Lactobacillus reuteri is a gut bacterium sold as a probiotic, with effects that depend heavily on the specific strain. The best-supported adult benefits are modest cholesterol lowering, better clearance of a stomach bacterium with fewer treatment side effects, and slowed bone loss after menopause. Safety is strong; serious infection risk is largely confined to severely ill or immune-weakened people. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | ~150–200 mg/dL (3.9–5.2 mmol/L) | Primary target for BSH-active strains |
| LDL cholesterol | <100 mg/dL (often <70 mg/dL if high cardiovascular risk) | Tracks the lipid fraction most tied to cardiovascular risk |
| hs-CRP | <1.0 mg/L | Gauges low-grade systemic inflammation the gut barrier may influence |
| Bone mineral density (DEXA T-score) | T-score above −1.0 | Relevant for the post-menopausal bone-loss benefit |
| H. pylori status (breath/stool antigen) | Negative | Confirms eradication when used as antibiotic adjunct |
Cadence: Cholesterol: recheck lipid panel at ~8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months. Bone density: every 12–24 months. Inflammatory markers (general longevity use): every 6–12 months.