|
Lactobacillus Casei
INTRODUCTION
Lactobacillus casei, more commonly referred to
as L. casei, is a harmless, nonpathogenic
microorganism that has been widely recognized
for the attributes and properties it possesses
that have been found to be beneficial to the
human body. L. casei is a type of bacteria that
helps protect the human body from disease and
illness by restricting the growth of various
types of harmful bacteria that cause infection
and be detrimental to an individual's health.
According to the World Health Organization and
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations probiotics are "live
microorganisms, which, when administered in
adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the
host."(1) Because of the benefits L. casei
offers it is typically categorized as a
probiotic.
LACTOBACILLUS CASEI
Lactobacillus casei is a beneficial bacteria
that is found naturally in both the mouth and
intestines of human beings. It produces lactic
acid which helps lower pH levels in the
digestive system and impedes the growth of
harmful bacteria. L. casei may be found in “raw
or fermented dairy and fresh or fermented plant
products.”(2) These sources may include yogurt,
cheese, and other types of food sources such as
fermented green olives.(3) According to some
reports, “Scientists have found [Lactobacillus
casei] to possess beneficial properties that
support human health. It is able to improve and
promote digestion. Some strains of the bacteria
help control diarrhea, while other strains have
an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut. Other
advantageous effects include reducing lactose
intolerance, alleviating constipation, and even
modulation of the immune system.”(3) Because
“friendly bacteria are vital to proper
development of the immune system, to protection
against microorganisms that could cause disease,
and to the digestion and absorption of food and
nutrients”(1) ensuring that the body has an
appropriate amount of L. casei inhabiting the
body is important. This may especially true for
individuals suffering from Crohn's disease and
critically ill children suffering from diarrhea.
CROHN'S DISEASE
Crohn's disease is a type of IBD and can affect
any part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT),
but the area of the GIT most commonly affected
by Crohn's disease is the color or small
intestine.(5) The symptoms of Crohn's disease
generally include abdominal pain, diarrhea,
weight loss, and vomiting. When an individuals
has Crohn's disease their body reacts
inappropriately to good bacteria for harmful
bacteria and the body begins to attack the good
bacteria. When this occurs “the body sends white
blood cells into the lining of the intestines,
where they produce chronic inflammation. These
cells then generate harmful products that
ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel
injury.”(5) This process leads to Crohn's
disease.
Doctors understand that “the interaction of
commensal bacteria with the intestinal immune
system is an essential factor in the development
of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).”(4)
Therefore, a study was conducted to determine if
Lactobacillus casei had any affect on the
symptoms of Crohn's disease. The conclusions of
the study indicate that “live L. casei can counteract the
pro-inflammatory effects of E. coli on [Crohn's
disease].”(4)
DIARRHEA IN CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN
According to a 2006 study, “there is increasing
evidence that probiotics decrease the incidence
of acute infectious and nosocomial and
antibiotic induced diarrhea among children
hospitalized in non-intensive care settings.”(6)
Furthermore, “L. casei has been used safely and
with positive effects for when given to
critically ill children suffering form
diarrhea.”(6)
CONCLUSION
Lactobacillus casei is described as a
“beneficial microorganism [that] helps to
promote other beneficial bacteria [growth] and
prevents the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria
in the human body. In particular it helps with
the growth of beneficial bacteria such as
Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help
prevent conditions such as constipation and
irritable bowel syndrome.”(6)
References:
1. An Introduction to Probiotics, published by
the National Center fro Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of
Health, 2008.
2. Lactobacillus Casei ATTC 334, published by
the DOE Joint Genome Institute, United States
Department of Energy, unknown.
3. Lactobacillus Casei, published by Citizendium,
The Citizens' Compendium, 2009.
4. Lactobacillus Casei Downregulates Commensals'
Inflammatory Signals in Crohn's Disease Mucosa,
published in inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Wiley
InterScience, 2008.
5. About Crohn's Disease, published by Crohn's &
Colitis Foundation of America, 2009.
6. Underwood, C. (unknown). What is
Lactobacillus Casei? Published by eHOw.
************************************
 A
complete description of probiotics, along with
groundbreaking recent clinical research
illustrating the many ways probiotics can
prevent disease, can be found in
Probiotics - Protection Against Infection: Using
Nature's Tiny Warriors To Stem Infection,
copyright 2009.
This new compendium from one of our own site
contributing authors, Dr. Casey Adams, PhD., takes
the confusion out of selecting and supplementing
with probiotics. Referencing over 500 scientific
studies and reports, and with detailed
instructions on how to make your own probiotic
foods, this book is a must for anyone seeking to
understand the power of probiotics, and improve
their immunity and vitality.
Click here
for ordering information. |
Site Sponsors:
Discover Which Probiotics Can Help You!
Click here
to learn more about this
just released, groundbreaking book.
|
