GI Effects Stool Profile | Genova Diagnostics

Lactobacillus spp.

Optimal Result: 0 - 1600000 Units.

Lactobacillus species is a type of bacteria. There are lots of different species of lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus bacteria are commonly found in the human gut, mouth and vagina. They are considered generally as “good bacteria”, and in fact may contribute to good health, often being included in probiotic supplements. These bacteria are characterized by their ability to produce lactic acid as a byproduct of glucose metabolism.

Lactobacillus is considered Gram-positive, which just means that they have a thick cell wall made of peptidoglycan (=consisting of sugars and amino acids).

Lactobacillus is a group of bacteria with more than 200 species. Lactobacillus bacteria have historically been used to make fermented dairy products.

Lactobacillus is important for gastrointestinal function, as they are involved in vitamin synthesis, natural antibiotic production, immune defense, digestion, detoxification of pro-carcinogens and a host of other activities. Ideally, levels of Lactobacillus should be 2+ or greater.

For women Lactobacillus species can also be considered a biomarkers and agent that can promote various aspects of vaginal health.

Lactobacillus Characteristics:
- Gram-positive, non-sporulating rods or coccobacilli
- Homofermentative (primarily lactic acid)
- Heterofermentative (lactic acid, CO2, ethanol & acetic acid)
- Digest & metabolize proteins & carbohydrates
- Synthesize B vitamins & vitamin K
- Catabolize bile salts
- Enhance innate & acquired immunity
- Inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators
- Antimicrobial activities against array of pathogens:

References:

- Anti-infective activities of lactobacillus strains in the human intestinal microbiota: from probiotics to gastrointestinal anti-infectious biotherapeutic agents. [L]

- Lactobacillus species as biomarkers and agents that can promote various aspects of vaginal health [L]

- Lactobacillus acidophilus: characterization of the species and application in food production. [L]

- Ecological Role of Lactobacilli in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Implications for Fundamental and Biomedical Research [L]

- Low levels of fecal lactobacilli in women with iron-deficiency anaemia in south India [L]

- Lactobacillus species: taxonomic complexity and controversial susceptibilities. [L]

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

Lower levels have been seen in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

– Decreased Lactobacillus, Collinsella

– Increased Clostridium, Ruminococcus, Veilonella

In a study conducted in India faecal lactobacilli were significantly lower in anaemic women.

What does it mean if your Lactobacillus spp. result is too high?

- If you have taken probiotics, please reduce the dosing of Lactobacillus spp. probiotics

- High levels of intestinal Lactobacillus sp. were positively associated with increased concentrations of faecal short chain fatty acids, lactate and essential amino acids. [L]

- Some Lactobacillus spp. genomes are strongly associated with high BMI.

- In another study, a specific Lactobacillus spp (L. reuteri) was found predominantly associated with obese adults compared to lean subjects [L]

- Elderly ( > 65 years) are the fastest growing subpopulation in the world. It has been shown that aging increased the viable count of Lactobacillus with substantial changes in species prevalence [L,L].

10 000+ happy clients
100% satisfaction
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ customer support

Understand blood, stool, and urine medical results from all your laboratories.

Get Started With Our Personal Plan

Advanced Plan

  • ✓ Yearly subscription
  • ✓ Five free uploads
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support
  • ✓ Yearly subscription
  • ✓ Five free uploads
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
$79 per year
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support

Unlimited Plan

  • ✓ No subscription
  • ✓ Ten free uploads
  • ✓ Unlimited access
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support
  • ✓ No subscription
  • ✓ Ten free uploads
  • ✓ Unlimited access
$250 full version

Are You a Health Professional?

Get started with our professional plan

Welcome to Healthmatters Pro.

Save time on interpreting lab results with the largest database of biomarkers online. In-depth research on any test at your fingertips, all stored and tracked in one place. Learn more

Pro Plan

for health professionals

  • ✓ Track multiple clients results
  • ✓ No setup fees
  • ✓ No hidden costs
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free template forms
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Additional team member $25
  • ✓ Personal training and support

$45 per month

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.

×

Understand Your Lab Result Now

  • Instant interpretation
  • 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • Science-based recommendations
  • Online support
  • Secure and private portal

Get 10% off with promocode: