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Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347

Also known as: B. longum CECT 7347, Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347

Overview

Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 is a specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum, a beneficial bacterium naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is utilized as a probiotic supplement to enhance intestinal health, modulate immune responses, and potentially alleviate symptoms of certain gastrointestinal and allergic conditions. Research on this strain encompasses both live and heat-treated (non-viable) forms, with studies exploring its functional properties beyond traditional probiotic effects. The evidence base includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some systematic reviews/meta-analyses, although the literature specifically on CECT 7347 is less extensive compared to other B. longum strains. It is categorized as a probiotic bacterial strain, commonly used for gut health and immune modulation.

Benefits

Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 offers several potential benefits, primarily centered on improving intestinal health and immune modulation. Evidence suggests it may reduce inflammation and support gut barrier function. In pediatric populations, it has shown potential in alleviating symptoms of atopic dermatitis when used as part of broader probiotic interventions, though specific data for CECT 7347 is limited and indirect. Animal studies, such as those in adult cats, indicate that supplementation with heat-treated B. longum CECT 7347 combined with fibers can improve intestinal health markers. Furthermore, heat-treated (non-viable) forms of CECT 7347 exhibit functional properties like antioxidant effects and the ability to modulate gut microbiota composition. While most research on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) focuses on other B. longum strains (e.g., 35624), the therapeutic potential of the species suggests possible applications for CECT 7347. Clinical improvements in related probiotic studies are typically observed over weeks to months of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 exerts its effects primarily within the gut. It modulates the gut microbiota composition by enhancing the populations of beneficial bacteria. This probiotic strain influences the immune system by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reducing pro-inflammatory mediators. It also supports the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which can potentially decrease allergen penetration and systemic inflammation. Its mechanism involves interaction with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and modulation of T regulatory cells and cytokine profiles. As a probiotic, it acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract rather than being absorbed systemically. Heat-treated (non-viable) forms may exert their effects through bacterial cell components, rather than requiring live colonization.

Side effects

Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 is generally regarded as safe, consistent with other Bifidobacterium strains used as probiotics. Common side effects, if any, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which are occasionally reported with probiotics in general. No significant adverse events have been reported in high-quality trials specifically for this strain. There are no known significant drug interactions. Contraindications include caution in severely immunocompromised patients, although heat-treated forms may offer a safer alternative for this population as they do not involve live bacteria. For pediatric use, while specific safety data for CECT 7347 is limited, it is generally supported in some probiotic formulations, and no specific concerns have been reported.

Dosage

Specific dosing for Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 varies, but typical probiotic doses range from 10^8 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day for live bacteria. Clinical trials are still needed to define the exact optimal dosage for CECT 7347 for specific conditions. No toxicity has been reported at commonly used doses, and there is no established maximum safe dose. It is usually administered daily. The timing relative to meals may influence the survival of live forms through gastric acid, but this is not well-defined for this specific strain. CECT 7347 is available as both live probiotic preparations and heat-treated non-viable forms. For live forms, survival through stomach acid and bile is crucial for efficacy, while heat-treated forms exert their effects through different mechanisms.

FAQs

Is Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 effective for atopic dermatitis?

Probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium species, have shown benefit for pediatric atopic dermatitis. However, specific evidence for CECT 7347's direct efficacy in this condition is limited and indirect.

Can heat-treated CECT 7347 be used instead of live probiotics?

Yes, heat-treated forms of CECT 7347 have demonstrated functional benefits, such as antioxidant properties and gut health improvements, and may offer a safer option for certain populations.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Clinical improvements from probiotic supplementation, including those with Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347, typically require weeks to months of consistent daily use to become noticeable.

Are there risks for immunocompromised individuals?

Live probiotics carry some theoretical risk for severely immunocompromised individuals. In such cases, heat-treated forms of CECT 7347 may be a preferable and safer alternative.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32524647/ – This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the comparative effectiveness of various probiotic strains for pediatric atopic dermatitis. It included multiple Bifidobacterium strains, finding overall benefits with strain-specific differences, but did not isolate the effects of CECT 7347 specifically, highlighting the need for more targeted research on this strain.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/4/536 – This study investigated the functional properties of heat-treated, non-viable B. longum CECT 7347 in vitro. It demonstrated that this non-viable form possesses antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential for therapeutic applications beyond live probiotic effects and offering a safer profile.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/15/2179 – This research explored the effects of heat-treated B. longum CECT 7347 combined with fibers in adult cats. The findings indicated improvements in intestinal health markers, suggesting that non-viable forms of this strain can exert beneficial effects on gut health in animal models.
https://www.microbiotajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/e998.pdf – This meta-analysis focused on the efficacy of B. longum 35624 in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), showing significant symptom reduction. While not directly on CECT 7347, it underscores the therapeutic potential of B. longum species in gut disorders and suggests plausible mechanistic similarities for CECT 7347.