Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lactobacillus casei is a probiotic bacterium commonly used to support digestive health, including in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The use of L. casei for IBS is primarily justified by scientific research, although the overall quality and consistency of the evidence are moderate.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of L. casei supplementation on IBS symptoms. Some studies demonstrate that L. casei can help reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and improve stool consistency in some patients with IBS, likely by modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing the intestinal barrier, and reducing low-grade inflammation. For instance, a 2018 meta-analysis in the World Journal of Gastroenterology concluded that probiotics, including L. casei, may improve global IBS symptoms, though the magnitude of benefit is modest and patient response varies.

However, not all studies show a significant benefit, and differences in study design, probiotic strains used, and patient populations lead to mixed results. Despite these inconsistencies, clinical guidelines from several gastroenterology societies suggest that probiotics can be considered in IBS management, though they rarely recommend specific strains due to variability in evidence.

In summary, the use of Lactobacillus casei for IBS is supported by moderate scientific evidence. While not a guaranteed or universal solution, it appears to offer symptom relief for some individuals, making it a reasonable adjunctive therapy under professional guidance.

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