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FAQ about D-lactate free probiotics

The perfect balance of L-lactate and D-lactate

Some people think that probiotics that contain any D-lactate producing strains can cause acidosis. This is not the only explanation. Together, the eight strains in Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic, along with a proper diet, may be an effective way to correct gut dysbiosis and reverse acidosis. Also, calming activities like yoga or meditation can be great for a well rounded holistic approach to digestive health.

 
Q. When does D-lactic acidosis occur?
A. D-lactic acidosis occurs when the body is unable to properly metabolize excess D(-)-lactate.

 

Q. What are the symptoms of D-lactic acidosis?
A. Impaired mental status is a universal feature in D-lactic acidosis.

Some of the common neurological symptoms include:

  • Impaired motor coordination

  • Weakness

  • Slurred speech

  • Aggressive or hostile behavior, agitation

  • Stupor, ataxia and gait disturbance

  • Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)

  • Inability to concentrate

  • Carbohydrate craving

  • Unhappiness and irritability

  • Headache, bruxism and opisthotonus

  • Hyperventilation and tachypnoea

  • Nausea or pallor

Q. What else can contribute to D-lactic acidosis?

  1. Carbohydrate malabsorption

  2. Ingestion of large amounts of carbohydrates

  3. Reduced gut motility

  4. Impaired D(-)-lactate metabolism

Q. Can diet help with D-lactic acidosis?

A. The biggest factor in successfully treating D-lactic acidosis is following the proper diet, such as the GAPS Diet  (which was derived from the Specific Carbohydrate Diet - SCD). Simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and lactose have been shown to promote excessive D(-)-lactate generation by intestinal bacteria and in some cases to precipitate acidotic symptoms.


Q. I noticed that Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic contains L. plantarum that is not D-lactate free. Why?

A. Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic contains L. plantarum for a very good reason. It has actually been proven to reverse acidosis. L. plantarum initially produces L(+)-lactate, and then switches to producing D(-)-lactate, allowing for equilibrium to be reached. The production of D(-)-lactate in L. plantarum is linked to the biosynthesis of the cell wall. 


Q. What about L. salavarius? Is this strain D-lactate free?

A. L. salavarius primarily produces L-lactate and this is why it commonly referred to as “d-lactate free”. But, in reality, it does produce a small amount of D-lactate. No studies have shown that this strain has ever caused acidosis. The case is similar with L. gasseri, which predominantly makes L(+)-lactate during the growth phase and switches to D(-)-lactate when the growth cycle plateaus.


Q. Can probiotics that contain D-lactate producing strains cause acidosis.

A. Not necessarily. Just because a strain produces D-lactate does not mean that it will contribute to acidosis. Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic is formulated with L. plantarum which produces both D-lactate and L-lactate. L. plantarum has actually been proven to reverse acidosis.


Q. What common strain causes D-lactate issues?

A. Several studies have shown that L. acidophilus has caused acidosis in individuals with compromised digestive systems. That is why Smidge® Sensitive Probiotic was specifically designed without this popular strain of probiotic.