Bifidobacteria: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum.
Scientific name(s)
Bifidobacterium
Family or group:
Probiotics
Active ingredients:
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium lactis
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
Several strains of bifidobacteria have been evaluated for constipation. The best evidence is for strains of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. A meta-analysis of clinical research shows that taking these strains increases stool frequency by approximately 1.5 stools per week in adults with functional constipation. Clinical research in adults with chronic constipation also shows that taking a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium infantis twice daily for 7 days increases weekly bowel movements by about 2 compared to placebo.
Posologie
Orally
1 - 100 IU
Adults
Synergies
Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial.
Effects of 28-day Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 supplementation on colonic transit time and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with functional constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and dose-ranging trial.
The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults
Is Bifidobacterium breve effective in the treatment of childhood constipation? Results from a pilot study
Efficacy of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 in improving quality of life in patients with chronic constipation: a prospective intervention study
The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
According to studies, bifidobacteria (notably Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium lactis) may improve patient condition by alleviating symptoms such as the intensity and frequency of abdominal pain, flatulence, and bloating, and by regulating transit. Some research has evaluated bifidobacteria in combination with other probiotic species. A clinical study shows that a specific combination of probiotics containing lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and streptococci strains (VSL#3, marketed as VIVOMIXX) decreases bloating in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Clinical research has focused on specific products like Duolac Care containing B. lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Streptococcus thermophilus twice daily for 4 weeks. Results show that this combination can relieve symptoms in 72% of patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Another clinical study conducted among patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS shows that taking a specific probiotic (NordBiotic) containing B. lactis BL040, B. breve BB010, Bifidobacterium longum BL020, Bifidobacterium bifidum BF030, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR110, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC100, L. acidophilus LA120, Lacticaseibacillus casei LC130, L. plantarum LP140, and Streptococcus thermophilus ST250 at 2.5 billion CFU twice a day for 8 weeks improves overall symptom severity, as well as pain severity and frequency, and quality of life compared to placebo.
Posologie
Orally
0.1 - 1 IU
4 - weeks
Adults, Women, Children
Synergies
Clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM 9843) improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
I.31, a new combination of probiotics, improves irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life
Efficacy of double-coated probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Clinical trial: the effects of a fermented milk product containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 on abdominal distension and gastrointestinal transit in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
The Effectiveness and Safety of Multi-Strain Probiotic Preparation in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study
Irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity improves equally with probiotic and placebo
Efficacy of synbiotic, probiotic, and prebiotic treatments for irritable bowel syndrome in children: A randomized controlled trial.
Multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double-blind placebo-controlled study
Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with irritable bowel syndrome.
Randomised clinical trial: Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 significantly alleviates irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life--a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Respiratory Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Most clinical research shows that taking bifidobacteria can reduce the risk of respiratory infections in otherwise healthy individuals, but the effect varies according to bifidobacteria species. Below is a closer look at some studies. A clinical study shows that daily intake of 3 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 for 6 weeks reduces the number of cold or flu episodes by about 35% among students. Clinical research in children aged 2 to 6 years shows that taking Bifidobacterium longum B536, 5 billion CFU per day, for 10 months, modestly reduces symptoms and frequency of respiratory illnesses compared to placebo. Another clinical study conducted in infants aged 6 to 12 months shows that taking B. lactis HN019 at one million CFU per gram of formula for 12 weeks reduces the incidence of parent-reported and confirmed upper respiratory tract infections, compared to non-supplemented formula. However, taking Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033 does not appear to be beneficial.
Posologie
Orally
3 - 3 IU
6 - weeks
Adults, Children
Synergies
Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12® on health-related quality of life in college students affected by upper respiratory infections
Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 results in a greater proportion of healthy days and a lower percentage of academically stressed students reporting a day of cold/flu: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood
Adjuvant treatment with a symbiotic in patients with inflammatory non-allergic rhinitis
Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12® and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. casei 431® in an influenza vaccination model: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Use of a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Enterococcus faecium L3 as prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of acute gastroenteritis and upper respiratory tract infections in children
Comparison of two probiotics in follow-on formula: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 reduced upper respiratory tract infections in Chinese infants
Probiotics with vitamin C for the prevention of upper respiratory tract symptoms in children aged 3-10 years: randomised controlled trial
Probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 treated and prevented acute RTI, reduced antibiotic use and hospital stay in hospitalized young children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Probiotics and vitamin C for the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool: a randomised controlled pilot study
Probiotic Supplements Beneficially Affect Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism and Reduce the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 alleviated upper respiratory illnesses and modulated gut microbiota profiles in Malaysian pre-school children
Diarrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Diarrhea can be caused by infections (viruses, parasites, bacteria) including acute diarrhea (gastroenteritis) and traveler's diarrhea caused by E. coli. Studies indicate that the consumption of blends of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria can help prevent and/or treat (reduce the duration of) these diarrheas. Preliminary clinical research shows that administering the Bifidobacterium BB-12 strain alone or with Streptococcus thermophilus, or administering Bifidobacterium bifidum plus Streptococcus thermophilus in an infant formula helps reduce the incidence of diarrhea and rotavirus excretion in infants. Other clinical research shows that administering a probiotic formula containing Bifidobacterium longum BORI and Lactobacillus acidophilus AD031 to infants with a rotavirus infection reduces the duration of diarrhea compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route
1 IU
Adults, Children
Synergies
Biotherapeutic Agents, A Neglected Modality for the Treatment and Prevention of Selected Intestinal and Vaginal Infections.
The Efficacy of Bifidobacterium longum BORI and Lactobacillus acidophilus AD031 Probiotic Treatment in Infants with Rotavirus Infection
Feeding of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus to Infants in Hospital for Prevention of Diarrhea and Shedding of Rotavirus.
Prevention and Treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea: A Clinical Pharmacological Approach.
Ulcerative Colitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Bifidobacteria combined with lactobacilli aid in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. They increase the remission rate of the disease. The best evidence of benefit is a specific multi-strain probiotic containing lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and streptococci (VIVOMIXX , formerly VSL#3). An analysis of clinical research shows that taking this product alongside standard treatment for ulcerative colitis can nearly double the remission rates in adults and children with ulcerative colitis compared to standard treatment alone.
Posologie
Oral route
0.9 - 1.8 IU
Children, Adults
Synergies
Impact on the Composition of the Fecal Flora by a New Probiotic Preparation: Preliminary Data on Maintenance Treatment of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.
Effect of Probiotics on Inducing Remission and Maintaining Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, and Pouchitis: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Effect of a Probiotic Preparation (VSL#3) on Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Children with Ulcerative Colitis.
VSL#3 Probiotic-mixture Induces Remission in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis
Gestational Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Most research shows that bifidobacteria combined with lactobacilli are beneficial for women suffering from gestational diabetes. A meta-analysis of clinical research on women with gestational diabetes shows that taking Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improves glycemic indices such as fasting blood sugar and insulin sensitivity compared to placebo. Daily intake of a capsule containing 2 billion CFU per gram of freeze-dried strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum for 6 weeks reduces fasting blood sugar by 5.3 to 9.2 mg/dL and decreases insulin resistance and levels compared to placebo. Limited research suggests that bifidobacteria in combination with lactobacilli are not beneficial for PREVENTING gestational diabetes. A clinical study in overweight and obese women at the 16th or 20th week of gestation shows that taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis (BB-12) at doses above 1 billion CFU per day until the 28th week of gestation does not reduce gestational diabetes compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route
6 IU
6 - weeks
Pregnant women
Synergies
Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles in Gestational Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Probiotics for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Women: Findings From the SPRING Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Probiotic Supplement in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis shows that the use of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in combination with treatment against H. pylori increases the eradication rate by at least 2. They also reduce side effects related to the treatment. Soluble factors from the bifidobacterium breve strain are capable, in vitro, of modulating the inflammatory response by decreasing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by intestinal epithelial cells. This strain thus helps alleviate intestinal inflammation.
Posologie
Oral route
5 - 5 IU
1 - weeks
Adults
Synergies
Mechanisms Involved in Alleviation of Intestinal Inflammation by Bifidobacterium breve Soluble Factors
Meta-analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus-containing and Bifidobacterium-containing Probiotic Compound Preparation in Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy.
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Studies have shown the beneficial effects of probiotics including bifidobacteria on dermatoses. These effects are related to the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of bifidobacteria. Studies indicate that Bifidobacterium lactis intake alleviates the severity of eczema and the levels of serum markers of inflammation. Another clinical study conducted on patients with psoriasis shows that taking a probiotic mix for 8 weeks improves the general symptoms of the disease. The total daily dose was 2.6 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of B. lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Posologie
Oral route
30 - 80 IU
Children, Adults
Synergies
Probiotics in Late Infancy Reduce the Incidence of Eczema: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Probiotic Mix (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) in the Primary Prevention of Eczema: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Probiotic Supplement Reduces Atopic Dermatitis in Preschool Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial
Hypercholesterolemia ✪✪✪✪✪
In a preliminary study, the consumption of fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus helped reduce cholesterol levels, particularly by decreasing LDL levels. Overall, it has been reported that supplementation with the Lactobacillus plantarum Q180 strain has a favorable effect on postprandial lipid metabolism in healthy subjects. Specifically, a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels and Apo B100 is observed. Similarly, blood triglyceride levels are also decreased. This probiotic strain, which regulates the microbiota, could be a functional ingredient for maintaining a good lipid profile.
Posologie
Oral route
4 - weeks
Adults, Women
Synergies
A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial of Lactobacillus acidophilus Plus Bifidobacterium bifidum versus Placebo in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia
Effect of Fermented Milk Containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum on Plasma Lipids of Women with Normal or Moderately Elevated Cholesterol.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum Q180 on Postprandial Lipid Levels and Intestinal Environment: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Trial
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study suggests that consuming lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces redness and inflammation, whether or not related to acne. Oral probiotic treatment decreases serum IL-10 levels in subjects with acne. Thus, probiotic strains might regulate immune and inflammatory response in these subjects. A bacteriocin extracted from the Lactococcus sp. HY 449 strain inhibits the growth of several pathogenic germs involved in skin inflammation and acne without causing allergic reactions or skin irritations.
Posologie
Orally
30 - 60 IU
12 - weeks
Adolescents, Adults
Synergies
Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin
Oral probiotic control skin inflammation by acting on both effector and regulatory T cells
Dietary effect of lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk on skin surface lipid and clinical improvement of acne vulgaris
The potential of probiotics for treating acne vulgaris: A review of literature on acne and microbiota
The Effect of Oral Probiotic on the Interleukin-10 Serum Levels of Acne Vulgaris
Prospective, randomized, open-label trial comparing the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of an acne treatment regimen with and without a probiotic supplement and minocycline in subjects with mild to moderate acne.
Crohn's Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Only a limited number of studies have indicated a role for probiotics in the remission of Crohn's disease. The VIVOMIXX or VSL#3 formula containing a high concentration of eight strains of lactic bacteria - Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum, B. infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus in 40 randomly allocated patients over 3 months of rifaximin followed by 9 months of VSL#3 or 12 months of mesalamine - an anti-inflammatory used to treat certain inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) - also reported prevention of relapse through probiotic treatment. However, a Cochrane systematic review did not advocate a role for probiotics in Crohn's disease based on available evidence. Most studies had a relatively small number of participants with different treatment protocols, probiotic strains, and outcome measures, making comparisons difficult.
Posologie
Orally
0.9 - 1.8 IU
Adults
Synergies
The probiotic VSL#3 has anti-inflammatory effects and could reduce endoscopic recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease
Clinical trial: the microbiological and immunological effects of synbiotic consumption - a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study in active Crohn's disease
Metabolic Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
It is well established that the intestinal microbiota is involved in the development of metabolic diseases. Indeed, it has been found that obese and diabetic patients have an altered microbiota compared to that of healthy subjects, a condition referred to as intestinal dysbiosis. In particular, there is an increase in Firmicutes (harmful bacteria) in the intestinal microbiota of humans. In various mouse models, it has been observed that a high-fat diet leads to a less diverse microbiota, richer in Firmicutes and poorer in beneficial bacteria. Under these conditions, the consumption of probiotics may contribute to treating metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD or "fatty liver disease"). In patients with type 2 diabetes, regular intake of probiotics improves glycemic control and reduces body weight and inflammation. Frequently used alone, the simultaneous administration of several probiotic strains with complementary modes of action could also enhance their effects. Different probiotic species would act in synergy with various effects on the host's metabolism: - Lipid absorption - Sugar digestion - Inflammation regulation (reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-b1 and IL-6 with Bifidobacterium lactis) - Beneficial production of short-chain fatty acids
Posologie
Orally
1 IU
Adults
Synergies
Allergic Rhinitis ✪✪✪✪✪
A double-blind randomized study shows that taking a capsule containing 1.2 billion CFUs of L. gasseri KS-13, 0.15 billion CFUs of B. bifidum G9-1, and 0.15 billion CFUs of B. longum MM-2, totaling 1.5 billion CFUs per capsule, has beneficial effects for healthy adults with self-identified seasonal allergies. This probiotic combination improved the rhinitis-specific quality of life during allergy season in these healthy individuals who declared seasonal allergies.
Posologie
Orally
0.15 IU
8 - weeks
Adults
Synergies
Immune-modulatory effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen: an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Properties
Gastroprotective
Bifidobacteria improve and participate in digestion while facilitating general transit. Bifidobacteria are also interesting for the prevention of ulcers and gastrointestinal inflammation. In animal research, B. lactis strains enhance the integrity of tight junctions and protect against mucosal permeability induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Bifidobacteria are symbiotic bacteria that provide a natural barrier against bacterial infections in the intestine. They produce antibacterial molecules (peptides called bacteriocins) that help fight against certain pathogenic bacteria.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
Bifidobacteria form a natural barrier against infections and have an action of non-specific immune modulation through the stimulation of macrophages and lymphocytes.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Through their immunomodulating actions, bifidobacteria alone or combined with lactobacilli help combat inflammations. More specifically, a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 32 healthy elderly subjects for three weeks, taking a probiotic mix (Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium longum MM2, B. bifidum G9-1) twice a day to observe these properties. Researchers evaluated the interest of this supplementation on several parameters: circulating CD4+ lymphocyte counts, cytokine production, and the shift of the intestinal microbiota towards a healthy bacterial population. Interestingly, taking this high-concentration probiotic formulation maintained CD4+ lymphocytes and reduced the profile of inflammatory cytokines. The hypothesis put forward by researchers is a normalization in microbial communities, which closely resembled those reported in younger, healthy populations.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Bifidobacteria have shown anticancer effects, particularly against colon cancer cells. In a study, it was demonstrated that the secretions of various bifidobacteria species significantly decrease the survival rates of colon cancer cells compared to control groups. This anticancer activity is attributed to the modulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. As a reminder, apoptosis is programmed cell death. A more recent study has examined the role of bifidobacteria in cancer immunotherapy. It suggests that these bacteria can influence the immune system by modulating the activity of dendritic cells, which are crucial for the adaptive immune response. Thus, bifidobacteria can improve the recognition and elimination of cancer cells by the immune system. This interaction between bifidobacteria and the immune system is promising as an adjuvant to cancer immunotherapy.
Antioxidant
The intake of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces oxidative stress in pregnant women by increasing sensitivity to insulin and antioxidant enzymes.
Lipid-lowering
A probiotic mix (lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) reduces LDL cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The probable action mechanism involves the interaction of bifidobacteria with bile salt metabolism, especially through the deconjugation of bile acids and their increased elimination, which leads to a reduction in serum cholesterol.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
A probiotic mix (lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) might improve insulin levels and glycated hemoglobin in diabetic patients. A meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of probiotics for glycemic control in adults with altered glucose control, including prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It included 28 randomized controlled trials with 1947 participants. The results show that probiotics significantly reduce fasting blood glucose in the short and long term. There is also a reduction in HbA1c among participants taking probiotics, although these results are not statistically significant. Probiotics may improve pancreatic beta cell function, thereby increasing insulin production and reducing blood glucose. They can also improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Furthermore, probiotics positively influence gut health and microbiota composition, which may indirectly affect glucose metabolism.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Children aged 1 to 18 years:
Bifidobacteria have been safely used in children, including those under 2 years old, for up to 12 months. A specific combination of probiotics containing strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus has been safely used for one year in children aged 1 to 16 years. Another combined probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis has been safely used for up to 6 months in children aged 3 to 5 years. An additional probiotic combination containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum has been safely used for up to 3 months in children aged 8 to 13 years. For dosages, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pregnant women:
Products containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus have been safely used for 6 weeks from the 24th to the 28th week of gestation. Reliable information on other bifidobacteria strains is insufficient.
Adults aged 18 years and older:
Bifidobacteria have been safely used in clinical trials for a duration of up to one year. For dosages, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antibiotics: moderate interaction
Using antibiotics may reduce the effects of bifidobacteria. Space out by at least two hours.
Precautions
Breastfeeding women: use with caution
There is not enough reliable information on the use of Bifidobacteria during breastfeeding.
Immunodeficiency: use with caution
Bifidobacteria preparations could cause pathogenic colonization in immunocompromised patients. Although this has not occurred specifically with bifidobacteria, there have been rare cases involving other probiotic species such as Lactobacillus. Pathogenic colonization appears to be more likely in severely immunocompromised patients. Use with caution in these conditions.
