Lactobacillus reuteri for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Q: Does Lactobacillus reuteri help with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Based on 2 studies with 250 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Lactobacillus reuteri may support Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).

Q: How much Lactobacillus reuteri should I take for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 100 million - 5 billion CFU/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Lactobacillus reuteri?

Reported side effects may include Mild gas in initial days of use, Occasional increased fussiness in infants during adjustment (transient), Rare loose stools, Very rare: bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 2 peer-reviewed studies with 250 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Limited evidence that L. reuteri improves regurgitation in infants. Adult GERD evidence is weak.

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The Bottom Line

Limited evidence that L. reuteri improves regurgitation in infants. Adult GERD evidence is weak.

Key Study Findings

basic science

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA.

Dose: Lactobacillus reuteri E9 (dose not specified) vs: Placebo Effect: None < 0.05

Review

The evidence for probiotics in the treatment of digestive disorders in the pediatric population.

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: Pediatric population

Key Statistics

Studies

250

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

The evidence for probiotics in the treatment of digestive disorders in the pediatric population. Review

Journal of gastroenterology … 2025 10 citations

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA. Other

Frontiers in bioscience … 2025

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	--	Mixed	--

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 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Based on 2 studies with 250 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Lactobacillus reuteri may support Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).

How much Lactobacillus reuteri should I take for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 100 million - 5 billion CFU/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Lactobacillus reuteri?

Reported side effects may include Mild gas in initial days of use, Occasional increased fussiness in infants during adjustment (transient), Rare loose stools, Very rare: bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Lactobacillus reuteri and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 2 peer-reviewed studies with 250 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Lactobacillus gasseri D Ginger D Slippery Elm D

Lactobacillus reuteri for other conditions

Bloating and Intestinal Gas B

Quick Verdict

Limited evidence that L. reuteri improves regurgitation in infants. Adult GERD evidence is weak.

Evidence Strength52%

Moderate confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (0)Meta (0)Other (2)

Compare Alternatives

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Learn More

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.