Background

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the mouth. It's also found in fermented foods and dairy.

"Good" bacteria such as L. paracasei can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. Specific strains of L. paracasei are commonly added to fermented foods like yogurt and are also found in probiotic supplements.

People use L. paracasei for hay fever, eczema, and the common cold. It is also used for asthma, diarrhea, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. paracasei for COVID-19.

Don't confuse L. paracasei with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that L. paracasei used to be classified under the Lactobacillus genus. But Lactobacillus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Some product labels might still list this species as Lactobacillus paracasei rather than its new name, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: L. paracasei is likely safe. It's been used safely together with other probiotics for up to 9 months. Some people might experience gas or bloating, but it's usually well-tolerated.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: L. paracasei is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately while pregnant and breast-feeding. It's been used safely together with Bifidobacterium longum, starting 2 months before delivery and continuing until 2 months after delivery.

Children: L. paracasei is likely safe for most children when taken by mouth appropriately. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to 3 months in children of varying ages. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if L. paracasei is safe for very small premature infants.

Digestive surgery: People having digestive surgery or a colonoscopy might be more likely to develop L. paracasei infections. If you are planning to have one of these procedures, talk with your healthcare provider before taking L. paracasei.

Weakened immune system: L. paracasei has caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking L. paracasei.

Damaged heart valves: L. paracasei can cause an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

L. paracasei is commonly added to fermented foods such as yogurt. It's also commonly taken in dietary supplements.

In adults, L. paracasei has most often been taken by mouth, alone or together with other probiotics, in doses of up to 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for up to 5 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotic drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

L. paracasei is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. paracasei can reduce the effects of L. paracasei. To avoid this interaction, take L. paracasei products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.