Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus salivarius
For the health condition: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Lactobacillus salivarius is a probiotic bacterium found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. Its use in supporting or treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is primarily justified by emerging scientific evidence, rather than longstanding tradition. Several small clinical studies and in vitro experiments suggest that certain strains of probiotics, including L. salivarius, may help restore microbial balance, inhibit pathogenic bacteria, and modulate the host immune response within the gut. For example, in vitro research demonstrates that L. salivarius can produce bacteriocins and organic acids that inhibit the growth of some pathogenic bacteria commonly implicated in SIBO.

However, direct clinical evidence in humans specifically using L. salivarius for SIBO is limited. Most supportive data come from broader probiotic trials or animal studies, with few randomized controlled trials focused on SIBO itself. Some small studies suggest that multi-strain probiotics (occasionally including L. salivarius) may reduce SIBO symptoms or hydrogen breath test positivity, but the quality of evidence is low and sample sizes are small. Guidelines from gastroenterological societies remain cautious, noting that while probiotics like L. salivarius are promising, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and optimal dosing in SIBO.

In summary, there is some emerging scientific support for the use of L. salivarius in SIBO, but the current evidence base is limited and warrants a moderate-low rating (2/5) for supporting its use in this condition.

More about lactobacillus salivarius
More about Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth