Bifidobacterium breve LPO3
Also known as: Bifidobacterium breve LPO3, probiotic bifidobacteria, Bifidobacterium breve
Overview
Bifidobacterium breve is a species of Gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria naturally residing in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly abundant in infants. The LPO3 strain is a specific variant studied for its probiotic properties. Probiotics like B. breve are primarily utilized to support gut health, modulate immune responses, and potentially alleviate various pediatric and adult health conditions. Research on B. breve strains is moderately developed, with numerous preclinical and clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), though strain-specific evidence can vary. Systematic reviews often consider B. breve alongside other probiotic strains, with emerging data highlighting specific strain benefits. Its role in maintaining gut homeostasis and influencing systemic health makes it a valuable subject in probiotic research.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium breve strains have demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. They are effective in preventing and treating pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, notably reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, especially when combined with Lactobacillus casei. This benefit is supported by randomized controlled trials showing statistically significant reductions in NEC. Certain B. breve strains, such as MRx0004, have exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of severe asthma, reducing lung infiltration of inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential in respiratory inflammatory conditions, though human data are currently lacking. Emerging, albeit limited, evidence suggests that the B-3 strain of B. breve may contribute to modest weight reduction and improved body composition in humans. Additionally, preliminary studies indicate potential neuroprotective roles in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but these findings are early-stage and require robust clinical validation. Preterm infants are a key population benefiting from NEC prevention, while individuals with inflammatory airway diseases or metabolic syndrome may benefit from specific strains.
How it works
Bifidobacterium breve primarily exerts its beneficial effects through several key mechanisms. It modulates the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting a healthier balance of beneficial bacteria. It also enhances intestinal barrier function, which is crucial for preventing the translocation of harmful substances from the gut into the bloodstream. Furthermore, B. breve interacts with host immune pathways, influencing the body's immune responses. Specifically, it has been shown to induce the expression of REGIII-γ, a C-type lectin vital for gut homeostasis and mucosal defense. Its anti-inflammatory actions are mediated by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, thereby reducing the migration of neutrophils and infiltration of eosinophils. While the exact mechanisms for its metabolic effects are not fully elucidated, it may influence pathways related to fat storage and energy expenditure.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium breve strains are generally considered safe and well-tolerated in both infants and adults. Adverse effects are rare and typically mild, primarily limited to minor gastrointestinal symptoms such as temporary bloating or gas. High-quality randomized controlled trials have not consistently reported any serious adverse events or contraindications associated with its use. There are no significant drug interactions that have been documented. However, as with all probiotics, caution is advised when administering B. breve to severely immunocompromised patients due to a theoretical risk of bacteremia, although this is extremely rare. No specific safety warnings beyond this general precaution are widely recognized. Overall, its safety profile is favorable, making it a suitable supplement for a broad range of individuals.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Bifidobacterium breve varies depending on the specific strain and the intended therapeutic indication. For the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, doses typically range from 10^8 to 10^9 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. For other potential benefits, such as weight management or anti-inflammatory effects, human dosing data are more limited but generally fall within the range of 10^9 to 10^10 CFU per day. Probiotics should be administered orally, and taking them with food can enhance the survival of the bacteria through the acidic environment of the stomach. While there is no established maximum safe dose, doses exceeding 10^10 CFU per day are generally considered safe. B. breve is available in various formulations, including capsules, powders, and liquid suspensions, allowing for flexible administration.
FAQs
Is B. breve LPO3 effective for gut health?
Evidence supports B. breve strains in improving gut homeostasis and preventing NEC in infants. While LPO3-specific data are limited, its effects are likely similar to other B. breve strains.
Is it safe for infants?
Yes, B. breve is considered safe for infants, particularly for NEC prevention in preterm infants, with a favorable safety profile observed in clinical trials.
How long before effects are seen?
Effects on gut health, such as improved digestion, may be observed within days to weeks. Metabolic effects, like weight management, typically require longer, often weeks to months of consistent supplementation.
Can it cause infections?
Infections caused by B. breve are extremely rare, especially in immunocompetent individuals. Caution is advised only for severely immunocompromised patients.
Should it be taken with antibiotics?
Yes, probiotics can be taken alongside antibiotics to help mitigate antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis. It's advisable to stagger the timing of probiotic and antibiotic doses to maximize bacterial survival.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6265827/ – This review by Cionci et al. (2018) highlights the role of Bifidobacterium breve strains in pediatric pathologies, demonstrating their ability to induce REGIII-γ in gut mucosa and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in severe asthma mouse models. It underscores the potential of B. breve as a therapeutic agent, though it notes the lack of human data for asthma.
- https://examine.com/research-feed/study/dnrBEd/ – Examine.com's summary (2023) indicates that preliminary human studies suggest the B-3 strain of Bifidobacterium breve may assist with weight loss and improve body composition. However, it emphasizes that these findings require confirmation through larger, well-powered randomized controlled trials with clear effect sizes and controls.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6927028/ – The systematic review and meta-analysis by Xiao et al. (2019), while broadly focused on probiotics in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), supports the superiority of probiotics over placebo in improving liver function and metabolic parameters. Although not strain-specific, this provides indirect evidence supporting the metabolic benefits of probiotics, including B. breve.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20980486/ – A double-blind randomized controlled trial by Braga et al. (2011) involving preterm infants demonstrated that oral supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei significantly reduced the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (Bell’s stage ≥ 2) compared to placebo. This study had proper controls and showed clinical relevance in neonatal care.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/391 – Recent research by Reiriz et al. (2025) suggests that Bifidobacterium breve may possess neuroprotective effects relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. This study represents early-stage findings based on limited clinical data, indicating a promising but nascent area of research for B. breve.
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