Lactobacillus reuteri for Bloating and Intestinal Gas
BMultiple RCTs in breastfed infants show reduced crying time (50-70 min/day reduction). Well-established evidence for infantile colic but limited to infant population.
The Bottom Line
Multiple RCTs in breastfed infants show reduced crying time (50-70 min/day reduction). Well-established evidence for infantile colic but limited to infant population.
Key Study Findings
Population: Adults with NAFLD diagnosed via FibroScan
Population: Adults with functional constipation
Population: Adults with functional bloating
Population: Children with H. pylori infection
Population: Children aged 6-15 with functional abdominal pain
Key Statistics
7
Studies
500
Participants
Positive
Grade
Referenced Papers
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 100 million - 5 billion CFU/day
- infantilecolic:
- 100 million CFU/day (DSM 17938 strain, 5 drops)
- adultgisupport:
- 1-5 billion CFU/day
Upper limit: Well-tolerated up to 10 billion CFU/day in clinical trials
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus reuteri E9 (dose not specified) | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | 65 |
| 4x10^8 CFU (induction), 2x10^8 CFU (standard) | 15 weeks | Positive | 56 |
| None | -- | Positive | 54 |
| None | -- | Positive | 3122 |
| L. reuteri DSM 17938 (1e8 CFU twice daily) | 16 weeks | Positive | 101 |
| None | 4 weeks | Positive | -- |
Best taken: Before meals or on empty stomach; for infants, add drops to breast milk or formula
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Mild gas in initial days of use
- ⚠ Occasional increased fussiness in infants during adjustment (transient)
- ⚠ Rare loose stools
- ⚠ Very rare: bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals
Known Interactions
- ● Antibiotics (may reduce probiotic viability; space dosing 2 hours apart)
- ● Immunosuppressants (theoretical risk in immunocompromised patients)
- ● Proton pump inhibitors (altered gastric pH may affect colonization)
Tolerable upper intake: Well-tolerated up to 10 billion CFU/day in clinical trials
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lactobacillus reuteri help with Bloating and Intestinal Gas?
How much Lactobacillus reuteri should I take for Bloating and Intestinal Gas?
Are there side effects of Lactobacillus reuteri?
How strong is the evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri and Bloating and Intestinal Gas?
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Bloating and Intestinal Gas
Lactobacillus reuteri for other conditions
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.