Home Ingredients Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37®
Stress & AnxietyMood & Mental HealthGut Health

Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37®

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (Lpc-37® strain)
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® (formerly part of the Chr. Hansen / now IFF / DuPont strain library, currently classified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei) is a specific probiotic strain distinct from the broader L. paracasei species. Its lead clinical evidence is the Sisu study — a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 120 healthy adults aged 18–45 that evaluated Lpc-37 supplementation for stress and anxiety markers. Effects were modest and concentrated in pre-specified subgroups (e.g., baseline chronic stress) rather than the entire study population, so positioning should emphasize healthy-adult stress-resilience support rather than treatment. As with all strain-specific probiotic claims, Lpc-37® outcomes should not be assumed to transfer to generic L. paracasei products.

Studied Dose Sisu study dose: 1.75×10¹⁰ CFU/day of Lpc-37 for 5 weeks in healthy adults aged 18-45. Commercial formats typically deliver 1×10⁹–1×10¹° CFU/day, often co-formulated with other probiotic strains for adjunctive stress and gut support.
Active Compound Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37® — a specific strain from the IFF (formerly Chr. Hansen / DuPont) probiotic library; strain-specific identifier matters for clinical claims

Benefits

Stress and anxiety marker support in healthy adults

In the Sisu randomized controlled trial in 120 healthy adults, Lpc-37 supplementation was associated with reduced perceived stress vs placebo, with the strongest signals in pre-specified subgroups based on baseline chronic stress and sex. Positioning is for stress-resilience support in healthy adults rather than for clinical anxiety disorders.

Supported by Trial 1

Gut-brain axis exploration

Lpc-37 sits within the emerging ‘psychobiotic’ category of probiotic strains explored for gut–brain axis effects on stress, mood, and sleep markers. The mechanism is hypothesized to involve gut-mediated regulation of HPA-axis tone and inflammatory signaling.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Strain-specific evidence base

Distinct strain identifier and characterized clinical outcomes make Lpc-37 a strain-level psychobiotic candidate rather than a generic L. paracasei. Branded formulations carrying the Lpc-37® designation provide a defined product specification for clinical use.

Supported by Trial 2

Adjunct to daily probiotic strategies

Lpc-37 can be combined with other characterized probiotic strains in multi-strain formulations targeting both gut and stress endpoints, fitting into broader daily probiotic and gut-health support strategies.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Gut–brain axis signaling

Specific probiotic strains are hypothesized to influence the gut–brain axis via vagal afferents, modulation of gut-derived neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids, and immune signaling. Lpc-37 is being evaluated within this framework as a stress-support psychobiotic.

2

HPA-axis modulation

Psychobiotic candidates including Lpc-37 are studied for their potential to attenuate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity to stress, supporting normalization of cortisol response in some subgroups. Direct mechanistic data in humans is still being characterized.

3

Intestinal barrier and immune signaling

Like other L. paracasei strains, Lpc-37 may support intestinal barrier function and modulate mucosal immune signaling, with downstream effects on systemic inflammatory tone that has been linked to mood and stress markers in observational research.

Clinical trials

1
Lpc-37 for stress and anxiety in healthy adults — Sisu RCT

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37 (1.75×10¹⁰ CFU/day) vs placebo in 120 healthy adults aged 18-45 for 5 weeks. Outcomes: Perceived Stress Scale, Trier Social Stress Test response, cortisol, heart rate, sleep, well-being. Published in Neurobiology of Stress.

120 healthy adults aged 18-45 with subjective stress; 5-week intervention.

Primary endpoint (Perceived Stress Scale change) was not statistically significant overall. Pre-specified subgroup and secondary analyses showed reduced perceived stress in Lpc-37 vs placebo in participants with higher baseline chronic stress, alongside selective effects on heart rate and well-being measures. Supports modest stress-resilience signal in healthy adults; not a treatment claim.

2
Lpc-37 strain characterization and product specification

Strain identification and product specification work supporting the clinical use of Lpc-37 as a defined Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain. Used in conjunction with Sisu and related trials to position Lpc-37 within the broader psychobiotic category.

Strain-level characterization; supports clinical-trial product identification rather than direct clinical outcome.

Lpc-37 has a defined strain identifier and standardized product specification, providing a basis for reproducible clinical evaluation and commercial differentiation from generic L. paracasei products.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated in the Sisu RCT with safety comparable to placebo.
Mild GI symptoms (gas, bloating, transient bowel changes) possible during initial use.
Caution in severely immunocompromised individuals — discuss with clinician.
Not extensively studied in pregnancy, lactation, or pediatric populations.
Discontinue if allergic reaction or significant GI symptoms develop.

Important Drug interactions

Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) — caution with all probiotics in significantly immunocompromised users; coordinate with clinician.
Antibiotics — separate dosing by 2–3 hours during antibiotic courses to reduce viability loss.
Antifungals — generally compatible; theoretical interaction at high oral doses.
Other probiotic strains and prebiotics — generally synergistic in multi-strain formulations; no specific incompatibility reported.

More Stress & Anxiety Ingredients

Muscle & Recovery
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and a cofactor for over 300 enzy…
Cognitive
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that may reduce stress, enhance mood, and support overa…
Cognitive
KSM-66®
KSM-66 Ashwagandha, a standardized root extract, promotes stress relief and cognitive clar…
Cognitive
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid concentrated in neuronal cell membranes (10-20%…

Explore Other Ingredients

Muscle & Recovery
Bromelain
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme complex extracted from pineapple stem, widely used as a…
Cognitive
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal and edible mushroom with long, white, casc…
Muscle & Recovery
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and the primary metabolic fuel for…

Frequently asked questions about Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37®

What is the recommended dosage of Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37®?

The clinically studied dose for Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® is Sisu study dose: 1.75×10¹⁰ CFU/day of Lpc-37 for 5 weeks in healthy adults aged 18-45. Commercial formats typically deliver 1×10⁹–1×10¹° CFU/day, often co-formulated with other probiotic strains for adjunctive stress and gut support.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® used for?

Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® is studied for stress and anxiety marker support in healthy adults, gut-brain axis exploration, strain-specific evidence base. In the Sisu randomized controlled trial in 120 healthy adults, Lpc-37 supplementation was associated with reduced perceived stress vs placebo, with the strongest signals in pre-specified subgroups based on baseline chronic stress and sex.

Are there side effects from taking Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37®?

Reported potential side effects may include: Generally well tolerated in the Sisu RCT with safety comparable to placebo. Mild GI symptoms (gas, bloating, transient bowel changes) possible during initial use. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) — caution with all probiotics in significantly immunocompromised users; coordinate with clinician. Antibiotics — separate dosing by 2–3 hours during antibiotic courses to reduce viability loss. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® good for stress & anxiety?

Yes, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37® is researched for Stress & Anxiety support. In the Sisu randomized controlled trial in 120 healthy adults, Lpc-37 supplementation was associated with reduced perceived stress vs placebo, with the strongest signals in pre-specified subgroups based on baseline chronic stress and sex.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Patterson E, Griffin SM, Ibarra A, Ellsiepen E, Hellhammer J. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37® improves psychological and physiological markers of stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel clinical trial (the Sisu study). Neurobiol Stress. 2020;13:100277. doi: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100277.PubMedUsed to support: Lead Sisu RCT in 120 healthy adults aged 18-45 — Lpc-37 (1.75×10¹⁰ CFU/day) showed reduced perceived stress vs placebo in pre-specified subgroups with baseline chronic stress, with selective effects on physiological stress markers; primary endpoint overall was not significant.