Bifidobacterium Breve Pxn 25
Also known as: B. breve PXN 25, Bifidobacterium breve PXN25, Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25
Overview
Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25 is a probiotic strain of bacteria naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is commonly used in probiotic supplements to support gut health and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This strain is often included in multi-strain probiotic formulations and administered in capsule form, with doses typically measured in billions of colony-forming units (CFU). Research suggests that B. breve PXN 25 can survive gastrointestinal transit and transiently colonize the gut, contributing to its beneficial effects. Studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, have investigated its effects, especially in the context of IBS. While many studies use multi-strain blends, the available evidence supports its role in improving gut health and managing IBS symptoms.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25 has demonstrated benefits primarily in improving symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and stool consistency. A 2019 systematic review showed significant symptom improvement in IBS patients receiving multi-strain probiotics containing B. breve PXN 25, with reductions in IBS severity scores and increased symptom-free days. Enhanced quality of life (QoL) measures have also been observed in IBS patients. Secondary effects include modulation of fecal microbiota composition, with increased abundance of supplemented Bifidobacterium species. Some evidence suggests potential maintenance of symptom improvement after cessation of probiotic use, indicating lasting gut microbiota modulation. These benefits are primarily studied in adults with IBS, including diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).
How it works
Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25 exerts its effects through several biological pathways. It modulates gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, enhancing intestinal barrier function and reducing gut permeability. The strain interacts with the host immune system to reduce low-grade inflammation associated with IBS. Its mechanisms involve influencing tight junction proteins in the intestinal epithelium, modulating immune signaling pathways (e.g., cytokine modulation), and producing microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. As a live bacterium, B. breve PXN 25 is not absorbed but colonizes the gut transiently to exert local effects, influencing gut-brain axis signaling and visceral sensitivity.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25 is generally regarded as safe, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas or bloating, particularly at the beginning of supplementation. Uncommon side effects, reported in 1-5% of users, may include rare mild allergic reactions. No significant rare adverse events have been documented in high-quality studies. There are no known significant interactions with medications. Caution is advised in immunocompromised individuals or those with severe underlying illnesses due to a theoretical risk of infection. Limited data are available for pregnant women, infants (outside of natural colonization), and the elderly; while generally considered safe, more research is needed for these populations.
Dosage
Studies often use multi-strain probiotic doses totaling around 8 × 10^9 CFU daily, including B. breve PXN 25 as part of the blend. There is no specific established dose for PXN 25 alone; typical probiotic formulations contain billions of CFU per day. No established upper limit exists, but doses in clinical trials up to 10^10 CFU daily are well-tolerated. It is usually administered twice daily with meals to enhance survival through gastric acid. The standard form is a capsule, but freeze-dried powders are also used. Survival through stomach acid and bile is critical, and formulations often include protective coatings. No specific cofactors are required, but prebiotics may enhance colonization and efficacy.
FAQs
Is Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25 safe for long-term use?
Yes, clinical trials lasting up to several months have demonstrated a good safety profile for B. breve PXN 25.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Symptom improvement typically occurs after 4-12 weeks of consistent use of B. breve PXN 25.
Can it be used alone or only in blends?
Most evidence comes from multi-strain blends including PXN 25; isolated effects are less studied, but it is generally used in blends.
Does it cure IBS?
It alleviates symptoms of IBS but is not a cure; benefits vary among individuals using B. breve PXN 25.
Are there any known interactions with antibiotics?
Antibiotics may reduce probiotic viability; timing supplementation away from antibiotics is recommended when using B. breve PXN 25.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6769995/ – This systematic review included RCTs with multi-strain probiotics containing B. breve PXN 25 in IBS patients. The review found significant improvement in IBS symptom severity scores and increased symptom-free days compared to placebo, as well as improved QoL. However, the multi-strain formulations prevent attribution of effects solely to PXN 25.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/228453-effectiveness-of-probiotic-use-in-alleviating-symptoms-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-a-systematic-review – This systematic review examined the effectiveness of probiotics, including strains like B. breve PXN 25, in alleviating IBS symptoms. The review found compelling evidence for symptom improvement, especially in bloating and abdominal pain. The authors noted the heterogeneity of probiotic strains and doses as a limitation.
- https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/UserFiles/file/guidelines/probiotics-and-prebiotics-english-2023.pdf – The World Gastroenterology Organisation guidelines provide a meta-analysis and systematic review supporting the use of B. breve PXN 25, among other strains, for colic and IBS symptom management. The guidelines indicate statistically significant symptom relief in IBS and infant colic. The authors acknowledge variability in study designs and probiotic formulations as limitations.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/4/3081 – This study investigates the effects of probiotics on gut health. It provides insights into the mechanisms through which probiotics like Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25 can influence the gut microbiota and immune responses, contributing to overall well-being.
- https://www.byronherbalist.com.au/bacterial-infection/probiotics-in-ibs/ – This resource discusses the role of probiotics in managing IBS symptoms. It highlights how specific strains, including Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25, can help alleviate symptoms and improve gut health by modulating the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.
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