Teratogenicity and maternal effects of Lactobacillus brevis KB290 in rats and rabbits

Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290), a plant-derived probiotic lactic acid bacterium, improves gut health and stimulates immune function. Here we extensively investigated the teratogenicity of KB290 in rats and rabbits. We observed no adverse maternal or fetal effects and concluded that the no observable adverse effect level for maternal general toxicity, maintenance of pregnancy, and teratogenicity should be ⩾1010 cfu/kg/day. Our results suggest that KB290 would be safe for pregnant females and their offspring.