The beta bacteria strain Lactobacillus brevis has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for promoting vaginal health. It also helps ferment carbohydrates in food production. Sauerkraut and yogurt both contain Lactobacillus brevis. Several probiotic products include it as a live strain, and most need to be refrigerated because heat seems to affect Lactobacillus brevis' properties.
Probiotics for Vaginal Infections
Lactobacillus brevis disrupts the growth of the yeast bacteria that cause vaginal infection. Most probiotics designed specifically for women's health contain this beta bacteria strain. In combination with other strains, Lactobacillus brevis also helps to maintain acidic vaginal pH levels. Ther-Biotic Women's formula contains Lactobacillus brevis and eight other species of healthy bacteria. It also claims to be hypoallergenic.
Probiotics for Children
Children's probiotics may also contain Lactobacillus brevis when they include Lactobacillus rhamnosus because Lactobacillus brevis balances this strain. These products can affect food allergies and bolster the immune system in children and infants. Sunshine Heroes Probiotic Power is one such probiotic. It draws from 11 live strains, including Lactobacillus brevis, and the tablets are chewable so as to be appropriate for toddlers. It also boasts a "protector shield" of 17 different fruits and vegetables. This product contains a billion colony-forming units and needs to be kept refrigerated. Before giving your child any supplement, check with your pediatrician.
Acid-resistant Probiotics
Probiotics are useless unless they can get to your intestinal system unscathed by stomach acid and bile. Probiotic products formulated to help the bacteria safely make this trip usually include Lactobacillus brevis because it is bile- and acid-resistant. Examples are Garden of Life Primal Defense and Ready and Well ProBiotics. Primal Defense contains 11 other live beneficial bacteria strains, and ProBiotics contains 15 more strains in addition to Lactobacillus brevis. ProBiotics claims 5 billion colony-forming units.
Anti-inflammatory Products
A study by the University of Helsinki in 2008 showed that probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties and implicated Lactobacillus rhamnosus in this role. Many products that use Lactobacillus rhamnosus also contain Lactobacillus brevis because they work well in tandem. One such probiotic product is Bella Mira Perfect Defense Probiotics. Bella Mira claims 5 billion live cultures and 15 other strains in addition to Lactobacillus brevis. Not all of these other strains are acid-resistant, however, so Bella Mira is sold in enteric-coated capsules to protect the cultures. Bella Mira also contains antioxidants.
References
- The Environmental Illness Resource: Probiotics
- Ready and Well: ProBiotics
- The Greatest Herbs on Earth: Nature's Sunshine Products
- "World Journal of Gastroenterology"; Probiotic Intervention Has Strain-specific Anti-inflammatory Effects in Healthy Adults; R. Kekkonen, et al.; April 7, 2008
- Probiotic.org: Lactobacillus Brevis
- The Probiotic Revolution: A Guide to Commonly Used Probiotics
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