Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104
Also known as: Lactobacillus casei CECT9104, Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104
Overview
Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104 is a specific probiotic bacterial strain, isolated and preserved in the Spanish Type Culture Collection (CECT). It belongs to the Lacticaseibacillus genus, commonly found in fermented dairy products and the human gastrointestinal tract. This strain is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to modulate gut microbiota, enhance intestinal barrier function, and support immune responses. It has been particularly investigated for its potential in managing pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) and other inflammatory skin conditions that are often linked to gut health. L. casei CECT9104 is recognized for its ability to inhibit pathogen adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells, reduce inflammatory responses, and indirectly improve skin barrier function through gut modulation. While several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have included this strain, especially concerning pediatric atopic dermatitis, direct mechanistic studies and long-term safety data are still somewhat limited.
Benefits
Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104 offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly when used as part of probiotic mixtures. Its primary effect is a significant reduction in the severity of pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms, as measured by the SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis) index. Clinical trials have reported improvements in skin condition and a reduced reliance on topical corticosteroids. Network meta-analyses have ranked probiotic mixtures containing L. casei CECT9104 among the most effective for AD treatment, showing statistically significant improvements over placebo (p < 0.05). Secondary effects include potential enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity and modulation of inflammatory pathways, contributing to systemic immune benefits. There's also a possibility it supports the synthesis of vitamins B9 and B12 when combined with other probiotic strains. The most robust evidence for benefit is in pediatric populations with atopic dermatitis, with effects typically observed after several weeks of daily supplementation. While possible benefits exist for adults with skin inflammatory conditions linked to gut dysbiosis, the data are less conclusive.
How it works
Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104 exerts its effects primarily within the gastrointestinal tract. Its main mechanism involves inhibiting the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to the intestinal epithelium, which helps reduce bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation. It also modulates the gut microbiota composition, promoting a balance that favors anti-inflammatory profiles. By enhancing gut barrier function, it can potentially reduce systemic immune activation that is often linked to inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. This probiotic interacts with the gut-immune-skin axis, influencing immune responses that manifest in skin health. At a molecular level, it is thought to interact with epithelial adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokine pathways (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), and tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa. As a live bacterium, its efficacy depends on its survival through the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and its ability to colonize the gut.
Side effects
Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104 is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials involving both children and adults. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, particularly at the beginning of supplementation. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include rare mild allergic reactions or intolerance in sensitive individuals. There are no significant rare adverse effects documented in high-quality studies (less than 1%). While no significant drug interactions are known, caution is advised when L. casei CECT9104 is used concurrently with immunosuppressants. Immunocompromised patients should consult their healthcare providers before use due to potential risks. Pediatric use is well-studied, but safety in pregnant or severely immunocompromised populations requires further research.
Dosage
The specific optimal dosage for Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT9104 when used alone is not well-established, as most efficacy data comes from its inclusion in multi-strain probiotic formulations. In these combination products, typical doses range from 10^8 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. Clinical trials for atopic dermatitis have shown efficacy within this CFU range. There is no established maximum safe dose; doses up to 10^10 CFU/day are generally well tolerated. For optimal survival through gastric acid, daily administration with meals is often recommended. L. casei CECT9104 is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, or fermented dairy products; ensuring the viability of the live bacteria through proper storage is crucial. Survival through stomach acid and bile is critical for its efficacy, and formulations with enteric coating or within a dairy matrix may enhance viability. The presence of prebiotics, such as inulin or fructooligosaccharides, may act as cofactors to enhance colonization and overall efficacy.
FAQs
Is L. casei CECT9104 safe for children?
Yes, L. casei CECT9104 has been primarily studied in pediatric populations with atopic dermatitis and has been found to be safe and effective in these studies.
How long until benefits are seen?
Improvements from L. casei CECT9104 supplementation typically begin to appear after several weeks of consistent, daily use, aligning with the time needed for probiotic colonization and immune modulation.
Can it be used alone or only in mixtures?
Most of the evidence supporting the benefits of L. casei CECT9104 comes from its use within multi-strain probiotic mixtures. Its standalone efficacy requires further dedicated study.
Does it replace topical treatments for AD?
While L. casei CECT9104 may help reduce the need for topical corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis, it is generally used as an adjunct therapy and not as a complete replacement for conventional treatments.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/pai.13305 – This systematic review and network meta-analysis, including 22 RCTs, identified probiotic mixtures containing L. casei CECT9104 among the top three most effective strains for pediatric atopic dermatitis, showing statistically significant improvements in SCORAD scores over placebo. The study highlighted heterogeneity among trials and variable probiotic formulations as limitations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1498965/full – This umbrella meta-analysis synthesized multiple meta-analyses, concluding that probiotics, including Lactobacillus species, can reduce AD severity by modulating gut barrier and immune responses. It emphasized the need for more strain-specific mechanistic studies and long-term safety data, noting moderate evidence quality and some publication bias.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2022.2080170 – This clinical trial and review data demonstrated that L. casei CECT9104, often in combination with other strains, contributes to a reduction in inflammatory response and improved skin barrier function in AD patients. It also noted a decreased reliance on topical corticosteroids, supporting the strain's role in managing gut-linked skin conditions.
