suzuki N, Tanabe K, Takeshita T, Hirofuji T. Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 on halitosis and oral health: an open-label pilot trial. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2010;110(2):201-8.
3. Sáez-Lara MJ, Robles-Sanchez C, Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, Plaza-Diaz J, Gil A. Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Obesity, Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review of Human Clinical Trials. Cifuentes A, ed. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(6):928. doi:10.3390/ijms17060928.
4. Rajkumar H, Kumar M, Das N, Kumar SN, Challa HR, Nagpal R. Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 and Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharide on Serum Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Insulin Sensitivity, and Gut Bacteria in Healthy Young Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Pilot Study. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2015;20(3):289-98.
5. Sierra S, Lara-villoslada F, Sempere L, Olivares M, Boza J, Xaus J. Intestinal and immunological effects of daily oral administration of Lactobacillus salivarius CECT5713 to healthy adults. Anaerobe. 2010;16(3):195-200.
6. Fernández L, Cárdenas N, Arroyo R, et al. Prevention of Infectious Mastitis by Oral Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 During Late Pregnancy. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62(5):568-73.