Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus casei
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lactobacillus casei is a probiotic bacterium that has been investigated in recent years for its potential effects on mental health, including anxiety disorders. The rationale behind its use is rooted in the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Preclinical studies, primarily in rodents, have demonstrated that supplementation with L. casei can modulate behavior and reduce anxiety-like symptoms, potentially through mechanisms involving modulation of inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitter production (such as GABA), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In humans, the evidence is still emerging. A small number of clinical trials and pilot studies suggest that multispecies probiotics containing L. casei may help reduce subjective anxiety and improve mood in populations under stress, such as medical students or individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety symptoms. However, these studies often use mixtures of probiotic strains, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to L. casei. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses note that while results are encouraging, the overall strength of evidence is low due to methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity among studies. In summary, the use of L. casei for anxiety disorders is supported by plausible mechanisms and some early human data, but robust, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy. Current scientific evidence justifies cautious optimism, but not routine use for this indication.

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