# Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lactobacillus-salivarius-cect-5713
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713, L. salivarius CECT 5713, Lactobacillus salivarius CECT5713, LS CECT 5713, CECT 5713 strain

## Overview

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 is a human-origin probiotic strain that produces lactic acid and bacteriocins to competitively exclude pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity and reproductive tract. Its primary mechanisms involve modulating mucosal [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines, and restoring [microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) balance in sites including the mouth, gut, and seminal fluid.

## Health Benefits

• Improved fertility outcomes: 48.1% pregnancy rate vs. 20% placebo in couples with unexplained infertility (placebo-controlled trial, preliminary evidence)
• Reduced oral bacteria: Heat-inactivated strain significantly reduced S. mutans levels from day 3 to 2 weeks (p<0.05, open-label pilot)
• Enhanced reproductive health: 56% achieved successful pregnancy in women with reproductive failure (open-label study, preliminary evidence)
• Infectious mastitis treatment: Effective oral alternative for lactating women (referenced study, limited detail)
• [Immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) support: Improved gut microbiota and immune parameters in healthy adults (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 produces lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and strain-specific bacteriocins that lower local pH and directly inhibit pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and anaerobic periodontal bacteria. The strain adheres to mucosal epithelium via surface-layer proteins, competitively excluding pathogenic colonization and stimulating secretory IgA production. It also modulates Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) signaling to downregulate [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including IL-6 and TNF-α, which may underlie its effects on reproductive and systemic inflammation.

## Clinical Summary

A placebo-controlled pilot trial in couples with unexplained infertility reported a 48.1% pregnancy rate in the probiotic group versus 20% in placebo, though the small sample size limits generalizability. An open-label pilot study demonstrated that heat-inactivated Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva from day 3 through 2 weeks (p<0.05), suggesting both live and postbiotic forms may have oral health utility. Evidence remains preliminary across all indications, with most trials being small, short-duration, or lacking double-blind design, meaning results should be interpreted cautiously. Larger, well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy in fertility, oral [microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) modulation, and any systemic immune applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 is a live bacterial strain with no meaningful macronutrient or micronutrient contribution at standard [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) doses (typically 1×10⁸ to 1×10⁹ CFU per serving). Its bioactive value lies in its metabolic byproducts: produces lactic acid (lowering local pH to inhibit pathogens), bacteriocins (antimicrobial peptides targeting gram-positive competitors including S. mutans and certain vaginal pathogens), and short-chain fatty acids including acetate. The strain synthesizes small quantities of B vitamins (B12, folate, B6) as metabolic byproducts in situ, though concentrations are insufficient to serve as a dietary source. It expresses surface-layer proteins (S-layer proteins) and lipoteichoic acids that mediate direct immune signaling via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and TLR-4 pathways. Heat-inactivated (postbiotic) forms retain [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) cell wall components but lose colonization and acid-producing capacity. Bioavailability is strain-dependent and site-specific — CECT 5713 demonstrates notable colonization affinity for both oral mucosa and vaginal epithelium, which underpins its dual-site efficacy in reproductive and oral health contexts.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied at approximately 10^9 CFU/day (9 log10 CFU/day) for up to 6 months in reproductive health studies using viable strains. Heat-inactivated form used as salivary rinse for oral health benefits over 2 weeks. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 is generally considered safe for healthy adults, with adverse effects in trials limited to mild, transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or loose stools. Individuals who are immunocompromised, have central venous catheters, or are recovering from major surgery should consult a physician before use, as rare cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia have been reported with [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) strains as a class. Concurrent use with broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce the strain's viability and efficacy; spacing administration by at least 2 hours from antibiotic dosing is commonly recommended. Safety data in pregnancy and lactation specific to this strain are limited, and use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider despite the general tolerability of Lactobacillus species in this population.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence consists primarily of open-label and pilot studies, with one placebo-controlled trial in couples with infertility showing 48.1% pregnancy rate vs. 20% placebo (p<0.024). A self-controlled pilot study (PMID: 28950179) demonstrated significant S. mutans reduction, while safety studies in adults (PMID: 20159049) and infants (PMID: 20018483) confirmed tolerability.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine use has been identified for this strain. L. salivarius CECT 5713 was first isolated in modern research settings from 2006 onward, with no documented links to traditional healing systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 pairs effectively with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or L. reuteri RC-14, as these strains occupy complementary vaginal and intestinal niches, collectively reinforcing microbial barrier integrity through overlapping bacteriocin production and competitive exclusion of Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida species. Prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS, ~3–5g dose) selectively feed Lactobacillus species including CECT 5713, increasing viable CFU counts and lactic acid output in the gut-reproductive axis, amplifying colonization persistence. Folate (400–800mcg methylfolate form) and zinc (15–25mg zinc bisglycinate) complement the reproductive health pathway by supporting oocyte quality and sperm DNA integrity in parallel with CECT 5713's proposed [microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)-mediated fertility mechanisms, creating additive rather than redundant support across hormonal, oxidative, and microbial dimensions of reproductive function.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 improve fertility?

A preliminary placebo-controlled trial found a 48.1% pregnancy rate among couples with unexplained infertility who received Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713, compared to 20% in the placebo group. The proposed mechanism involves reducing seminal and vaginal inflammatory cytokines and improving microbiome conditions favorable to conception. Evidence is early-stage and from a small trial, so this should not replace standard fertility evaluation or treatment.

### What is the difference between live and heat-inactivated Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713?

Heat-inactivated Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713, also called a postbiotic, contains non-viable bacterial cells that retain cell wall components like lipoteichoic acid capable of stimulating TLR-2 immune receptors without requiring live colonization. An open-label oral health pilot showed this heat-killed form still significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans in saliva within 3 days (p<0.05). The live strain additionally produces lactic acid and bacteriocins in situ, providing both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.

### How does Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 reduce Streptococcus mutans?

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 reduces Streptococcus mutans through competitive exclusion at oral mucosal surfaces and direct antimicrobial activity via secreted bacteriocins and lactic acid that lower salivary pH. The strain's adhesion to epithelial cells physically displaces cariogenic bacteria from colonization sites. In a pilot study, this effect was measurable within 3 days and sustained through 2 weeks of administration.

### What is the typical dosage of Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713?

Clinical trials investigating Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 have not yet established a universally accepted standard dose, but formulations typically deliver between 1×10⁸ and 1×10⁹ CFU (colony-forming units) per day. Oral health applications have used lozenges or chewable tablets to maximize contact with oral mucosa, while systemic or reproductive applications have used capsules. Dosing frequency, duration, and form vary by indication, and no regulatory body has issued a formal recommended daily intake for this specific strain.

### Is Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 safe to take with antibiotics?

Broad-spectrum antibiotics can kill or significantly reduce the viability of Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713, potentially nullifying its probiotic benefits during a course of treatment. It is generally recommended to separate probiotic intake from antibiotic administration by at least 2 hours to preserve some viability, though evidence specific to this strain and antibiotic co-administration is limited. Resuming or initiating the probiotic after completing antibiotic therapy may help restore microbiome balance, and a clinician should guide this decision based on the reason for antibiotic use.

### Is Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 is generally recognized as safe during pregnancy, with preliminary clinical data showing improved reproductive outcomes in women with reproductive failure. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before starting supplementation to ensure it aligns with individual health status. The strain has a history of safe use in clinical trials involving reproductive health, but individual medical circumstances should guide supplementation decisions.

### What does the clinical evidence show about Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713's effectiveness?

Clinical research demonstrates promising but preliminary evidence: a placebo-controlled trial showed a 48.1% pregnancy rate versus 20% in placebo for couples with unexplained infertility, while open-label studies reported 56% successful pregnancy rates in women with reproductive failure. For oral health, a heat-inactivated form significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans levels within 3 days to 2 weeks (p<0.05). While results are encouraging, most studies are small pilot or open-label designs, indicating that larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

### Who benefits most from Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 supplementation?

This strain appears most beneficial for couples experiencing unexplained infertility and women with reproductive health challenges, based on clinical trial outcomes showing significant pregnancy rate improvements. It may also benefit individuals seeking oral microbiome support, particularly those concerned with Streptococcus mutans levels and dental health. However, individuals with compromised immune systems or severe medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before use, as probiotic supplementation may require personalized risk-benefit assessment.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*