Bifidobacterium lactis SD150
Also known as: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150, Bifidobacterium lactis SD150
Overview
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150 is a specific strain of probiotic bacteria, which are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts. This strain is a subspecies of Bifidobacterium animalis, commonly referred to as Bifidobacterium lactis, and is naturally found in the human gut and certain fermented dairy products. It is primarily used to support gut health, modulate immune function, and improve digestive comfort, especially in infants and children. Research indicates its ability to modulate gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bifidobacteria and reducing potentially harmful bacteria. While the broader species Bifidobacterium lactis has extensive research, studies specifically on the SD150 strain are more limited but supportive, often extrapolating from closely related strains. It is well-studied for its safety and efficacy in pediatric populations and demonstrates strain-specific effects on gut microbiota modulation.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150 offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on gut health and microbiota modulation. It significantly increases fecal bifidobacteria counts and reduces the presence of potentially harmful bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium spp. in infants, as shown in randomized controlled trials. This leads to improved gut microbiota composition and can alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and improve stool consistency. While less robust, some evidence also suggests its role in immune modulation. The most significant benefits are observed in infants and children, including preterm infants, where it supports gut health and microbiota development. The effects on microbiota changes are statistically significant, with benefits observed within days to weeks of supplementation and persisting during the duration of use. The quality of evidence is good for general Bifidobacterium lactis effects, with supportive but more limited data specifically for the SD150 strain.
How it works
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150 primarily acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Its main mechanism involves modulating the gut microbiota by competing with pathogenic bacteria for nutrients and adhesion sites on the intestinal lining. This competition helps to suppress the growth of undesirable bacteria while promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as other bifidobacteria. Beyond direct competition, it also interacts with the host's immune system. It stimulates local and systemic immune responses through interactions with gut-associated lymphoid tissue, potentially involving molecular targets like Toll-like receptors (TLRs), dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells. Since it is not absorbed systemically, its effects are confined to the gut, where it influences both the microbial environment and the gut-immune axis.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for most populations, particularly infants and children. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of individuals, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include rare reports of mild allergic reactions. Very rare side effects (less than 1%) have included cases of bacteremia in severely immunocompromised individuals, though this has not been reported in healthy populations. There are no significant drug interactions reported with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150. However, it is contraindicated for severely immunocompromised individuals unless under strict medical supervision due to the theoretical risk of systemic infection. While safe for infants and children, data on its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women are limited, and caution is advised in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SD150 specifically is not firmly established, but general Bifidobacterium lactis doses range from 1–10 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day in infants and children. This range is also considered the optimal dosage for pediatric populations. For adults, data are limited, but similar or higher doses may be used, though specific recommendations for SD150 are lacking. There is no established maximum safe dose; however, doses up to 50 billion CFU/day of other Bifidobacterium lactis strains have been used safely in adults. The timing of administration does not significantly affect efficacy, and it can be taken with or without food. It is commonly available in powder or capsule forms, and it is crucial to ensure the product specifies the live bacteria count. For efficacy, the bacteria must remain viable until they reach the gut, so proper storage and handling are essential. No specific cofactors are required, though prebiotics may enhance its efficacy.
FAQs
How should I store Bifidobacterium lactis SD150?
To maintain the viability of the live bacteria, it should be stored as directed on the product label, often requiring refrigeration. Proper storage ensures the bacteria remain active and effective.
Can Bifidobacterium lactis SD150 be given to infants?
Yes, Bifidobacterium lactis SD150 is considered safe for infants and children. It can be mixed with food or liquid for easy administration, and most research supports its use in pediatric populations.
When is the best time to take Bifidobacterium lactis SD150?
There is no specific best time to take Bifidobacterium lactis SD150; it can be taken with or without food. Consistency in daily intake is more important for achieving the desired benefits.
What results can I expect from taking Bifidobacterium lactis SD150?
You can expect improvements in gut microbiota composition, including increased beneficial bifidobacteria and reduced harmful bacteria. This may lead to reduced gastrointestinal discomfort and potentially enhanced immune function.
Are all probiotic strains the same?
No, not all probiotic strains are the same. Probiotic efficacy is highly strain- and dose-specific. The benefits observed with Bifidobacterium lactis SD150 may not apply to other probiotic strains or even other Bifidobacterium lactis strains.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20543719/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation in preterm infants. It found that supplementation significantly increased fecal bifidobacteria counts and reduced potentially harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium spp., demonstrating safety and good tolerability. While not all studies specifically used the SD150 strain, the findings support the general benefits of Bifidobacterium lactis in this vulnerable population.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/10/2501 – This clinical review summarizes evidence regarding the use of Bifidobacterium lactis in infants and children. It concludes that Bifidobacterium lactis is safe and effective for promoting gut health and modulating microbiota in these age groups. The review highlights the importance of probiotics in pediatric care, though it notes that specific data on the SD150 strain are limited, with most evidence derived from related strains.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis emphasizes the critical importance of strain specificity in probiotic efficacy. It argues that pooling different probiotic strains can lead to misleading conclusions and highlights that Bifidobacterium lactis is among the strains with demonstrated benefits. The study underscores that the observed effects of probiotics are highly dependent on the specific strain and dose used, reinforcing the need for strain-specific research.
Recommended Articles
Top Ingredients for Optimal Gut Health
Fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, hydration, and fermented foods are crucial for maintaining healthy digestion and gut function.
Best Probiotic Strains & CFU for Health
Certain probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with CFU counts ranging from 1 billion for general wellness to 100 billion for conditions like IBS, are most beneficial.
Best Probiotic Strains for Your Health Goals
Certain probiotic strains offer targeted benefits for digestive health, immune support, weight management, and mental health.
Probiotics for IBS: Efficacy and Safety Insights
Probiotics significantly improve IBS symptoms and quality of life, with efficacy depending on the strain.