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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R

What does the research say about Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R has examined two health outcomes: reduced hospitalization duration and reduced duration of diarrhea. The strongest evidence, rated moderate, comes from 3 studies on hospitalization duration, though these studies used a related strain (DSM 17938) rather than MAK02L14R, limiting direct relevance. No consistent effective dose or form was reported across the research, and effect estimates varied substantially by population (small in children with gastroenteritis, large in preterm neonates).

Strongest evidence Moderate evidence supports a beneficial effect of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938) on reducing hospitalization duration. Across 3 studies, all reported benefit, but effect sizes were mixed: a meta-analysis in children with acute gastroenteritis found a small, non-significant reduction (mean difference −0.54 days), while a systematic review in preterm neonates reported a large reduction (−10.77 days). No dosing, form, or treatment duration data were available from the studies.

Mixed or weaker evidence Low evidence exists for reduced duration of diarrhea in children with acute gastroenteritis. Of 3 studies, 2 showed benefit and 1 found no effect. The most recent meta-analysis (2019) reported a small but significant reduction (mean difference −0.87 days). Conflicting results and a lack of dose information limit confidence.

Effective dose patterns No dose ranges were reported across any of the studies for either outcome, so no cross-cutting dose insights can be drawn.

Population insights Both outcomes were studied exclusively in pediatric populations—children with acute gastroenteritis and preterm neonates. The largest effect on hospitalization duration was seen in preterm neonates (−10.77 days), suggesting this group may derive more pronounced benefit, but the evidence base is narrow and strain-specific.

Notable caveats

  • All studies used Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, not the specific strain MAK02L14R, so relevance to the listed product is uncertain.
  • The only meta-analysis for hospitalization duration had a confidence interval that included zero (not statistically significant).
  • Dosing, form, and treatment duration were not reported in any study, limiting reproducibility and practical guidance.
  • The evidence for diarrhea duration includes a null RCT and potential attenuation of effect over time.

Frequently asked

  • What is Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R good for according to research?
    Based on available research using the closely related strain DSM 17938, Lactobacillus reuteri has been studied for reducing hospitalization duration and shortening diarrhea duration in children with acute gastroenteritis, and for reducing hospitalization in preterm neonates. The evidence is strongest (moderate) for hospitalization duration, but mixed and limited by small sample sizes and conflicting results.
  • What dose of Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R is typically used in studies?
    None of the studies included in the syntheses reported dosing, form, or treatment duration. Therefore, no typical dose can be identified from the current research for either reduced hospitalization or diarrhea duration.
  • Who benefits most from Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R?
    The research focused exclusively on pediatric populations. For hospitalization duration, preterm neonates showed a much larger reduction (−10.77 days) compared to children with acute gastroenteritis (−0.54 days). For diarrhea duration, all studies involved children with acute gastroenteritis. No data exist for adults or other populations.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R?
    Yes. The studies used a different strain (DSM 17938) than the one listed (MAK02L14R), so results may not apply. The evidence for hospitalization duration includes a meta-analysis that was not statistically significant. Dosing and treatment protocols were unreported, and sample sizes were small (e.g., one RCT had only 100 participants). Results for diarrhea are inconsistent, with one null trial.
  • Does Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R help reduce hospitalization duration?
    Moderate evidence from 3 studies using the related strain DSM 17938 suggests a beneficial effect on reducing hospitalization duration, but the effect was small and not statistically significant in a meta-analysis of children with gastroenteritis. A larger reduction was seen in preterm neonates, but the overall evidence is limited by strain mismatch and lack of dose information.
  • Does Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R help reduce diarrhea duration?
    Low evidence from 3 studies shows mixed results: two found a benefit (small to large effect) and one found no effect. The most recent meta-analysis reported a small but significant reduction of about 0.87 days. Conflicting findings and lack of dose data mean the effect is uncertain for the MAK02L14R strain.

Most-studied combinations with Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R

most supplement research is combination research
  • All 3 studies of the combination (Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14R and Lactobacillus reuteri UALre-16) reported beneficial effects on reducing hospitalization duration, with 2 of 3 reaching statistical significance. Effect sizes were mixed (small in children with acute gastroenteritis, large in preterm neonates), and the evidence mirrors the solo syntheses for each strain, which show similar mixed effects across the same populations. The combination does not appear to demonstrate stronger effects than either strain alone, but the studies test the probiotics as single strains (DSM 17938) rather than a true combination, so no synergy or additivity can be inferred.

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