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Bifidobacterium longum HRV090b

Also known as: Bifidobacterium longum HRV090b, B. longum (strain HRV090b), Bifidobacterium longum

Overview

Bifidobacterium longum is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium naturally residing in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly abundant in healthy infants and adults. It is a key species within the Bifidobacterium genus, widely recognized for its probiotic properties. The HRV090b strain is a specific isolate of B. longum utilized in probiotic formulations, primarily aimed at supporting digestive health, modulating immune function, and potentially preventing or treating various gastrointestinal disorders. While the broader species B. longum has extensive research supporting its efficacy and safety through numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, especially for infant health and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), specific data on the HRV090b strain are limited. Most available evidence pertains to the collective B. longum species or other well-studied strains like 35624 or subspecies infantis. Probiotics like B. longum are typically consumed orally as dietary supplements.

Benefits

Bifidobacterium longum offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for gastrointestinal health and immune modulation. In infants, supplementation with B. longum has been consistently linked to improved weight gain and a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal disease in preterm infants, as supported by meta-analyses of high-quality RCTs. For adults suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), specific strains of B. longum, such as 35624, have demonstrated significant reductions in total IBS symptom scores, with reported improvements of approximately 43% and over 60% of patients achieving clinically meaningful relief within 8 weeks. This indicates a robust effect size for IBS symptom management. Beyond primary gut health, B. longum has shown secondary effects on immune responses, including reductions in inflammatory markers and respiratory symptoms in children, though findings on cytokine modulation can be inconsistent. Preterm infants particularly benefit from reduced gastrointestinal complications and improved growth parameters, while adults with IBS experience relief from bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The benefits in IBS patients typically manifest after 8 weeks of consistent administration, while infant studies show effects during the neonatal or early infancy supplementation period.

How it works

Bifidobacterium longum primarily exerts its beneficial effects by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing colonization resistance against pathogenic microorganisms. It actively interacts with the host's immune system, influencing cytokine production and contributing to the reduction of inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, specific strains of B. longum produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other beneficial metabolites. These metabolites play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier and further contribute to immune modulation. As a probiotic, B. longum acts locally within the gut lumen; therefore, systemic absorption is not a relevant mechanism of action.

Side effects

Bifidobacterium longum supplementation is generally considered safe across various populations, including infants, children, and adults, with high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses reporting no serious adverse events. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating or gas, are rare but can occur. There are no significant documented drug interactions or contraindications for healthy individuals. However, caution is advised for immunocompromised individuals, as with all probiotics, due to a theoretical risk of bacteremia, although no specific safety concerns for the HRV090b strain have been reported in this population. It is important to note that while the species is generally safe, individual strain responses can vary, and specific data on the HRV090b strain's side effect profile are limited. Users should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any severe or persistent adverse reactions occur.

Dosage

Effective dosages for Bifidobacterium longum in infant studies typically range from 10^8 to 10^9 colony-forming units (CFU) daily. While specific dosing for the HRV090b strain is not explicitly detailed in the available literature, studies involving other B. longum strains for conditions like IBS have utilized similar CFU ranges, administered daily for approximately 8 weeks. For optimal efficacy and survival through gastric acidity, daily oral administration is generally recommended, often taken with meals. There are no specific cofactors required to enhance its effectiveness, but maintaining the viability of the probiotic organisms is crucial for therapeutic benefit. No specific upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the general recommended dosages have been established, as the product is considered safe at typical supplemental levels.

FAQs

Is B. longum HRV090b safe for infants?

Yes, meta-analyses indicate that Bifidobacterium longum, including strains used in infant studies, is safe and effective for infants, including preterm newborns, for improving gut health and reducing certain risks.

How long does it take to see benefits?

Clinical improvements, particularly for IBS symptoms, typically appear after approximately 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation. Benefits in infants are observed during the period of supplementation.

Can it replace antibiotics or other treatments?

No, Bifidobacterium longum is an adjunctive therapy intended to support gut health and should not be used as a replacement for standard medical treatments or prescribed medications, including antibiotics.

Are all B. longum strains equally effective?

No, the efficacy of probiotics is highly strain-specific. While B. longum as a species has benefits, the specific effects and potency can vary significantly between different strains, such as HRV090b versus 35624.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38137255/ – This meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving 1,671 preterm infants found that Bifidobacterium longum supplementation significantly improved weight gain and reduced the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. The study highlighted the safety and efficacy of B. longum in this vulnerable population, despite some heterogeneity in dosing and infant characteristics across included studies.
https://www.microbiotajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/e998.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on strain-specific probiotic efficacy in IBS. It reported that Bifidobacterium longum 35624 significantly reduced IBS symptom scores by 43.4% over 8 weeks in adults, demonstrating a robust and clinically meaningful effect. The study emphasized the importance of strain specificity in probiotic interventions for IBS.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1537610/full – This randomized controlled trial evaluated Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YLGB-1496 in children, observing reductions in respiratory symptoms and lower salivary cortisol levels compared to placebo. While suggesting immune modulation, the study found no significant changes in inflammatory cytokines, indicating a need for further research to fully understand its immune effects.