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Bifidobacterium Longum Infantis R0033

Also known as: Bifidobacterium infantis R0033, B. infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033

Overview

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033 is a specific probiotic bacterial strain naturally found in the infant gut, particularly prevalent in breastfed infants. It is recognized for its ability to colonize the infant intestine and efficiently metabolize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). This strain is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to enhance infant gut health, modulate immune responses, and potentially prevent gastrointestinal conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and rotavirus diarrhea. Research on B. infantis R0033 is moderately developed, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some meta-analyses supporting its safety and efficacy, especially in pediatric populations. While comprehensive systematic reviews specifically on R0033 are limited, much of the evidence stems from studies involving multi-strain probiotic formulations that include R0033.

Benefits

Supplementation with B. infantis R0033 has been associated with several key benefits, particularly in infants. It promotes a Bifidobacterium-rich microbiota, which is crucial for healthy infant gut ecology and immune system development. A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving B. longum strains, including R0033, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. Clinical trials using probiotic combinations containing B. longum ssp. infantis R0033 have shown a decrease in the duration and severity of rotavirus diarrhea in children aged 1–7 years. Furthermore, related strains like B. infantis LMG11588 have shown potential in modulating markers of enteric inflammation, suggesting broader immune benefits. While not specific to R0033, the species B. longum has demonstrated benefits in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom improvement, indicating the potential for strain-specific benefits within the species.

How it works

B. infantis R0033 primarily functions by metabolizing human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) present in breast milk. This process yields short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, which contribute to a lower gut pH, thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The strain also enhances gut barrier function and modulates mucosal immune responses, including increasing secretory IgA and regulating both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Successful colonization by R0033 fosters a Bifidobacterium-dominant microbiota, which is linked to reduced enteric inflammation and improved overall gut homeostasis. The efficacy of R0033 relies on its ability to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract and adhere to the intestinal mucosa, which has been confirmed in infant studies.

Side effects

B. infantis R0033 and closely related strains generally exhibit a strong safety profile, particularly in infants and children. Large-scale randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have reported no significant adverse events associated with its use. When side effects do occur, they are rare and typically mild, manifesting as minor gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, affecting less than 5% of subjects. There are no documented significant drug interactions or contraindications for B. infantis R0033 in the pediatric population. Studies involving special populations, such as preterm infants, have also indicated benefits in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis without raising safety concerns. Overall, the strain is considered well-tolerated and safe for its intended use.

Dosage

Effective dosages of B. infantis R0033 in infant studies typically range from 1×10^9 to 1×10^10 colony-forming units (CFU) per day. This is commonly administered orally through drops or powder formulations. The duration of supplementation in clinical trials has varied from 4 weeks to 3 months, with some studies indicating sustained benefits with longer courses. Optimal timing for administration is often during early infancy, especially for breastfed infants, to maximize gut colonization and immune-modulating effects. While there is no established maximum safe dose, doses exceeding 1×10^10 CFU/day are generally not considered necessary for achieving efficacy. It is important to follow product-specific instructions or healthcare provider recommendations for precise dosing.

FAQs

Is B. infantis R0033 safe for newborns?

Yes, multiple randomized controlled trials confirm the safety and tolerability of B. infantis R0033 in infants, including preterm neonates, with no significant adverse events reported.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Some benefits, such as positive changes in microbiota composition, can be observed within weeks. Clinical symptom improvements, like reduced diarrhea severity, may take 4–8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Can it be used with antibiotics?

Probiotics are often used alongside antibiotics to mitigate dysbiosis. While specific interactions with R0033 are not extensively studied, general probiotic use with antibiotics is common practice.

Is it effective alone or only in combination?

Many studies utilize R0033 within multi-strain probiotic formulations. While it shows individual benefits, further research is needed to fully isolate and quantify the effects of R0033 when administered alone.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10742581/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (n=3152 infants) evaluated B. longum supplementation in infants. It found a significant reduction in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) incidence but no effect on weight gain or adverse events. The study highlights the benefit of B. longum strains in preventing NEC, despite limitations regarding strain-specific effects and study heterogeneity.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1319873/full – This double-blind RCT on B. infantis LMG11588 in infants demonstrated safety, normal growth, and promotion of a Bifidobacterium-rich microbiota. The study used validated markers for symptoms and immune responses, supporting the strain's potential for infant gut health, though it had a short follow-up and was geographically restricted.
https://www.microbiotajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/06/e998.pdf – This observational study on B. longum 35624 showed a 43.4% reduction in IBS symptom scores over 8 weeks. Although a different strain, it illustrates the species-level potential of B. longum for improving gut symptoms and highlights the importance of strain specificity in probiotic efficacy.
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-food-041715-033151 – This clinical trial, which included a multi-strain probiotic containing R0033, demonstrated reduced duration and severity of rotavirus diarrhea in children aged 1–7 years. While the effects are attributable to the combination, R0033 showed strong in vitro antiviral activity, suggesting its contribution to the observed benefits.