Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
Strain-specific probiotic with RCT signal for IBS symptom relief and for enhanced iron absorption from vegetarian meals.
Why
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is a specific probiotic strain studied for IBS symptom management (Niedzielin 2001, Ducrotté 2012) and for enhancing non-haem iron absorption from plant foods (Hoppe 2015). Both indications have direct strain-level RCT support. Sold as Sensilab Sensible or various branded products containing the specific 299v strain.
How it works
Adheres to intestinal mucus via specific mannose-binding proteins, displacing pathogens. Fermentation products modulate gut motility and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS. The iron-absorption effect appears to involve lactic-acid-induced solubilisation of plant-based non-haem iron in the duodenum.
Expected onset · IBS effects over 4 weeks of continuous use; iron-absorption effect acute (with meal)
How to take
Dosage
1–2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day. Continuous use for at least 4 weeks before assessing IBS effect. Iron-absorption use: with the iron-containing meal.
Timing
Once daily; with iron-containing meal for absorption indication
On the label
Specifically 'Lactobacillus plantarum 299v' or 'Lp299v', strain identity matters (other L. plantarum strains are not equivalent). Stated CFU at end of shelf life.
Ideal for
Adults with IBS (any subtype, including diarrhoea-predominant) seeking strain-specific probiotic; vegetarians and vegans with iron-absorption challenges from plant sources.
Safety
Evidence
Ducrotté 2012 World J Gastroenterol RCT (n=214 IBS): Lp299v 10¹⁰ CFU/day for 4 weeks significantly improved abdominal pain (78% response vs 8% on placebo) and IBS-Quality of Life score. Hoppe 2015 demonstrated significantly improved iron absorption from supplemented fruit drink with co-administered Lp299v.
- Ducrotté et al., World J Gastroenterol 2012, clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v in the treatment of IBS, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=214)
- Niedzielin et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001, a controlled, double-blind, randomized study on the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299V in patients with IBS
- Hoppe et al., Eur J Nutr 2015, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption from an iron-supplemented fruit drink: a double-isotope cross-over single-blind study
Where to get it
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