Bifidobacterium Animalis Ssp Lactis Lafti B94
Also known as: B. animalis ssp. lactis Lafti B94, probiotic strain of Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94
Overview
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 is a specific probiotic bacterial strain naturally found in the human gut and fermented dairy products. It is utilized as a dietary supplement primarily to support gastrointestinal (GI) health. Its main applications include alleviating GI symptoms, enhancing the integrity of the gut barrier, and positively influencing the composition of the gut microbiota. This strain is known for its resilience, capable of surviving the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and bile salts to effectively colonize the intestines, thereby contributing to a balanced microbial ecosystem. While research on B. lactis strains in general is extensive, specific data for Lafti B94 is emerging, with evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy in GI symptom management and gut microbiota modulation.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly in gastrointestinal health. Primary effects include a significant reduction in GI symptoms such as nausea, belching, vomiting, and overall GI discomfort, especially during periods of physical stress or training. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) with daily doses of ≥3.9 × 10^9 CFU over 90 days. While direct evidence for Lafti B94 on constipation is limited, related B. lactis strains (e.g., HN019) have shown improvements in constipation symptoms, including reduced intestinal transit time and increased bowel movement frequency. Secondary benefits include the modulation of gut microbiota diversity and composition, leading to an increase in beneficial bacterial populations and a reduction in dysbiosis, as observed in animal models using synbiotic combinations. Potential immune modulation and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity are also inferred from studies on closely related B. lactis strains. These benefits have been observed in healthy adults undergoing physical training, and related strains have shown efficacy in elderly populations and in animal models of constipation. Benefits typically manifest after 30 to 90 days of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 exerts its beneficial effects through several mechanisms. It enhances gut barrier function by maintaining the integrity of tight junctions between intestinal cells, which helps prevent the leakage of toxins and pathogens into the bloodstream. The strain also competes with harmful pathogens for adhesion sites on the intestinal lining, thereby reducing their colonization. It modulates host immune responses, potentially reducing inflammation and bolstering the body's defense against infections. Furthermore, Lafti B94 produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of dietary fibers. These SCFAs are crucial for gut health, influencing gut motility and potentially impacting the gut-brain axis, possibly through serotonin signaling pathways. The strain's ability to survive gastric acidity and bile salts ensures its effective delivery and colonization in the colon, where it can alter gut microbiota composition by increasing microbial diversity and promoting beneficial bacterial taxa.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. The most common side effects, though rare, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment. There are no significant drug interactions reported for Lafti B94, except for a potential reduction in efficacy when taken concurrently with antibiotics. It is recommended to separate the administration of probiotics and antibiotics by at least two hours to maintain probiotic viability. No specific contraindications have been identified for Lafti B94; however, caution is advised for severely immunocompromised individuals due to the theoretical risk of infection associated with any probiotic use. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use, although probiotics are generally considered safe during these periods. Overall, the safety profile is favorable for healthy individuals.
Dosage
Effective dosages for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 typically range from approximately 3.9 × 10^9 to 4.3 × 10^9 Colony Forming Units (CFU) daily, based on findings from clinical studies. To observe significant benefits, a supplementation duration of at least 30 to 90 days is commonly recommended. The timing of probiotic intake can influence its efficacy; specifically, when taken with antibiotics, it is crucial to separate the doses by at least two hours to prevent the antibiotics from inactivating the probiotic bacteria. Lafti B94 is available in various formulations, including capsules, powders, and incorporated into fermented foods, with no specific form having demonstrated superior efficacy. It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended dosage or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for specific health conditions.
FAQs
Is B. lactis Lafti B94 safe for long-term use?
Yes, current evidence from clinical trials supports the safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 for prolonged use in healthy adults without reported serious adverse effects.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and other benefits may be observed within 1 to 3 months of consistent daily supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94.
Can it be taken with antibiotics?
Yes, but to ensure optimal efficacy, it is recommended to separate the intake of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Lafti B94 from antibiotics by at least two hours.
Is it effective for constipation?
While direct evidence for Lafti B94 specifically is limited, related B. lactis strains have shown efficacy in improving bowel movements and reducing intestinal transit time, suggesting potential benefits for constipation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9517237/ – This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) investigated the effects of Lafti B94 (≥3.9×10^9 CFU) on physically active adults over 90 days. It found a significant reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, belching, and vomiting during training, indicating its potential for improving GI comfort in this population.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34918142/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized data from multiple RCTs on B. lactis supplementation for adults with GI symptoms. It concluded that B. lactis strains generally improve GI symptoms, supporting the broader efficacy of this species, though specific data for Lafti B94 was limited within the pooled analysis.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1520296/full – This animal RCT, using a B. lactis strain (BL-99) in combination with FOS, demonstrated increased gut microbial diversity and improved constipation markers in constipated mice. While preclinical, it provides mechanistic insight into how B. lactis strains can modulate gut microbiota and improve gut function.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.790561/full – This review discusses the general mechanisms of action for Bifidobacterium lactis strains, including their role in enhancing gut barrier function, modulating immune responses, and producing short-chain fatty acids. It provides a comprehensive overview of how these probiotics contribute to gut health and overall well-being.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-891/bifidobacterium-animalis-subsp-lactis – This source provides general information on Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, covering its common uses, potential side effects, and interactions. It highlights the overall safety profile and practical considerations for its use as a dietary supplement.
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