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

Lactobacillus plantarum

What does the research say about Lactobacillus plantarum?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Lactobacillus plantarum has been studied in research for 2 health outcomes, with the strongest evidence supporting its effect on reducing LDL cholesterol. A moderate-strength evidence base drawn from 4 studies, including a 2025 systematic review of 26 RCTs, shows a small but consistent beneficial effect, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Optimal dosing remains unclear due to inconsistent reporting across studies.

Strongest evidence

The most robust research on Lactobacillus plantarum centers on reduced LDL cholesterol and reduced blood cholesterol, both rated as moderate evidence strength. For LDL cholesterol, all 4 studies reported small beneficial effects, with 3 reaching statistical significance; a 2025 systematic review of 26 RCTs (n=2104) confirmed a small reduction (SMD: -0.251). For blood cholesterol, 3 of 4 studies showed benefit (2 statistically significant), while 1 neutral study found no change. Doses and study durations were not consistently reported across studies, so no specific dose range can be identified.

Mixed or weaker evidence

No outcomes with low or very low evidence strength were identified in the available syntheses. However, one neutral meta-analysis focused specifically on patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes suggests the effect on blood cholesterol may be weaker or absent in certain clinical subgroups.

Effective dose patterns

Neither synthesis reported effective dose ranges. Study durations and dose amounts were inconsistently documented, preventing any cross-cutting dose conclusions.

Population insights

The strongest evidence for LDL cholesterol reduction was observed in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes (one synthesis specifically noted this population). For blood cholesterol, no specific population was consistently reported across studies.

Notable caveats

  • Publication bias is a concern: null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed, potentially inflating the apparent benefit.
  • The evidence base is small (only 4 studies per outcome), making conclusions preliminary.
  • Study durations and doses were not consistently reported, limiting dose-specific and timing conclusions.
  • One neutral analysis suggests the cholesterol-lowering effect may not generalize to all populations.

Frequently asked

  • What is Lactobacillus plantarum good for according to research?
    Research on Lactobacillus plantarum has focused on two outcomes: reducing LDL cholesterol and reducing blood cholesterol. Evidence is moderate for both, with 4 studies per outcome showing small beneficial effects. The strongest support is for LDL cholesterol reduction, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
  • What dose of Lactobacillus plantarum is typically used in studies?
    Doses were not consistently reported across the 4 studies in each synthesis. As a result, no typical dose range or optimal regimen can be identified from the available evidence.
  • Who benefits most from Lactobacillus plantarum?
    The most robust evidence applies to patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, where all 4 studies on LDL cholesterol showed benefit. For general blood cholesterol, one neutral meta-analysis suggests the effect may be weaker or absent in certain clinical populations.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Lactobacillus plantarum?
    Yes. The evidence base is small (only 4 studies per outcome), and publication bias is likely — null results are less likely to be published. Study durations and doses were often unreported, and conclusions should be considered preliminary.
  • Does Lactobacillus plantarum help with reducing LDL cholesterol?
    Moderate evidence suggests a small beneficial effect. All 4 studies reported benefit, with 3 reaching statistical significance. A 2025 systematic review of 26 RCTs (n=2104) confirmed a small reduction. However, the effect is small and the evidence base is limited.
  • What is the evidence strength for Lactobacillus plantarum and blood cholesterol?
    Evidence strength is moderate, based on 4 studies. Three studies reported benefit (2 statistically significant), while 1 neutral study found no significant change. The effect is small, and one meta-analysis suggests it may not apply to all populations.

Most-studied combinations with Lactobacillus plantarum

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Lactobacillus rhamnosus (2), Lactobacillus salivarius (2), Lactobacillus acidophilus (3), Lactobacillus fermentum (3), bifidobacterium longum (2)

  • Ultimate Probiotic, 12/12 Formula, 12 Billion

    By Natural Factors

    4.6 (269 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $26.58
    		In
    Vitacost
    $20.97
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Ultimate Probiotic, 12/12 Formula, 12 Billion CFU

    By Natural Factors

    4.6 (266 reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $39.98
    		In
    Vitacost
    $34.97
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Ultimate Probiotic Women's

    By Natural Factors

    4.6 (368 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $26.58
    		In
    Vitacost
    $20.97
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Ultimate Probiotic, Senior's, 35 Billion CFUs

    By Natural Factors

    4.5 (26 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $26.58
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Ultimate Probiotic, Critical Care, 100 Billion CFU

    By Natural Factors

    4.6 (132 reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $46.68
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Ultimate Probiotic, 24/12 Formula, 24 Billion

    By Natural Factors

    4.7 (16 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $39.98
    		In
    Vitacost
    $34.97
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out
Back to top