Supplement Formulator
Log inStart formulating

Lactobacillus plantarum

Probioticlactic acid bacteriaModerate dose evidence

Also known as: L. plantarum, 299v, Lp299v, DSM 9843, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lp-115

Add to a formula

Lactobacillus plantarum is a versatile lactic acid bacterium found in fermented vegetables and sourdough, now classified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The strain 299v (DSM 9843) has the deepest clinical record, including a four-week randomized trial in irritable bowel syndrome that used 10 billion CFU daily in a single capsule. It is used in digestive comfort, bloating, and iron-absorption formulas and tolerates capsule and powder processing well. Strains differ considerably, so the label should carry the strain code rather than the species alone.

Research summary

Studied for production of antimicrobial compounds, effects on colonic fermentation and gas, and interaction with epithelial tight junctions.

Gut & digestionImmune

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound. CFU shown in billions.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
1 B CFU1–10 B CFU10 B CFU—

Amounts are in billions of CFU (enter 10 for 10 billion). Raw-material weight assumes a 100 billion CFU/g concentrate (10 mg per billion CFU); manufacturers add a 20–50% CFU overage at fill so the label claim holds through shelf life, and the label should state whether CFU are guaranteed at manufacture or at expiry. The 299v IBS trial used 10 billion CFU once daily for four weeks.

Standardization: Strain-designated freeze-dried culture; CFU per gram on CoA

Source material: freeze-dried culture

As supplied: Assumes 100 billion CFU/g concentrate (10 mg per billion CFU); adjust to supplier CoA.

Forms of Lactobacillus

FormTypical doseElement %FormatsPrice
Lactobacillus plantarum1–10 B CFU—Capsule, Powdermid
Lactobacillus acidophilus1–10 B CFU—Capsule, Powdermid
Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938)0.1–1 B CFU—Capsule, Powderhigh
Lactobacillus casei1–10 B CFU—Capsule, Powdermid
Lactobacillus gasseri1–10 B CFU—Capsule, Powdermid

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Heat- and moisture-sensitive vegetative cells; capsule or dry powder only.

Formulation notes

Separate from antibiotic dosing by at least two hours. Keep water activity low in the finished product.

Sources

  1. NIH ODS — Probiotics Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsNIH ODS
  2. Clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM 9843) improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. (Ducrotté 2012)PubMed
  3. Role of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v versus Placebo in symptomatic improvement of irritable bowel syndrome patients. (Babar 2022)PubMed

Related ingredients