# Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lactobacillus-casei-dn-114-001
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** L. casei DN-114 001, DN-114 001, Lactobacillus casei defensis, Actimel strain, L. casei strain DN-114 001

## Overview

Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 is a proprietary [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) strain (found in Actimel/DanActive fermented dairy) that exerts its effects primarily by competing with pathogens for intestinal epithelial binding sites, modulating mucosal IgA secretion, and reinforcing tight junction protein expression. Its documented mechanisms translate into clinically measurable reductions in gastrointestinal infection duration and enhanced antibiotic efficacy against Helicobacter pylori.

## Health Benefits

• Enhances H. pylori eradication in children when combined with triple therapy (91.6% eradication rate vs standard therapy alone, RCT evidence)
• Reduces gastrointestinal tract infections in children by 24% (large US RCT)
• May help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (observational evidence)
• Reduces duration and incidence of diarrhea episodes in children (clinical trial evidence)
• Shows strong in vitro activity against adherent-invasive E. coli, inhibiting adhesion by 75-84% (laboratory evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 competes with pathogens such as H. pylori for adhesion to gastric epithelial cells via surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharides, reducing colonization density. It upregulates secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) production at mucosal surfaces and stimulates dendritic cell-mediated Th1/Treg immune polarization, modulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, it produces lactic acid and bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances that lower luminal pH, directly inhibiting enteric pathogens and supporting the commensal [microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) during antibiotic co-administration.

## Clinical Summary

A large US-based randomized controlled trial in children demonstrated that daily consumption of Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 reduced gastrointestinal tract infection incidence by 24% compared to placebo, with statistically significant reductions in diarrhea duration. A separate pediatric RCT showed that adjunctive use of this strain alongside standard triple antibiotic therapy (proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, amoxicillin) raised H. pylori eradication rates from approximately 73% to 91.6%. Observational evidence also supports a role in reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, though this indication lacks the same level of controlled trial data as the infection outcomes. Overall, evidence quality is strongest (Level 1) for GI infection reduction and H. pylori adjunct therapy in pediatric populations, while adult and long-term data remain more limited.

## Nutritional Profile

Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 is a probiotic strain rather than a conventional nutrient source, so macronutrient contribution is negligible in typical delivery formats (fermented dairy products like Actimel/DanActive contain approximately 10^10 CFU per 100mL serving). The strain itself produces lactic acid as a primary metabolic byproduct, contributing to the acidic environment that supports [gut barrier](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) integrity. When delivered in fermented milk vehicles, the product contains approximately 1.2–1.5g protein, 3–4g carbohydrates, and trace B vitamins (B2, B12) per 100mL serving from the dairy matrix, though these are vehicle-dependent rather than strain-specific. Bioactive compounds produced by this strain include bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances, exopolysaccharides, and short-chain fatty acid precursors generated during fermentation. The strain demonstrates acid and bile tolerance, with estimated survival through gastric transit of 20–40% of ingested CFU, which is relatively high among Lactobacillus species. It produces beta-galactosidase, aiding lactose digestion in the gut lumen.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied as fermented dairy drinks providing 10^8-10^9 CFU per serving daily. For H. pylori eradication: 14 days alongside triple therapy. For infection prevention and diarrhea: Daily intake of 1-2 servings. No standardized powder or extract forms have been studied. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 is generally well tolerated in healthy children and adults, with adverse events in trials limited to mild, transient bloating or flatulence that resolved without intervention. It is delivered in a fermented dairy matrix, making it unsuitable for individuals with severe lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy unless an alternative delivery form is used. Clinically significant drug interactions are not established, though concurrent use with broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce viable cell counts and attenuate efficacy; separating intake by at least 2 hours from antibiotic dosing is a practical precaution. Immunocompromised individuals, those with central venous catheters, or patients with short bowel syndrome should consult a physician before use, as rare cases of [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)-related bacteremia have been reported with Lactobacillus species in vulnerable populations.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes a multicenter RCT (n=86) showing improved H. pylori eradication in children (PMID: 16082279), and the largest US [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) trial demonstrating 24% reduction in gastrointestinal infections (PMID: 2906750). However, an RCT (n=85) found no benefit for radiation-induced diarrhea (PMID: 18243569), indicating mixed results across conditions.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No traditional or historical use was identified in the research. This is a modern commercially-selected [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) strain developed for contemporary fermented dairy products, with no links to ancient medicinal practices or traditional medicine systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

L. casei DN-114 001 pairs strongly with [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) fibers such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which serve as selective fermentation substrates that increase colonic survival and colonization efficiency of the strain by 2–3 fold in vitro. Combining it with zinc (10–20mg elemental) is particularly relevant given its diarrhea-reducing applications, as zinc independently tightens intestinal tight junctions (via ZO-1 and claudin upregulation) while the probiotic modulates mucosal immune response through Toll-like receptor signaling, creating complementary anti-diarrheal mechanisms. Pairing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG creates additive colonization resistance against enteric pathogens like H. pylori and Clostridium difficile, as the two strains occupy partially different mucosal niches and produce distinct antimicrobial compounds. Vitamin D3 (1000–2000 IU) further amplifies the [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effect by upregulating cathelicidin production in gut epithelial cells, which works synergistically with the strain's enhancement of secretory IgA levels.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dose of Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 for children?

The pediatric RCTs demonstrating a 24% reduction in GI infections and improved H. pylori eradication used approximately 10^8 CFU per serving delivered once daily via fermented dairy (100 mL of Actimel/DanActive). No standardized capsule or powder dose has been validated in large trials, so current evidence is specific to the dairy-based delivery format at this CFU range.

### How does Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 improve H. pylori eradication rates?

This strain competes with H. pylori for adhesion sites on gastric mucosa via surface proteins and reduces mucosal inflammation through sIgA upregulation, making the gastric environment less hospitable. When combined with triple therapy (PPI plus clarithromycin and amoxicillin), this adjunctive mechanism raised eradication from roughly 73% to 91.6% in the cited pediatric RCT, likely also by reducing antibiotic-related dysbiosis that can otherwise impair treatment tolerance and completion.

### Is Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 the same as regular Lactobacillus casei?

No — DN-114 001 is a specific proprietary strain of Lactobacillus casei developed by Danone, and strain-level identity matters because probiotic effects are not interchangeable across strains. Clinical evidence generated with DN-114 001 (e.g., the 24% GI infection reduction) cannot be assumed to apply to other L. casei strains such as Shirota or Immunitas, which have distinct genomic profiles and documented clinical outcomes.

### Can Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults?

Observational data suggest a protective association between DN-114 001 consumption and reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) incidence, but large adult-specific RCTs with this strain are lacking. The mechanistic rationale is sound — the strain produces lactic acid and bacteriocin-like substances that help maintain commensal balance disrupted by antibiotics — but evidence strength for AAD prevention is currently rated lower (Level 2-3) than its pediatric GI infection indications.

### Is Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 safe during pregnancy?

There is no specific RCT safety data for Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 during pregnancy; however, Lactobacillus species are generally considered low-risk in healthy pregnant women and are classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. Pregnant individuals with immune compromise, gestational diabetes requiring dietary management, or milk allergies should consult their healthcare provider before consuming the strain's typical fermented dairy delivery vehicle, as the dairy matrix itself carries separate dietary considerations.

### What is the evidence quality for Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 in preventing gastrointestinal infections?

A large US randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 reduces gastrointestinal tract infections in children by 24%, providing robust clinical evidence for this specific benefit. Most other benefits, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention, are supported by observational studies rather than RCT-level evidence. The H. pylori eradication data represents the strongest clinical evidence base, with RCT-level proof of efficacy when combined with standard triple therapy.

### Does Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 work better when taken with food or on an empty stomach?

Clinical trials of Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 have not established clear superiority of one administration timing over another, though standard probiotic practice suggests taking it with or shortly after meals may improve survival of live cells through stomach acid. Consistency of daily intake appears more important than precise timing for achieving the documented benefits in H. pylori eradication and infection prevention.

### Who should consider taking Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 as a supplement?

Children undergoing H. pylori treatment, children with recurrent diarrhea, and children taking antibiotics are the populations with the strongest clinical evidence supporting supplementation with this strain. Adults may also benefit for antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention, though the evidence base is less robust than for pediatric populations. Individuals with severe immunosuppression should consult healthcare providers before use, as with all probiotics.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*