BIO KEFIR

Bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri) 

Observation

I was introduced to this product that contains the bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri, in the Whole Foods Market in Jenkintown, PA. The product caught my attention because the packaging noted that it contained probiotics. There were other yogurt products but this one stood out the most.  

Questions

What is Lactobacillus reuteri? Where can it be found in the human body? What kinds of health benefits does L. reuteri provide?

Scientific Research

Stan, Vlaicus., Tubelius, Py., Zachrisson, Anders. Increasing Work-place Healthiness with Lactobacillus reuteri, Environmental Health, Vol. 4, No.25 (Nov. 2005) pp. 1-5.

Lactobacillus reuteri is a gram-positive, rod shaped lactic acid bacteria that is naturally occurring in the human intestine and breast milk. Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic, has health benefits for the gut and immune system.

In a study, it was demonstrated that L. reuteri has the ability to reduce incidences of gastrointestinal sickness and fevers in children that spend time in daycare settings. L. reuteri was also proven to improve health by stimulating the immune system of adults who suffer from respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases in the workplace.  

  

Further Information

Lifeway
Pediatrics
Wikipedia