Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409
Also known as: Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis MB2409, Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis MB2409
Overview
Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis MB2409, commonly known as B. lactis MB2409, is a specific probiotic bacterial strain belonging to the Bifidobacterium genus. Naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract and certain fermented dairy products, it is utilized as a dietary supplement to support a balanced gut microbiota. Its primary applications include improving gastrointestinal health, alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, and modulating immune function, particularly in elderly and pediatric populations. This strain is recognized for its robust ability to survive the harsh conditions of gastrointestinal transit, adhere to the intestinal mucosa, and potentially exert beneficial anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. While research on B. lactis strains broadly is extensive, specific high-quality data on MB2409 alone is more limited, often being included within multi-strain probiotic formulations. However, the evidence base for B. animalis ssp. lactis as a group is strong, with several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409 offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on gastrointestinal health and immune modulation. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating in adults (p < 0.05), indicating moderate effect sizes for symptom relief. Furthermore, meta-analyses suggest that B. lactis strains can enhance cellular immune responses, particularly in healthy elderly subjects, potentially reducing the risk of infections. While specific data for MB2409 is less abundant, these findings are generally extrapolated to the strain given its classification. Secondary benefits include a modest but statistically significant reduction in the severity of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients, although more strain-specific research is needed. Benefits typically manifest after 4-8 weeks of consistent supplementation, aligning with the time required for probiotic colonization and immunomodulatory effects. There is limited evidence for its efficacy in oral health, such as reducing Streptococcus mutans counts or dental caries.
How it works
Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409 exerts its beneficial effects primarily through several mechanisms within the gastrointestinal tract. It modulates the composition of the gut microbiota by competing with pathogenic bacteria for nutrients and adhesion sites, thereby promoting a healthier microbial balance. The strain also contributes to the enhancement of gut barrier function, which is crucial for preventing the translocation of harmful substances from the gut lumen into the bloodstream. Furthermore, B. lactis MB2409 interacts directly with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), influencing local and systemic immune responses. This interaction involves modulating immune cells such as dendritic cells and T-cells in the gut mucosa. The production of beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, also plays a role in supporting epithelial cell function and overall gut health. As a live probiotic, it acts locally in the gut and is not absorbed systemically; its efficacy relies on its ability to survive gastric acid and bile, which MB2409 demonstrates effectively.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409 is generally considered safe (GRAS) with a favorable safety profile. Clinical trials have reported no serious adverse events associated with its use. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas or bloating, particularly during the initial days of supplementation as the gut microbiota adjusts. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include rare, mild allergic reactions. No significant rare adverse events (less than 1%) have been documented. There are no known significant drug interactions with B. lactis MB2409. However, caution is advised when used concurrently with antibiotics, as probiotics should ideally be taken a few hours apart to maintain their viability. Contraindications for B. lactis MB2409 include individuals with severe immunodeficiency or critical illness, due to a theoretical, albeit extremely rare, risk of bacteremia. Based on current evidence, it is considered safe for use in both elderly and pediatric populations.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409 typically ranges from 1 billion (1 x 10^9) to 10 billion (1 x 10^10) Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. Clinical studies have frequently utilized doses within this range, with doses up to 10 billion CFU/day being safely administered. The optimal dosage may vary depending on the specific health indication and the formulation of the supplement. For sustained effects, consistent daily administration is recommended. B. lactis MB2409 can be taken with or without food, though some formulations may suggest specific timing for enhanced survival through the digestive tract. It is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and incorporated into fermented dairy products. The survival of the probiotic through stomach acid can be enhanced by encapsulation or by being delivered within a dairy matrix. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, but the co-administration of prebiotics may further enhance its colonization and beneficial effects in the gut.
FAQs
Is B. lactis MB2409 effective for all gastrointestinal issues?
It primarily shows efficacy for mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain, but its effectiveness for all GI disorders is not established.
Can it be used alongside antibiotics?
Yes, it is generally safe, but to ensure probiotic viability, it's best to take B. lactis MB2409 a few hours apart from antibiotic doses.
How soon will I see results?
Benefits typically begin to appear after approximately 4 weeks of consistent daily use, as the probiotic needs time to colonize and exert its effects.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, current evidence suggests it is safe for pediatric use, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for children.
Does it cause side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and transient, most commonly involving initial gas or bloating as the gut adjusts to the probiotic.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34918142/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis supplementation for gastrointestinal symptoms in adults. It found a statistically significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating, indicating moderate effect sizes. The study highlights the efficacy of this probiotic group, though it notes heterogeneity in strains and populations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This meta-analysis by McFarland analyzed strain-specific probiotic efficacy across various diseases. It concluded that multi-strain mixtures containing B. lactis strains improved Helicobacter pylori eradication rates and other GI outcomes, emphasizing the importance of strain- and disease-specific effects in probiotic interventions.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/10/2501 – This review summarized clinical evidence on Bifidobacterium lactis strains in infants and children, focusing on their safety and mechanisms of action. It concluded that B. lactis strains, including MB2409, are safe and potentially beneficial for immune and gut health in pediatric populations, providing a moderate evidence base.
- https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actaodontologica/article/download/36185/41312/93650 – This source, likely a meta-analysis, suggests that Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation can enhance cellular immune markers in elderly subjects. It also reported no significant adverse events, supporting the safety profile of B. lactis strains for immune support in this demographic.
- https://www.actasdermo.org/en-probiotics-reduce-severity-atopic-dermatitis-articulo-S1578219021002973 – This meta-analysis indicated that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium strains, showed a modest but statistically significant reduction in the severity of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients. While not specific to MB2409, it suggests a potential benefit for this probiotic group in dermatological conditions.
Supplements Containing Bifidobacterium lactis MB2409
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