Lactobacillus fermentum

Optimal Result: 10 - 100 Units.

Lactobacillus fermentum, identified in a gut microbiome test, is a significant bacterium with important implications for gastrointestinal and overall health. As a member of the Lactobacillus genus, it is a type of lactic acid bacteria, well-known for its role in fermenting sugars into lactic acid, which contributes to the acidic environment in the gut, inhibiting harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus fermentum is commonly found in the human intestine and is also a frequent constituent in fermented foods and probiotic supplements.

The presence and levels of Lactobacillus fermentum in the gut microbiota are influenced by various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and overall gut health. A diet rich in fibers, fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, and probiotic-rich foods can support the growth and activity of this bacterium. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, excessive use of antibiotics, and lifestyle factors such as high stress and poor sleep can negatively impact its levels.

Lactobacillus fermentum plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health. It aids in digestion, supports the immune system, and helps in the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, it has been linked to several health benefits, including improving lactose digestion, enhancing the gut barrier function, and potentially reducing the duration and severity of certain intestinal infections and disorders.

However, imbalances in Lactobacillus fermentum, either an overgrowth or underrepresentation, can be associated with health issues. A decrease in its levels might lead to a less acidic gut environment, potentially allowing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. On the other hand, an overabundance, though less common, could disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota.

To address imbalances in Lactobacillus fermentum levels, dietary interventions are typically the first approach. Increasing the intake of fermented foods and probiotics can help in replenishing and maintaining healthy levels of this bacterium. Prebiotics, which are nondigestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, can also support its growth.

In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can positively influence gut health. In cases where antibiotic use or certain medical conditions have contributed to the imbalance, seeking medical advice for alternative treatments or specific probiotic strains may be beneficial.

In cases where an imbalance in Lactobacillus fermentum is associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms or conditions, healthcare professionals might recommend further diagnostic testing, targeted probiotic supplements, or other medical interventions.

What does it mean if your Lactobacillus fermentum result is too low?

Low levels of beneficial Lactobacillus spp. can result in an elevated risk of infections, increased intestinal barrier permeability and inflammation, and decreased protective immunological factors. Dysbiosis has been linked to chronic digestive disorders, allergies, autoimmunity, and metabolic diseases.

Decreased levels of Lactobacillus fermentum in the gut suggest an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which can have various causes, implications, and potential treatment options. Lactobacillus fermentum is a beneficial lactic acid bacterium known for its role in maintaining gut health by fermenting sugars into lactic acid, aiding digestion, supporting the immune system, and inhibiting harmful bacteria. A reduction in this bacterium can impact these vital functions.

The causes for decreased levels of Lactobacillus fermentum often relate to dietary and lifestyle factors. A diet low in fiber and fermented foods, which are primary sources of nourishment for this bacterium, can lead to its reduced abundance. Excessive use of antibiotics, which can indiscriminately target both harmful and beneficial gut bacteria, is another significant factor. Additionally, chronic stress, poor sleep quality, and overall lifestyle choices that negatively impact gut health can contribute to lower levels of Lactobacillus fermentum.

The implications of reduced Lactobacillus fermentum are multifaceted. It can lead to a decrease in the production of lactic acid, which is crucial for maintaining an acidic environment in the gut that suppresses pathogenic bacteria. This imbalance may contribute to a less diverse and resilient gut microbiome, potentially increasing susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections, exacerbating inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and impacting overall digestive health.

To address decreased levels of Lactobacillus fermentum, dietary modification is typically the first approach. Incorporating a diet rich in diverse fibers, especially from plant sources, and fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir can stimulate the growth of this bacterium. Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus fermentum can be directly beneficial in replenishing its levels in the gut. Alongside probiotics, prebiotic foods that provide nourishment for these beneficial bacteria are also recommended to restore gut microbial balance.

In addition to dietary interventions, lifestyle modifications can positively impact gut health. Managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity are known to positively influence the gut microbiota. In cases where antibiotic use has led to reduced levels of Lactobacillus fermentum, discussing alternative treatments or probiotic supplementation with a healthcare provider is advisable.

For individuals with specific gastrointestinal symptoms or conditions associated with decreased levels of Lactobacillus fermentum, healthcare professionals may recommend further diagnostic testing or targeted treatments. These might include personalized dietary plans, specific probiotic formulations, or other medical interventions tailored to individual health needs.

Frequently asked questions

Unlock Your Health Journey with Healthmatters.io! Ever wished for a one-stop digital health haven for all your lab tests? Look no further! Healthmatters.io is your personalized health dashboard, bringing together test reports from any lab. Say goodbye to scattered results—organize and centralize your lab data effortlessly. Dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data.

Join the community of thousands who've transformed the way they understand their lab results. Experience the joy of having all your lab data neatly organized, regardless of where or when the tests were done.

For our professional users, Healthmatters.io is a game-changer. Revel in the intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history. It's not just a dashboard; it's your gateway to a smarter, more informed health journey!

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

While we do talk about popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too. It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters. We can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.

Still on the hunt for a specific biomarker? Just tell us, and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account!

There are two ways to add your test reports to your healthmatters.io account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."

Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.

For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you. We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.

Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.

Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.

For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.

Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.

Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.

The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.

For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.

You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.

Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.

Unlocking the insights from your lab tests has never been this intuitive! We've crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into a treasure trove of testing data.

1. Graph View:

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.

2. All Tests View

Get a quick grasp of your test reports in minutes! Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.

3. Table View:

For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.

Experience the power of clear, organized data visualization with Healthmatters.io — your key to understanding and taking charge of your health journey!

Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.

Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.

A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.

The professional or business account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.