Lactococcus Lactis (L. Lactis) is a gram positive bacterium that has been used for centuries in the production of buttermilk, cheese, pickled vegetables and other fermented products. The capability to produce lactic acid makes it one of the most heavily-used microorganisms in the dairy industry. Besides, this microbe has also shot to fame for being the ‘first genetically modified organism to be used alive for the treatment of human diseases’. (1)
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Multifarious health gains
- Lactis is nowadays used as a common probiotic offering a host of health benefits. However, since we are just beginning to understand these health advantages, intensive medical research is still on in the subject. Some of the important benefits that this bacterium is supposed to promote, include: (2)
- Anti-oxidant properties: Probiotics are known for their anti-oxidant properties that help reduce damages caused by oxidation. They have the ability to improve the antioxidant system and decrease the generation of free radicals in the body.
- Enhance skin health: Ingestion of milk fermented with Lactis, increased the production of sebum, that helped in reinforcing the skin barrier in healthy women. It also helps promote hydration and improve elasticity of the skin.
- Bolster immunity: Yogurt fermented with Lactis is said to ‘activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells that are key to building immunity and reduce susceptibility to infection’.
- Prevent allergies: Research and experiments undertaken on mice have proven that this microbe reduced the severity of allergic reactions.
- Anti-ageing properties: Lactis suppressed the reduction of bone density and body weight in mice, thereby suggesting that it could defy the process of ageing.
- Treatment of cancer: It has also been proven that this bacterium inhibits the multiplying of cancer cells, especially in the lungs, colon/rectum and breasts.
Side effects
- Lactis is usually considered to be non-harmful in human beings; however, a few side effects have been noted, namely: (2, 3)
- Some strains of Lactis produce the ‘biogenic amines putrescine and tyramine’.
- It might lead to an increase in stomach gas and bloating.
- This probiotic should be avoided in patients suffering from organ failure, immune-compromised status and dysfunctional gut barrier mechanisms, where it might cause infections. It is best to consult a doctor before any form of consumption.
- A very serious allergic reaction to this product is very rare.
Precautions (3)
- Antibiotics may sometimes reduce the efficacy of such probiotics. So it is best to consume this probiotic at least 2-3 hours before or after the consumption of antibiotics.
- If this product is being used to treat diarrhea caused by antibiotics, stop the usage if the accompanying fever does not reduce within two days and consult a medical practitioner.
- Let your physician know if you suffer from any allergies before starting on a course of Lactis.
- During pregnancy or in the lactating stage, products containing this microbe should only be used under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
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- Lactis supplements are a part of our wide array of products. Check our product page for a complete product list and send us an enquirythrough the form available on our website or connect with our sales team.
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Disclaimer:
Anzen Export’s blog posts have been written with the information gathered from approved medical journals and websites online. Our research and technical team strives to provide relevant information through such articles. To be best informed, we advise consulting a doctor about an ingredient or medicine prior to taking it.
References:
- Wikipedia [online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactococcus_lactis
- Selfhacked [online] https://selfhacked.com/blog/l-lactis/
- WebMD [online] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-155123/l-acidophilus-b-lactis-b-longum-oral/details