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Bifidobacterium Animalis Lactis Hn019

Also known as: *B. lactis* HN019, *Bifidobacterium lactis* HN019, *Bifidobacterium animalis* subsp. *lactis* HN019

Overview

*Bifidobacterium animalis* subsp. *lactis* HN019 is a well-established probiotic strain primarily found in fermented dairy products, notably yogurt. Recognized for its beneficial properties in supporting gut health, enhancing immune responses, and improving bowel movements, this strain shows exceptional tolerance to low pH and bile salts, which facilitates its survival through the gastrointestinal tract. Extensive research has demonstrated its efficacy in diverse populations, including infants, adults, and the elderly. The evidence base is robust, featuring numerous high-quality clinical trials and systematic reviews that largely support its health benefits.

Benefits

*B. lactis* HN019 has several well-documented benefits. It significantly reduces the incidence of diarrhea, especially in high-risk populations, as shown in studies conducted in regions prone to gastrointestinal infections. In terms of immune response, supplementation has been shown to enhance phagocytic activity in elderly individuals, improving immune defenses against pathogens. Benefits are not limited to gut health; intriguing evidence suggests potential systemic health advantages, such as mitigating the effects of periodontitis. Overall, the observed benefits manifest in both short-term and long-term dietary interventions, underscoring its versatility as a probiotic.

How it works

*B. lactis* HN019 functions primarily by competing with pathogens and maintaining gut barrier integrity through the modulation of tight junctions. It regulates immune responses by enhancing phagocytosis and serves as a moderator of immune markers such as IgA. Additionally, it influences gut motility, possibly through interactions involving the gut-brain axis and the production of short-chain fatty acids, contributing to overall improvements in gastrointestinal health.

Side effects

*B. lactis* HN019 is generally safe and well-tolerated across various age groups. Common side effects may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and gas but occur in less than 5% of users and are not consistently significant. No uncommon or serious side effects have been noted. While drug interactions are not prevalent, caution is recommended for immunocompromised individuals. Overall, the strain can be safely used by infants, toddlers, adults, and the elderly, although individual health conditions should be taken into account.

Dosage

Efficacy has been demonstrated at dosages ranging from 1.0 × 10^9 CFU to 17.2 × 10^9 CFU per day. Clinical trials often use around 4.69 × 10^9 CFU/day, achieving favorable results. There is no established maximum safe dose, but tolerability is high, even at upper limits. The strain can be consumed at any time, though consistent daily intake is recommended for optimal results. It is available in various forms, such as capsules and powders, which can influence absorption due to high tolerance to stomach acids.

FAQs

Is *B. lactis* HN019 safe for everyone?

Generally, yes! It is safe for infants to the elderly, but immunocompromised individuals should use caution.

When should I take it?

You can take *B. lactis* HN019 at any time of day, but consistency is key for the best results.

What benefits can I expect?

Users often experience improvements in gut health, enhanced immune function, and better bowel movements, though results vary.

Can it cure gastrointestinal issues?

No, it is not a cure-all but can support gut health and overall wellness when used as directed.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.790561/full – This systematic review emphasizes the role of *B. lactis* HN019 in maintaining gut health and enhancing immune function, presenting high-quality evidence from various studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34970580/ – A randomized clinical trial which assessed bowel movement metrics showed that while *B. lactis* HN019 was administered, no significant differences in spontaneous bowel movements were noted compared to placebo, indicating specific conditions may limit its effectiveness.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824333 – A high-quality meta-analysis demonstrating improved immune function in healthy elderly subjects through supplementation with *B. lactis* HN019, highlighting increased phagocytic capacity as a key outcome.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314022377_The_Effect_of_Bifidobacterium_animalis_ssp_lactis_HN019_on_Cellular_Immune_Function_in_Healthy_Elderly_Subjects_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis – Another systematic review confirms the immune-enhancing effects of *B. lactis* HN019 in elderly populations, asserting the benefits of continuous supplementation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jre.13163 – This research article provides insights into the mechanism of action of *B. lactis* HN019, detailing its biological pathways and interactions promoting gut health.