A landmark probiotic strain that produces antimicrobial reuterin, supports infant colic relief, and aids heart health.
What it is
Lactobacillus reuteri (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) is a well-characterized symbiotic bacterium natively colonising the human gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Produced via controlled anaerobic fermentation and freeze-drying, L. reuteri converts glycerol into reuterin, a potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound. In Velobiotics formulations, L. reuteri is protected by patented MEP microencapsulation, preventing acid inactivation during gastric transit to deliver viable cells to the intestine.
Also known as: L. reuteri, Limosilactobacillus reuteri
What it does
- Produces reuterin to suppress unwanted gut and oral pathogens.
- Reduces crying time and gas in infant colic.
- Supports healthy blood cholesterol levels via bile salt hydrolase activity.
- Promotes oral and bone density health.
Amplified by probiotics
Lactobacillus reuteri exhibits strong functional synergy in probiotic matrices through its unique production of reuterin and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzymes. Reuterin selectively inhibits harmful gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria while sparing beneficial Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. L. reuteri's BSH activity hydrolyzes conjugated bile acids in the lumen, decreasing cholesterol reabsorption and signaling through farnesoid X receptors (FXR) to support lipid metabolism. The lactic acid generated by L. reuteri lowers local pH, creating favorable growth conditions for partner strains like Bifidobacterium infantis. Shielded by Velobiotics MEP microencapsulation against stomach acid, L. reuteri colonises mucosal surfaces, dampening gut inflammation and reinforcing tight junction proteins.
Typical dose
1–10 billion CFU/day
The evidence
Evidence: strongDozens of randomized controlled trials establish Lactobacillus reuteri as effective in reducing infant colic crying, managing acute gastroenteritis, and lowering total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults. Human studies also validate its oral health and bone density support benefits. (Rodríguez-Brown F 2026, Nutrients) (Bianchi M 2026, Nutrition) (Takeda TTS 2026, J Prosthet Dent)
- Rodríguez-Brown F, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2026;18: PubMed ↗
- Bianchi M, et al. Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in preterm newborns and infants with colic: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2026;151:113327 PubMed ↗
- Takeda TTS, et al. Effect of probiotics on oral biofilm formation on titanium and SLA implant surfaces: An in vitro and in situ study. J Prosthet Dent. 2026;136:532-542 PubMed ↗
Safety & who should check first
Lactobacillus reuteri is extensively tested and clinically safe across all age groups, including newborns and pregnant women. It is well tolerated with no serious adverse reactions noted.