Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Lactobacillus plantarum 299v

What does the research say about Lactobacillus plantarum 299v?

6 health outcomes synthesised

Lactobacillus plantarum 299v has been studied across 6 health outcomes, with the strongest evidence supporting improved iron levels and reduced irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, each based on 4 studies. Research typically uses doses around 1×10^10 CFU per day, with benefits observed in pregnant women and adults with iron deficiency for iron outcomes, and in IBS patients for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Strongest evidence

  • Improved Iron Levels (moderate evidence): 3 of 4 studies reported significant benefits, with a moderate effect size. The effective dose was 10^10 CFU/day, and effects were most pronounced in adults with iron deficiency anemia and pregnant women.
  • Improved Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms (moderate evidence): 3 of 4 studies showed large beneficial effects, though a single meta-analysis found neutral results. The typical dose was 1×10^10 CFU/day, with effects observed over 4–12 weeks.

Mixed or weaker evidence

  • Improved Quality of Life (low evidence): 3 of 4 studies reported moderate-to-large benefits, but the single neutral study had a small sample size. Populations included women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, IBS patients, and cancer patients.
  • Reduced Abdominal Pain (low evidence): 3 of 4 studies found benefit (moderate-to-large effects), but one large neutral study (n=190) tempers the overall estimate. Doses were inconsistently reported.
  • Improved Bowel Movement Frequency (low evidence): Only 1 of 3 studies (an observational study) showed a small benefit; two RCTs found no effect.
  • Reduced Flatulence (low evidence): 2 of 3 studies reported benefit, but effect sizes varied widely and a large RCT (n=190) found no significant difference.

Effective dose patterns

Across outcomes, the most commonly used dose is 1×10^10 CFU/day. For iron levels, the same dose was used in studies that specified it. Doses for flatulence ranged from 1×10^10 to 2×10^10 CFU/day.

Population insights

  • IBS patients dominate the research on gastrointestinal outcomes (abdominal pain, flatulence, bowel movement frequency, and IBS symptoms).
  • Iron-deficient populations (pregnant women, adults with iron deficiency anemia) showed more pronounced benefits for iron levels compared to healthy pregnant women.
  • Other clinical populations studied include women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition.

Notable caveats

  • The evidence base is small (3–4 studies per outcome), making conclusions preliminary.
  • Publication bias is a concern: null results are less likely to be published.
  • Several studies did not report dose or duration, limiting comparability.
  • Conflicts exist between study designs: observational studies sometimes show benefit while larger RCTs do not (e.g., bowel movement frequency, flatulence).
  • The only meta-analysis for IBS symptoms found neutral results, contradicting the smaller trials.

Frequently asked

  • What is Lactobacillus plantarum 299v good for according to research?
    The strongest research supports its use for improving iron levels and reducing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. For iron, 3 of 4 studies showed a moderate effect, particularly in iron-deficient individuals. For IBS symptoms, 3 of 4 studies reported large benefits, though one meta-analysis found neutral results.
  • What dose of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is typically used in studies?
    The most common dose across multiple outcomes is 1×10^10 CFU per day. This dose was used in studies on iron levels, IBS symptoms, quality of life, abdominal pain, and flatulence. A few flatulence studies used up to 2×10^10 CFU/day.
  • Who benefits most from Lactobacillus plantarum 299v?
    For iron levels, benefits are more pronounced in clinical populations with iron deficiency anemia and in pregnant women. For gastrointestinal outcomes, the evidence primarily comes from IBS patients. Other populations studied include women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Lactobacillus plantarum 299v?
    Yes. The evidence base is small (3–4 studies per outcome), so conclusions are preliminary. Publication bias is likely, as null results are underreported. Some studies did not specify dose or duration, and conflicts exist between observational studies and larger randomized controlled trials.
  • Does Lactobacillus plantarum 299v help with abdominal pain in IBS?
    Three of four studies reported beneficial effects on reducing abdominal pain in IBS patients, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. However, one neutral study (n=190) found no significant difference, and most studies did not specify the dose used.
  • Does Lactobacillus plantarum 299v improve bowel movement frequency?
    Evidence is mixed. Only 1 of 3 studies (an observational study in 221 IBS patients) showed a small benefit, while two randomized controlled trials (n=190 and n=20) found no significant effect. The overall evidence strength is low.

Safety profile

4 studies reporting safety data

Across 4 clinical studies, no specific adverse events were reported as increased with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v compared to control. In fact, significant reductions in vomiting and flatulence were observed in one study, and no significant differences in postoperative complications or bacterial translocation were found in another. General tolerability was good, with 94% of patients rating long-term treatment as well tolerated in one study, and no adverse effects noted in two study arms. Treatment discontinuation and gastrointestinal intolerance were significantly lower with the probiotic in a study involving enteral nutrition.

Caveats: Limited evidence base (only 4 studies) and most were likely designed for efficacy, not safety, so rare adverse events may not have been detected. Study populations varied (e.g., patients receiving enteral nutrition, postoperative patients), and long-term safety beyond the reported durations (generally weeks to months) has not been established. Findings are specific to the Lp299v strain and formulation used in these trials; other products may differ.

  • Vegan Ideal Bowel Support

    By Jarrow Formulas

    4.6 (2.6K reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $21.37
    		In
    Vitacost
    $19.69
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Pro-IBS Support

    By Hyperbiotics

    4 (13 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $32.99
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • UltraFlora

    By Metagenics

    4 (1 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $62.43
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out
Back to top