Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lactobacillus johnsonii is a probiotic bacterium that has been investigated as a potential alternative or adjunct to antibiotics, primarily for its role in maintaining or restoring a healthy microbiota and its ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. There is scientific interest in using L. johnsonii to reduce the impact of antibiotics on gut flora and potentially to decrease the incidence of infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Preclinical studies have shown that certain strains of L. johnsonii can produce antimicrobial substances (such as lactic acid and bacteriocins), competitively exclude pathogens, and modulate immune responses. For example, research in animal models has demonstrated that L. johnsonii supplementation can reduce colonization by pathogens like Salmonella and Clostridium difficile, sometimes reducing the need for conventional antibiotics. Limited human studies suggest possible benefits in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and restoring gut microbiota after antibiotic use. However, the overall level of evidence in humans is still low, with few large, well-controlled clinical trials directly comparing L. johnsonii to antibiotics or as a replacement therapy. Most data are preclinical or from small pilot studies. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some experimental backing, the use of L. johnsonii as an alternative to antibiotics remains investigational and cannot be considered an established therapy at this time.

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