Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus
For the health condition: Leaky Gut Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lactobacillus, a genus of probiotic bacteria, is commonly used in supplements and some clinical interventions aimed at supporting gut health, including conditions described as "Leaky Gut Syndrome" (increased intestinal permeability). The use of Lactobacillus for this condition is supported by a modest but growing body of scientific evidence, though much of it stems from preclinical studies or small human trials rather than large-scale, definitive clinical trials.
Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that certain strains of Lactobacillus can enhance the integrity of the intestinal barrier by modulating tight junction proteins and reducing inflammation. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to upregulate the expression of tight junction proteins such as occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cell culture and animal models. Some small human trials have reported improvements in intestinal permeability markers in specific patient populations (such as those with irritable bowel syndrome or after non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use) following supplementation with Lactobacillus strains.
However, the overall quality of evidence is limited. The concept of "Leaky Gut Syndrome" itself is not universally recognized as a formal medical diagnosis, and most studies address related conditions or endpoints (e.g., intestinal permeability, inflammation) rather than the syndrome per se. As such, while there is scientific rationale and some supporting data, the evidence base is not robust enough to warrant a high confidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Leaky Gut Syndrome
2'-Fucosyllactoseakkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
butyrate triglyceride
chamomile
colostrum
turmeric
dandelion
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
immunoglobin G
inulin
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
licorice root
marshmallow
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
Acemannan
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Other health conditions supported by Lactobacillus
Acid IndigestionAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety Disorders
Bladder Infection
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Oral Surgery
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Thrush
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Wounds and Sores