The Health  Benefits of Lactobacillus Brevis

Lactobacillus Brevis is a lactic acid bacteria naturally occurring in the human intestines. L. Brevis is found in fermented foods, cow manure and feces. In some cases, it’s added to foods and beverages for positive health effects, preservation, or to facilitate fermentation [1]. The scientific and Latin name of this common probiotic strain is Lactobacillus Brevis.

In the early 1900s, microbial taxonomists assigned over 250 species to the Lactobacillus genus. Later research found the group to be diverse, possibly too diverse, because some strains ended up not being as closely related as once thought. As DNA analysis advanced, experts created more relevant groups based on similar physiological traits. Based on these findings, Lactobacillus Brevis is now named Levilactobacillus Brevis but still uses the same scientific abbreviation: L. Brevis [2]. 

The Clear Story of Levilactobacillus Brevis

 In 1921, American bacteriologists E.B. Fred, W.H. Peterson, and J.A. Anderson identified the beneficial bacteria known as Lactobacillus Brevis. This probiotic strain naturally occurs in the human body and breastmilk [3]. The microbe is a type of lactic acid found in dairy products, decomposing plants and fermented products. The fermentation process of some beers and wines requires Lactobacillus and L. Brevis is one type commonly used. It's usually written 'L. brevis' when found on a label listed as an ingredient. [4] 

Lactobacillus Brevis is used in craft brewing to capture sour beer’s tart, acidic flavor. This taste profile is intentional as sour beers have been around since the 13th century and recently have grown in popularity. Using lactic acid bacterium in the fermenting process allows you to have sour beer within hours rather than the months you have to wait when using yeast. Fun Fact: The different Lactobacillus strains create different flavors and levels of tartness. The same bacterium used to make beer sour is used in winemaking (especially reds) to reduce acidity. It is also used in wine to improve the body or mouthfeel’s aromatics [5]. 

Benefits of Lactobacillus Brevis

An investigative study in 2013 took a look at consuming L. Brevis and its effect on contracting influenza ('the flu'). Elementary school-age children were given a daily probiotic drink. There was a marked reduction in how many children got the flu during that study. Lactobacillus Brevis KB290 was used for this study, a strain taken from a Japanese pickle called 'Suguki.’ [6]. 

Further testing of KB290 showed that it could pass through the acidic environment of the digestive tract unharmed. Testing confirmed that this lactic acid bacteria could improve gut health and was beneficial in the early treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It stimulates interferon production, a protein produced by the immune system that prevents viruses, harmful bacteria, or cancer cells from replicating [6].

A preliminary study of 191 school-age children ages 6-8 took lozenges every day containing Lactobacillus Brevis. The students showed an impressive reduction in bleeding and salivary mutans streptococci (salivary ms) concentrations. There was a notable reduction in their plaque pH as well. In 2011, a clinical trial intended to validate this claim started with 3,258 school-age children ages 6-8 who had a high of developing dental caries (cavities). The study parameters restricted the children from using anything but the lozenges and a provided soft toothbrush. Again, there was a reduction in the bleeding, plaque pH, salivary ms concentrations and a possible connection to reducing the prevalence of cavities [7]. 

Other oral health effects studies have verified that the anti-inflammatory properties of L. Brevis eliminated the symptoms of periodontitis in twenty-one patients. Besides reducing the periodontal inflammation, the L. Brevis reduced bone loss and the number of anaerobic bacteria [8]. 

Gut health improves when functional probiotics like Lactobacillus Brevis are added to your diet. Thirty-two women suffering from constipation had improved GI tract function and more significant Bifidobacteria numbers while taking Lactobacillus Brevis. L. Brevis helped improve the lives of IBS patients by reducing their diarrhea and IBS-related pain. The inflammation-reducing characteristics of this probiotic bacteria supports improved gut health in IBD patients, including Ulcerative Colitis [8]. 

Based on existing evidence, a 2004 test confirmed that Lactobacillus Brevis prevents Helicobacter pylori infections and possibly prohibits tumor/cancer cell growth. H. pylori-positive patients received L. Brevis. The researchers found that while it did not eliminate the infection, it did reduce the bacterial count and prevented harmful cells from replicating [9]. 

Lactobacillus Brevis is part of a group of functional probiotics called psychobiotics. Studies show that L. Brevis positively affects the gut-brain axis (GBA). The GBA is the biochemical signal used by the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems to communicate. Researchers found that when the GI tract function improves, so do the immune, neural and metabolic pathways. As the body's systems function correctly, probiotics like L. Brevis act like an anti-inflammatory, reducing excess cortisol to help depression and anxiety sufferers [10]. 

Other neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are showing improvement with probiotic use. While further studies are needed, experts see ASD patients with symptom improvement, PD patients with better motor skills and AD patients with better cognition. Psychobiotics like Lactobacillus Brevis may help regulate the functions that control moods, cognitive function, learning and memory. They also help balance the brain’s excitatory-inhibitory responses, which are dysfunctional in ASD patients [10]. 

According to an interview conducted by Dr. Tara Swart of Forbes, nutritionist Hayley Pedrick discussed the crucial gut-brain connection. She explained that when there's an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract, it increases inflammation in the body. The inflammation results in poor health and harms our mental well-being. This inflammation is linked to Parkinson’s, dementia, anxiety and mood disorders like depression. Leaving your gut health unchecked may increase the risk of developing mental health problems. Hayley Pedrick recommends specific strains, including Lactobacillus Brevis, which protects and promotes brain cell growth [11].  

How is L. Brevis Used?

Lactobacillus Brevis is growing in popularity as studies show it may help support brain function, the gut-brain axis, cognitive performance and possibly improve mental well-being. Other significant benefits are its neuro-regeneration and neuroprotective properties. This psychobiotic has opened a new area of study due to the positive results reported when taken by autistic patients and patients with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders.

Levilactobacillus Brevis is available in the following forms:

• Kefir grains
• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Beer & wine
• Dairy products
• Fermented vegetables 
• Fermented beverages 
• Fermented meats 
• Commercial probiotic drinks
• Capsules
• Cognitive function & brain probiotic supplements

Choosing to take a daily brain dietary supplement may help improve your cognitive function,  promote brain cell growth and fight off infection. Lactobacillus Brevis supplements support a healthy brain, better moods and improved gut-brain connection, making it an excellent choice for people with poor digestion and symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Why Clear Probiotics Utilizes Lactobacillus Brevis

Clear Probiotics chooses to include L. Brevis in the Clear Brain & Mood dietary supplement because of its psychobiotic properties and the research that confirms how it enhances cognitive function, memory and clarity. Other health benefits associated with Lactobacillus Brevis include reducing inflammation and improving digestive processes. With a quality brain dietary supplement as part of your daily routine, you’ll feel focused and balanced while supporting the gut-brain connection and healthy immune function.

The Science of Lactobacillus Brevis/ The Research Behind Lactobacillus Brevis 

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-producing lactobacilli positively affect metabolism and depressive-like behaviour in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome.

This study used L. Brevis in mice to improve metabolic and behavioral outcomes by supporting a healthy gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus - Uses, Side Effects, and More

WebMD provides an easy-to-read overview of Lactobacillus, including its benefits and uses. This lactic acid bacterium may resolve diarrhea and better your gut health.

Dietary heat‐killed Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 (SBL88™) improves hippocampus‐dependent memory performance and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

This medical article studies the effects of heat‐killed L. Brevis on hippocampus‐dependent memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. The mice in the study showed increased serotonin levels and better sleep patterns.

Resources:

1. Kaur J, Sharma A, Lee S, Park YS. Molecular typing of Lactobacillus brevis isolates from Korean food using repetitive element-polymerase chain reaction. Food Sci Technol Int. 2018 Jun;24(4):341-350. doi: 10.1177/1082013217753993. Epub 2018 Jan 19. PMID: 29350065. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29350065/ 
2. Mary Ellen Sanders, Ph.D. and Sarah Lebeer, Ph.D. New names for important probiotic Lactobacillus species. ISAPP Science Blog. [Internet] April 2020. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://isappscience.org/new-names-for-important-probiotic-lactobacillus-species/ 
3. Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP. Lactobacillus brevis: A Healthy Probiotic Strain. Global Healing. [Internet] November 2015. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://explore.globalhealing.com/lactobacillus-brevis-the-health-benefits-of-probiotics/ 
4. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT and Neel Duggal. How to Use the Probiotic Lactobacillus Brevis. Healthline. [Internet] April 2017. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://www.healthline.com/health/lactobacillus-brevis
5. Virdis Carla, Sumby Krista, Bartowsky Eveline, Jiranek Vladimir. Lactic Acid Bacteria in Wine: Technological Advances and Evaluation of Their Functional Role. Frontiers in Microbiology. [Internet] Vol 11, 2021. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2020.612118
6. Waki, N., Matsumoto, M., Fukui, Y., & Suganuma, H.  Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus brevis KB290 on incidence of influenza infection among schoolchildren: an open-label pilot study. Letters in applied microbiology, 59(6), 565–571. 2014. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12340 
7. Campus, G., Cocco, F., Carta, G., Cagetti, M. G., Simark-Mattson, C., Strohmenger, L., & Lingström, P.  Effect of a daily dose of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 lozenges in high caries risk schoolchildren. Clinical oral investigations, 18(2), 555–561. 2014. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-013-0980-9 
8. Biljana Novkovic, Ph.D. Could L. brevis Improve Your Health? Immunity, Gut, & More. SelfDecode. [Internet] September 2021. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/l-brevis/
9. Linsalata M, Russo F, Berloco P, Caruso ML, Matteo GD, Cifone MG, Simone CD, Ierardi E, Di Leo A. The influence of Lactobacillus brevis on ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine profiles in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric mucosa. Helicobacter. 2004 Apr;9(2):165-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1083-4389.2004.00214.x. PMID: 15068419. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15068419/ 
10.  Li-Hao Cheng, Yen-Wenn Liu, Chien-Chen Wu, Sabrina Wang, Ying-Chieh Tsai. Psychobiotics in mental health, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. Volume 27, Issue 3. 2019. Pages 632-648. ISSN 1021-9498. [Internet] Accessed January 18, 2022: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2019.01.002. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1021949819300158
11. Tara Swart, M.D., Ph.D. What You Need To Know About Your Brain And Probiotics. Forbes. [Internet] September 2019. Accessed January 18, 2022: https://www.forbes.com/sites/taraswart/2019/09/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-brain-and-probiotics/?sh=43015ac646cd

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Clear products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website does not offer medical advice. You should seek advice from a medical professional or from your physician.