What Is Enterococcus faecium?
Enterococcus is a large genus of bacteria, and Enterococcus faecium is one of its species. This bacterium is gram-positive, spherical, and typically forms pairs or chains rather than clumps. Mammals, including humans, naturally have Enterococcus colonies in their bodies, especially in the gastrointestinal tract and on the skin.
Enterococcus faecium is part of the lactic acid bacteria group. This might be confusing for those who regularly take probiotics, as Enterococcus faecium is not in the Lactobacillus genus, which is commonly found in probiotic supplements. The lactic acid bacteria group includes many beneficial bacteria that produce lactic acid as a byproduct of fermentation.
Health Benefits of Enterococcus faecium
One significant benefit of including Enterococcus faecium in probiotic formulas is its ability to survive the digestive process and thrive in the gut. Interestingly, Enterococcus faecium is often added to livestock feed as an antibiotic substitute to promote animal wellness. Like other probiotics, it helps maintain a balanced gut environment by competing for resources that harmful organisms would otherwise use to grow, potentially causing illness.
Enterococcus faecium also competes with harmful organisms for adhesion sites on the surface of cells, which are areas where cells and molecules can bind. Harmful microorganisms exploit these sites to infect healthy human cells. Probiotic bacteria protect these sites by establishing a protective barrier in the gut.
Animal research suggests that the probiotic benefits of Enterococcus faecium include enhanced immune cell function, better regulation of cell proliferation, and increased fat-burning capacity. While these studies are promising for human health, more research is needed.
Enterococcus faecium in Food Technology
Beyond animal agriculture, Enterococcus faecium is also valuable in the food biotechnology industry. Its presence in certain foods helps develop flavors and aromas. In cheese production, Enterococcus faecium reduces the risk of listeria growth, making it a good candidate for use in food fermentation processes.
Safety of Different Strains of Enterococcus faecium
If you search for Enterococcus faecium online, you might come across some cautionary messages. It’s important to understand that there are different strains within this bacterial species. Some strains can be virulent, while others are benign or beneficial. The strains of Enterococcus faecium used in probiotic supplements today are non-pathogenic and provide health benefits.
Best Sources for Enterococcus faecium Probiotics
If you’re interested in the benefits of Enterococcus faecium, you might wonder where to find it. Fermented products like raw milk cheese, kefir, and kombucha contain this beneficial probiotic. However, if these foods are not available or to your taste, probiotic supplements that include Enterococcus faecium are an excellent and convenient way to promote gut health.
We recommend Global Healing’s Ultimate Probiotic, an advanced blend of 25 probiotics and prebiotics, to keep your digestive tract healthy and balanced. It’s perfect for anyone looking to reset their gut, improve intestinal health, or maintain a healthy balance of microflora.