Bifidobacterium lactis BA05
Also known as: Bifidobacterium lactis BA05, B. lactis BA05, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BA05
Overview
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BA05 is a specific probiotic bacterial strain belonging to the Bifidobacterium genus, naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to support gastrointestinal health, modulate gut microbiota, and potentially alleviate digestive symptoms. This strain is known for its resilience, demonstrating the ability to survive the harsh conditions of gastrointestinal transit and adhere to the intestinal mucosa. Its mechanism involves modulating the gut microbial ecosystem, contributing to a balanced gut environment. While Bifidobacterium lactis strains in general, such as BB-12, are extensively researched with numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, specific high-quality data for the BA05 strain are somewhat limited. Therefore, much of the understanding regarding its benefits and mechanisms is extrapolated from closely related B. lactis strains, which collectively show moderate to high-quality evidence for improving gastrointestinal symptoms.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium lactis BA05, drawing evidence from closely related strains, offers several benefits for gut health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis supplementation has shown significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, with statistically significant reductions compared to placebo. These strains contribute to a healthier gut microbial balance by increasing beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while simultaneously reducing potentially pathogenic bacteria. This modulation of the gut microbiota is a key mechanism for its beneficial effects. While less robust for BA05 specifically, some evidence suggests immune modulation and a potential reduction in infection rates. Elderly populations may particularly benefit from supplementation due to the age-related decline in natural bifidobacteria levels. Benefits are typically observed after approximately four weeks of consistent daily supplementation, with meta-analyses reporting moderate effect sizes in symptom reduction.
How it works
Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 primarily acts by modulating the gut microbiota composition. It increases the populations of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while suppressing the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria like enterococci. This leads to a more balanced and healthy gut microbial ecosystem. The strain also contributes to the enhancement of intestinal barrier function, which is crucial for preventing the translocation of harmful substances from the gut into the bloodstream. Furthermore, it modulates local immune responses within the gut, influencing the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. As a live microorganism, it is designed to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and bile salts in the small intestine to transiently colonize the colon, where it exerts its effects.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has a strong safety record, particularly in healthy and immunocompetent individuals. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas or bloating, which are reported in a small percentage of individuals (less than 5%). These symptoms are typically transient and resolve with continued use or dose adjustment. There have been no serious adverse events reported in high-quality clinical trials involving B. lactis strains. Rare cases of infection have been noted in severely immunocompromised or critically ill patients, but these are not specific to BA05 and are a general concern with probiotic use in highly vulnerable populations. There are no significant drug interactions documented for Bifidobacterium lactis BA05. However, caution is advised for severely immunocompromised or critically ill patients due to the theoretical risk of bacteremia. The strain is considered safe for use in elderly individuals and children, based on extensive data from related B. lactis strains.
Dosage
For Bifidobacterium lactis BA05, clinical studies with related B. lactis strains typically utilize daily doses ranging from 1 × 10^9 to 4 × 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU). An optimal dosage commonly observed in effective trials is around 1 × 10^10 CFU per day. There is no established upper limit for the maximum safe dose, as doses up to 4 × 10^10 CFU per day have been well tolerated in studies. Daily administration is recommended, often taken with meals to enhance the survival of the live bacteria through the digestive tract. Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 is commonly delivered in various forms, including fermented milk products, capsules, or powders. The formulation's ability to protect the bacteria during gastric passage is crucial for efficacy. While no specific cofactors are required, the presence of prebiotics may further enhance the colonization and beneficial effects of the strain.
FAQs
Is Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 safe for daily use?
Yes, based on extensive safety data from related Bifidobacterium lactis strains, it is considered safe for daily use in healthy individuals without significant adverse effects.
How long does it take to see benefits from Bifidobacterium lactis BA05?
Benefits from consistent daily use of Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 are typically observed within 2 to 4 weeks, as the gut microbiota gradually adjusts.
Can Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 replace antibiotics for gut issues?
No, Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 is a probiotic that supports gut health and microbial balance; it is not a substitute for antibiotics in treating bacterial infections.
Does Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 help with dental caries?
Current scientific evidence does not support a significant benefit of Bifidobacterium lactis BA05 or other Bifidobacterium strains in reducing dental caries or oral pathogens.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34918142/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis found that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis supplementation significantly reduced gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, demonstrating moderate effect sizes. The study highlights the efficacy of this subspecies in improving digestive comfort, though it notes heterogeneity in strains and populations included.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5029483/ – This review, including data from a clinical trial, showed that the BB-12 strain of B. lactis increased beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli counts while reducing enterococci in healthy adults. It supports the role of B. lactis in modulating gut microbial composition, providing indirect evidence for similar effects from BA05.
- https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actaodontologica/article/download/36185/41312/93650 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of Bifidobacterium on dental caries. It concluded that there was no significant effect of Bifidobacterium on reducing Streptococcus mutans or the incidence of caries, indicating no benefit for oral health.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28286561/ – This source likely contributes to the general understanding of Bifidobacterium lactis and its effects, potentially covering aspects of gut health or immune modulation, though specific details require accessing the full article.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This article likely discusses the broader immune-modulating effects of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium strains. It may provide context on how these bacteria interact with the immune system, contributing to the understanding of secondary benefits like infection rate reduction, though not specific to BA05.
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