Bifidobacterium Bifidus R0071
Also known as: Bifidobacterium bifidus R0071, B. bifidum R0071, Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell-71, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071
Overview
Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 is a specific probiotic bacterial strain naturally found in the human gut microbiota. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to bolster immune health and mitigate the incidence and duration of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including common colds and flu. This strain is often incorporated into formulations designed to enhance immune function, particularly in individuals experiencing acute stress or heightened susceptibility to infections. Research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, supports its efficacy in this regard. The scientific evidence for B. bifidum R0071 is considered moderately mature, with consistent findings across multiple studies highlighting its beneficial effects on respiratory health.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered on immune support and respiratory health. It significantly reduces the proportion of participants experiencing at least one day of cold/flu during intervention periods (p < 0.05) and decreases the overall number of cold/flu episodes. There is also a tendency for it to reduce the duration of illness compared to placebo. One notable RCT demonstrated that B. bifidum R0071 led to a greater proportion of healthy days and fewer cold/flu days in academically stressed students, suggesting a protective effect under stress conditions. Furthermore, it may modulate the relationship between psychological stress and susceptibility to respiratory infections. Benefits are observed in healthy adults, including those under academic stress, and potentially in children when combined with prebiotics. Meta-analyses indicate that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium strains, can reduce illness duration by nearly one day and decrease days absent from work or school. These effects are typically observed within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 exerts its beneficial effects primarily by modulating the gut microbiota composition and enhancing mucosal immunity. Upon oral administration, the strain survives gastrointestinal transit and transiently colonizes the gut. Within the gut, it is believed to stimulate innate immune responses, leading to an increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. It also contributes to improving the barrier function of the gut mucosa, which can reduce systemic susceptibility to infections. Additionally, its interaction with the gut-brain axis may play a role in influencing stress-related immune modulation, thereby mitigating the impact of psychological stress on immune function and susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 is generally considered safe for consumption, with clinical trials in healthy adults and children reporting no significant adverse effects. Any reported side effects are typically mild and transient, primarily involving minor gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas in a small subset of users. No serious adverse events, contraindications, or significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed literature. This high safety profile makes it a well-tolerated supplement for immune support. However, as with any supplement, individuals with compromised immune systems or severe underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
The effective daily dosage of Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, as established in clinical trials, typically ranges from 1×10^9 to 1×10^10 colony-forming units (CFU). This dose is administered orally, usually once daily. To observe significant benefits on respiratory infection outcomes, supplementation duration commonly spans 4 to 6 weeks. The optimal dosing strategy may also be influenced by the specific formulation, with co-administration alongside prebiotics potentially enhancing colonization and overall efficacy. While no specific upper limit has been established for safety, adhering to the recommended dosage range from clinical studies is advised for optimal results and to minimize the potential for mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
FAQs
Is it safe for children?
Yes, B. bifidum R0071 has been shown to support immunity in children, especially when combined with prebiotics, without reported adverse effects.
How quickly does it work?
Benefits are generally observed within a few weeks, typically 4 to 6 weeks, of consistent daily supplementation.
Can it prevent colds entirely?
While it significantly reduces the incidence and duration of colds and flu, it does not guarantee complete prevention of all infections.
Is it effective under stress?
Yes, evidence suggests it can mitigate the increased susceptibility to respiratory infections often associated with psychological stress.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/bifidobacterium-bifidum-r0071-results-in-a-greater-proportion-of-healthy-days-and-a-lower-percentage-of-academically-stressed-students-reporting-a-day-of-coldflu-a-randomised-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-study/897D9E0E486BB1F3BAF3A0786AF2CCBE – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of B. bifidum R0071 in academically stressed adults. It found that supplementation significantly reduced the incidence and number of cold/flu episodes, leading to a greater proportion of healthy days and modulating the stress-illness relationship.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9776651/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized data from multiple RCTs on probiotics, including Bifidobacterium strains, for respiratory tract infections. It concluded that probiotics reduce the risk ratio for RTI incidence and duration, demonstrating moderate effect sizes across various populations and strains.
- https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/professionals/latest-research/general-health/bifidobacterium-bifidum-rosell-71-reduces-colds – This summary references meta-analysis findings, indicating that B. bifidum Rosell-71 (R0071) reduced days of illness and absenteeism in adults and children. It highlights the strain's benefits in reducing the burden of respiratory infections, particularly in adults.
Supplements Containing Bifidobacterium Bifidus R0071
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