11+ Health Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum)

The gut microbe L. plantarum is a promising probiotic for diarrhea, high cholesterol, and atopic dermatitis. How does it work, and what other benefits might it have? Learn more here. What is Lactobacillus plantarum? Lactobacillus plantarum is a widespread species of lactic acid bacteria. It is commonly found in many fermented plant products such as sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives, and Korean kimchi. L. plantarum is an antioxidant with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity and antidiabetic properties [ 1 ]. B vitamins L. plantarum isolated from raw cow’s milk is able to produce B-group vitamins riboflavin ( B 2 ) and folate (B 9 ) [ 2 ]. Iron Absorption L. plantarum can increase iron absorption from a fruit drink in healthy women by approximately 50% [ 3 ]. L. plantarum can increase iron absorption from an oat base in women by over 100% [ 4 ]. Calcium Absorption Fermented milk containing L. plantarum showed higher calcium retention uptake [ 5 ]. Potential Benefits L. plantarum probiotic supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and may lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. To prevent rare side effects, speak with your doctor before using probiotics. 1) Diarrhea Lactobacillus probiotics have shown a great deal of promise for improving the diarrhea associated with various disorders, including traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea [ 6 , 7 ]. In a clinical trial of 438 children with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, L. plantarum probiotics reduced the incidence of loose or watery stools and abdominal pain, without producing adverse side effects [ 7 ]. 2) Skin Health In clinical trials, L. plantarum significantly increased the skin water content in the face and hands. Volunteers in the probiotic group had a significant reduction in wrinkle […]

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