Lactobacillus paracasei (MCC1849) Clinical Evidence
Beneficial Microbes
Murata M, et al. Effects of paraprobiotic Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 supplementation on symptoms of the common cold and mood states in healthy adults. 2018 Dec;7:9(6):855-64.
Topic:
What is the effect of L. paracasei MCC1849 on the common cold and mood in young adults?
Background:
Gut bacteria interact closely with the immune system and help promote healthy immune response. Various strains of beneficial bacteria have shown benefits for immunity. Probiotics have also been shown to support mood. Will supplementing with L. paracasei MCC1849 strengthen immunity and mood?
Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial
Study Design:
Randomized, placebo-controlled. Participants took a probiotic powder containing L. paracasei MCC1849 or placebo for 12 weeks. They reported any symptoms of the common cold in a daily journal. At baseline and 6 weeks, they provided saliva samples that researchers analyzed for salivary immunoglobulin A. Finally, at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, the volunteers filled out the Profile of Mood States (POMS 2) survey.
Subjects:
241 healthy young adults
Dosage:
10 billion or 30 billion CFU of heat-killed L. paracasei MCC1849 cell powder
Results:
In the group as a whole, the probiotic powder did not reduce symptoms of the common cold. However, in a subset of individuals who had experienced at least one cold in the past year, symptom scores declined significantly. The effect was slightly more pronounced in the group that took the larger dose. In all groups, mood declined in response to stress, but less so in the two groups taking the probiotic powder.
Conclusions:
“These results indicate that L. paracasei MCC1849 has the potential to improve resistance to common cold infection in susceptible subjects and maintain a desirable mood state, even under mental stress conditions. Further randomised controlled trials are needed in order to investigate the possible beneficial effects of paraprobiotic L. paracasei MCC1849 on the common cold in susceptible populations.”
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
Maruyama M, et al. The effects of non-viable Lactobacillus on immune function in the elderly: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 2016;67(1):67-73.
Topic:
What is the effect of L. paracasei MCC1849 on immune response to influenza vaccination in the elderly?
Background:
Immunity declines with age. Can a probiotic powder containing L. paracasei MCC1849 help strengthen it in the elderly?
Study Type:
Human clinical intervention trial
Study Design:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. Participants consumed L. paracasei MCC1849 in a jelly or a placebo jelly for 6 weeks. At the 3-week mark, they received an influenza vaccine. Researchers collected blood at baseline and 6 weeks to measure immune parameters, including response to the vaccine.
Dosage:
10 billion CFU of heat-killed L. paracasei MCC1849
Participants:
42 nursing home residents, older than 65 years
Results:
In the group as a whole, there was no difference in immune parameters or response to the vaccine. However, in a subgroup of 27 participants aged over 85 years, antibody response to the vaccine was improved.
Conclusions:
“A possible beneficial effect in the oldest old should be explored in further large-scale studies.”
Mechanism of Action
Lactic acid bacteria have beneficial effects on the immune system. Several strains activate the acquired immune system by inducing the secretion of antigen-specific immunoglobin (IgA) into the intestine, blood serum, and lungs and increasing activation of IgA 19A in mucosal tissues. L. paracasei MCC1849 specifically has been shown to increase the proportion of IgA+ B cells and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in Peyer’s patches and to increase gene expression of IL-12p40, IL-10, IL-21, STAT4, and Bel-6 associated with Tfh cell differentiation. It has also been theorized that L. paracasei MCC1849 may enhance innate immunity as well as acquired immunity. These bacteria have also been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression by modulating the gut-brain axis.