2 Lactobacillus Bulgaricus Health Benefits: Allergies And Pathogens

Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, also known as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus or L. bulgaricus, was initially discovered and named by the Bulgarian scientist Stamen Grigorov in 1905, in honor of his home country, Bulgaria.

This probiotic bacteria is characterized by its rod-shaped structure and non-spore forming nature. When subjected to a gram stain test, Lactobacillus Bulgaricus exhibits a purple coloration, indicating its gram-positive nature. This classification is attributed to the presence of a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell walls.

Lactobacillus Bulgaricus is commonly found in certain dairy products, notably yogurts and cheese and plays a vital role in the fermentation process, contributing to the distinct flavors and textures of these foods. One of its notable abilities is the capacity to ferment fructose, glucose, and lactose, resulting in the production of lactic acid. This fermentation process not only contributes to the tangy taste but also helps preserve the food and provides potential health benefits.

Below are 2 evaluated human health benefits of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, pertaining to allergies and pathogen control.

1. Improves Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, from a medical standpoint, is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal passages caused by an exaggerated immune response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and excessive mucus production.

A 2010 review titled "Probiotics in Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis" looked at the benefits of different probiotic strains for allergic rhinitis. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, 107cfu/ml was one of the strains listed as shown improvements for allergic rhinitis symptoms. 107 cfu/ml indicates that there was approximately 107 colony-forming units per milliliter of the sample being analyzed.

2. Protects Against Pathogens

Antimicrobial efficacy refers to the ability of a substance or treatment to effectively inhibit or eliminate the growth and activity of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, thereby preventing or controlling infections and diseases.

A 2020 study authored by a researcher called Smith Etareri Evivie, investigated the effects of Lactobacillus Bulgaricus KLDS 1.0207 on foodborne pathogens. It found L. Bulgaricus exhibited strong activity against pathogens even when exposed to enzymes and changes in pH. L. bulgaricus KLDS 1.0207 demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects in in vitro cell models and exhibited positive effects on weight and blood biochemical parameters in vivo. 

where can lactobacillus bulgaricus be found?

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a species of probiotic bacteria that is commonly found in the human intestinal tract. Specifically, it is a lactic acid-producing bacterium that naturally inhabits the digestive system. The human intestinal tract provides an ideal environment for Lactobacillus bulgaricus to thrive due to its warm temperature, presence of nutrients, and the availability of suitable substrates for fermentation.

Where Foods Contain Lactobacillus Bulgaricus?

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is most commonly found in yogurt, which is a fermented dairy product. This is because it is a key bacteria used in the production of yogurt and plays a vital role in the fermentation process. Other foods that contain L. bulgaricus include Miso, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Cheese, Kefir and Wine.

Is Lactobacillus bulgaricus vegan?

Lactobacillus bulgaricus, as a standalone probiotic bacteria, can be considered vegan since bacteria themselves do not contain animal products.

If L. bulgaricus is mixed with animal-derived ingredients, the final product would no longer be considered vegan. Therefore, while the bacteria itself can be considered vegan, it's essential to check the specific product and its ingredients to determine if it aligns with a vegan diet.

Can Lactobacillus Bulgaricus Help With Lactose Intolerance Symptoms?

Lactobacillus Bulgaricus together with Streptococcus thermophilus can help alleviate Lactose Intolerance symptoms according to a clinical trial titled "The Effect of Probiotics on Lactose Intolerance (PLI)". This is because L. Bulgaricus can produce the lactase enzyme which aids in the digestion of lactose according to a 2016 review authored by Michael N. Pakdaman.

Lactose intolerance symptoms refer to the various gastrointestinal discomforts experienced by individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose, characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas after consuming lactose-containing foods or beverages.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus vs Lactobacillus acidophilus?

Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus are two distinct species of bacteria within the Lactobacillus genus. Both are both naturally present in the human intestinal tract and widely used in various probiotic supplements but they are not the same bacteria.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus particularly in supporting digestive health and enhancing the immune system according to a 2022 authored by Huijuan Gao. Both Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus offer unique characteristics and potential positive effects on human health, albeit in different contexts.