What Is Enterococcus faecium?
Enterococcus faecium is a species within the large genus of bacteria known as Enterococcus. These bacteria are gram-positive, spherical, and typically form pairs or chains rather than clumps. Mammals, including humans, naturally harbor Enterococcus colonies in their gastrointestinal tracts and on their skin.
Enterococcus faecium is part of the lactic acid bacteria group. This might be confusing for those familiar with 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 advantage 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, preventing these harmful microorganisms from infecting healthy human cells. Probiotic bacteria like Enterococcus faecium establish a protective barrier in the gut.
Animal research suggests that Enterococcus faecium can boost immune cell function, improve cell proliferation regulation, and increase fat-burning capacity. While these findings are promising for human health, more research is needed.
Enterococcus faecium in Food Technology
Beyond animal agriculture, Enterococcus faecium plays a role in the food biotechnology industry. Its presence in certain foods helps develop flavors and aromas. In cheese production, for example, Enterococcus faecium reduces the risk of listeria growth, making it a valuable co-culture 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 harmful, while others are benign or beneficial. The strains 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 are a convenient alternative. We recommend Global Healing’s Ultimate Probiotic, an advanced blend of 25 probiotics and prebiotics, to help maintain a healthy and balanced digestive tract. It’s ideal for anyone looking to reset their gut, improve intestinal health, or promote a healthy balance of microflora.
