Have you heard about L. casei? sure that some announcement on the subject you have heard, but perhaps you do not know what it is. In this post we want to talk about it. Lactobacillus casei is a species of Gram positive anaerobic bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus present in the intestine and the mouth of humans. It is a probiotic bacterium, producer of lactic acid, and as such is used in the production of fermented dairy products. Also note that it complements the growth of L. acidophilus, a producer of the enzyme amylase (digestive enzyme of carbohydrates).
In order for them to act in our intestine, the bacteria must reach it intact, previously resisting transit through the gastrointestinal tract (the action of gastric, biliary and duodenal juices). Well, it has been shown that this bacterium is very resistant to wide ranges of pH and temperature, and that it has a high percentage of survival. This, together with certain benefits that we will see later, is what makes it so attractive for the manufacture of functional foods.
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Casei in the market
Three products with very popular L. casei that we can easily find in supermarkets are:
- Actimel: Of the French Danone. «Help your defenses» Does it sound? Its discussed benefits (read article of the OCU: "Your defenses do not need breakfast Actimel") are attributed to a strain of a bacterium, Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001, developed and patented by the company, whose commercial name in Spain is Casei Imunitass (L. Casei Defensis in Argentina).
- DanActive: In the United States or Canada, Actimel is marketed as DanActive.
- Yakult: From the Japanese company Yakult Honsha. It is marketed in 33 countries (including Europe and the United States). Contains Lactobacillus casei Shirota.
Benefits and Properties of L. casei
Gastrointestinal diseases and digestion
Some probiotic strains of Lactobacillus casei may be effective for the relief of pathogenic gastrointestinal bacterial diseases. It is also believed that L. casei improves digestion and tolerance to milk. However, the WHO has verified that the benefits associated with probiotics are dependent strains, that is, their effects depend on the strain used and its concentration in the product.
The properties have to be demonstrated in each specific strain to be valid. According to an FAO / WHO report, "... certain strains of Probiotics are safe for human consumption and can provide the consumer with some health benefits, although these benefits can not be extrapolated to other strains without the corresponding experimentation".
Strengthening the intestinal barrier
Lactobacillus casei prevents altered barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells. «Probiotic, L. casei, prevents dysfunctions of the epithelial barrier induced by cytokines in CEIs». "Our study provided evidence that even non-living probiotic bacteria can prevent the development of severe forms of intestinal inflammation by strengthening the integrity of the intestinal barrier and modulating the intestinal microenvironment."
Promotes the recovery of diarrhea in children
In many developing countries, diarrheal diseases continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially when associated with malnutrition. Studies suggest that Lactobacillus is a safe and effective treatment for acute and infectious diarrhea because shorter recovery times are evident (clinical trial with the GG variant). «The vast majority of published trials show a statistically significant benefit and moderate clinical benefit of a few well-identified probiotic strains -especially Lactobacillus GG and S. boulardii- in the treatment of acute watery diarrhea and particularly those due to rotavirus. . This beneficial effect leads, on average, to a reduction in the duration of diarrhea of approximately 1 day ».
Likewise, positive conclusions have been drawn from some studies on L. casei and other probiotics with lactobacilli (specifically Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) for the prevention of diarrhea caused by treatment with antibiotics or Clostridium difficile.
Treatment of pancreatic necrosis
If not treated, this disease has a very high mortality rate due to bacterial translocation (bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract pass to extraintestinal sites, such as lymph nodes, pancreas or blood).
This trial in which a multispecies probiotic called Ecologic 641 (probiotic strains: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium Bifidum and Bifidobacterium infantis) is created, concludes that «... it is capable of inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of pathogens isolated from infected pancreatic necrosis. The antimicrobial properties are explained to a large extent by the production of organic acids ». Thus, the addition of probiotic strains reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppresses bacterial overgrowth.
All of the above are proven benefits for the prevention or treatment of specific diseases or pathologies. «Strengthen your defenses» is undoubtedly an effective advertising slogan but a statement about health that is not very precise.
According to some investigations, the consumption of dairy preparations fermented with L. casei does not influence the immune system of healthy individuals. Yes it is true that it modulates the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal flora, but in the same way as a traditional yoghurt does at a lower price.
In any case, remember that an optimal state of health can not depend solely on a product. Only the sum of a healthy, balanced and varied diet plus healthy lifestyle habits and the regular practice of physical exercise will keep you and your defenses "strong".
In addition, ProKey is a natural, ecological drink, made thanks to the action of live cultures of water kefir that helps you to lead a healthier life.
If you dare, we offer you these eco-friendly Prokey water kefir drinks, we offer you these organic Prokeydrinks drinks with several different flavors and soon they will come more like the kombucha:
If you dare to try our probiotic and organic sodas, these are the flavors that we have for sale and that you can buy in the Prokey Drinks Online Store or order in your herbalist:
- Prokey Aqua BIO receta tradicional
- Prokey Menta y Gengibre BIO
- Prokey Hibisco Bio
- Prokey Coco Bio
- Cold Brew Kombucha
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