Bifidobacterium infantis BI02
Also known as: Bifidobacterium infantis, B. infantis, Bifidobacterium infantis BI02, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis
Overview
Bifidobacterium infantis is a species of anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly prevalent in the intestines of infants. It is widely used as a probiotic supplement to modulate gut microbiota. Its primary uses include the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. There is also emerging research on its potential role in metabolic conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This probiotic is characterized by its strain-specific immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, its ability to colonize the gut, and its influence on gut barrier function. Research on B. infantis is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses available, especially for strains like B. infantis 35624 and BI02, supporting its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium infantis offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in specific populations. In preterm infants, supplementation with B. infantis significantly reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis, leading to improved survival and gut health outcomes. This benefit is supported by high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses, indicating a statistically significant reduction in NEC risk. For adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), specifically with the B. infantis 35624 strain at a daily dose of 1 × 10^8 CFU, there is strong evidence from a large multicenter RCT demonstrating significant reductions in abdominal pain, bloating, and overall symptom severity, alongside improvements in quality of life. These effects are clinically meaningful, with symptom relief typically observed within four weeks. Secondary effects include potential modulation of systemic inflammation and insulin resistance markers in metabolic diseases like NAFLD, though this evidence is preliminary and requires further validation. The benefits are particularly pronounced in preterm infants for NEC prevention and in adult women with IBS.
How it works
Bifidobacterium infantis primarily exerts its effects by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, enhancing the integrity of the gut barrier, and reducing intestinal inflammation. As a live probiotic, it colonizes the gut rather than being absorbed systemically. Its mechanism involves interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells, such as dendritic cells and T cells, promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and influencing local cytokine profiles. This action primarily impacts the gastrointestinal immune system, contributing to a reduction in systemic immune responses. The viability and successful colonization of the gut depend on the specific strain and its formulation, with encapsulated forms often improving survival through the digestive tract.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium infantis is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has a strong safety record in both infants and adults. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which may occur initially as the gut adjusts. Uncommon side effects, reported in 1-5% of individuals, include rare mild allergic reactions. Very rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of cases, involve instances of bacteremia or sepsis, primarily observed in severely immunocompromised or critically ill patients. There are no significant known drug interactions, but caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants. Contraindications include severe immunodeficiency or critical illness, where use should only be under strict medical supervision. While generally safe for preterm infants under clinical guidance, monitoring is recommended for severely ill or immunocompromised individuals to mitigate the very low risk of systemic infection.
Dosage
For adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the minimum effective dose of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has been established at 1 × 10^8 CFU daily. Optimal dosage ranges observed in clinical trials typically fall between 1 × 10^8 and 1 × 10^10 CFU daily; doses outside this range may be less consistently effective. The maximum safe dose used in trials is up to 1 × 10^10 CFU daily, with no established toxicity at these levels. For IBS, daily administration for at least 4 weeks is recommended to observe benefits. In preterm infants, early initiation post-birth is critical for efficacy in preventing NEC. Encapsulated freeze-dried formulations are often recommended as they enhance viability and improve delivery of the live bacteria to the gut by protecting them from gastric acid and bile. While no specific cofactors are required, the presence of prebiotic fibers may support better colonization.
FAQs
Is B. infantis BI02 safe for infants?
Yes, B. infantis, including strains like BI02, has a strong safety profile and is particularly beneficial in preterm infants for reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis.
How long does it take to see benefits?
For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, improvements are typically observed within 4 weeks of consistent daily supplementation with B. infantis.
Can it be taken with antibiotics?
While generally safe, probiotics may be less effective when taken concurrently with antibiotics. It is often advisable to time supplementation after antibiotic treatment to maximize efficacy.
Does strain specificity matter?
Yes, the benefits of probiotics are highly strain-specific. Different strains of B. infantis, such as 35624 and BI02, have distinct evidence bases and may offer different benefits.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37460707/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs found that Bifidobacterium infantis supplementation significantly reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis in preterm infants, improving survival outcomes. The study highlights the robust evidence supporting its use in this vulnerable population.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16863564/ – This multicenter randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 at a dose of 1 × 10^8 CFU daily significantly improved abdominal pain, bloating, and overall symptom severity in adult patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) compared to placebo. The study provides strong evidence for its efficacy in IBS management.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis emphasizes the importance of strain- and disease-specific efficacy in probiotics. It confirms that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 is effective in managing IBS symptoms, underscoring that not all probiotic strains offer the same benefits for a given condition.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6927028/ – This article discusses the potential of Bifidobacterium infantis to modulate systemic inflammation and insulin resistance markers, particularly in metabolic diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While the evidence is preliminary, it suggests a broader therapeutic potential beyond gastrointestinal disorders.
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