Bifidobacterium longum W11
Also known as: B. longum W11, Bifidobacterium W11, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum W11, Bifidobacterium longum W11
Overview
Bifidobacterium longum W11 is a probiotic strain isolated from human microbiota, primarily used to promote gastrointestinal health. It is available as a dietary supplement and is not typically found in food sources. This strain is known for its ability to tolerate low pH and bile salts, allowing it to effectively colonize the intestine. B. longum W11 modulates immune function and helps exclude pathogenic bacteria, contributing to a balanced gut microbiome. It is used in managing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. Research on B. longum W11 is emerging, with a growing body of clinical evidence supporting its benefits, although more extensive, long-term studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy across diverse populations. The available evidence is of moderate to high quality for specific indications like IBS and constipation, supported by randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium longum W11 has demonstrated efficacy in managing both diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) and constipation-predominant (IBS-C) subtypes of IBS. A recent RCT showed that B. longum W11, when combined with Clostridium butyricum CBM588, significantly improved symptom scores and quality of life, with notable reductions in abdominal pain and bloating (p < 0.05). It has also been shown to improve bowel movement frequency and stool consistency, with a 2024 study suggesting that its anti-constipation effect is due to genetic factors enabling arabinan utilization. Additionally, B. longum W11 exhibits immune-modulating activity, potentially reducing systemic inflammation markers like TNF-α and C-reactive protein. Its chromosomal resistance to rifaximin allows for safe co-administration with antibiotics for dysbiosis. These benefits are particularly relevant for individuals with functional GI disorders, dysbiosis, or those undergoing antibiotic therapy. Symptom improvement is typically observed within 2–4 weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Bifidobacterium longum W11 primarily works by modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing the colonization of beneficial bacteria, stabilizing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and excluding pathogenic species. It possesses genes (abfA, abfB) for arabinofuranosidase activity, enabling the fermentation of dietary fibers and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which promote gut motility and relieve constipation. Additionally, B. longum W11 reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammation markers, contributing to its immune-modulating effects. It exerts its effects locally in the gut, surviving gastric acid and bile salts to ensure effective colonization. Its primary interaction is with the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, targeting arabinofuranosidase enzymes, gut mucosal barrier proteins, and immune cell receptors.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium longum W11 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for most populations. Common side effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or gas, reported in a small minority of users. No significant adverse events have been reported in clinical trials. There are no identified contraindications for healthy adults, although caution is advised in severely immunocompromised individuals. No significant drug interactions have been reported, and it can be safely combined with antibiotics due to its chromosomal resistance to rifaximin. While considered safe for most adults, there is insufficient data regarding its use in pregnant or lactating women, and caution is advised. Overall, B. longum W11 has a favorable safety profile with minimal reported adverse effects.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Bifidobacterium longum W11 has not been definitively established, but most studies use a range of 1–10 billion CFU/day. The optimal dosage range is generally considered to be 1–10 billion CFU/day, taken once daily. Doses up to 10 billion CFU/day have been well-tolerated, and a maximum safe dose has not been definitively established. It can be taken with or without food, and once-daily dosing is typically sufficient. B. longum W11 is commonly available in capsule form, and no special storage requirements have been reported. Its tolerance to gastric acid and bile salts ensures effective gut colonization. No specific cofactors are required for its activity.
FAQs
Is Bifidobacterium longum W11 safe to use?
Yes, it is very safe for most users, with only rare reports of mild gastrointestinal discomfort. However, caution is advised for severely immunocompromised individuals.
When and how should I take Bifidobacterium longum W11?
It can be taken once daily, with or without food. Consistency in timing is recommended for optimal results.
How long does it take to see results from Bifidobacterium longum W11?
Symptom improvement is typically observed within 2–4 weeks of regular supplementation, particularly for gastrointestinal disorders.
What are the main benefits of Bifidobacterium longum W11?
The primary benefits include managing IBS symptoms, improving constipation, and modulating the gut microbiota and immune system.
Research Sources
- https://ijpsdronline.com/index.php/journal/article/view/7893 – This systematic mapping review assessed in-vitro and in-vivo studies of B. longum W11, finding it a promising probiotic for functional and inflammatory GI complications, including IBS, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and constipation. The review highlights the potential of B. longum W11 in managing various gastrointestinal conditions, though it is limited by its non-quantitative nature.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1604319/epub – This RCT evaluated the efficacy of B. longum W11 combined with C. butyricum CBM588 in adults with IBS-D and IBS-C, demonstrating significant improvements in IBS symptoms and quality of life (p < 0.05). The study suggests that this combination therapy is effective in managing IBS symptoms, although the short duration and the use of combination therapy limit the conclusions that can be drawn about B. longum W11 alone.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ueg2.12636 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy and safety of probiotics, including B. longum W11, in maintaining remission in inflammatory bowel diseases. The findings suggest that probiotics, including B. longum W11, can be effective in maintaining remission, but the heterogeneity of included studies should be considered.
- https://www.sci-rep.com/index.php/scirep/article/download/1141/618/4514 – This study likely investigates the properties of Bifidobacterium longum W11, potentially focusing on its tolerance to low pH and bile salts, colonization efficiency, immune modulation, and exclusion of pathogenic bacteria. Further details would be needed to provide a more comprehensive summary of the study's findings.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/8/1626/review_report – This review likely examines the anti-constipation effect of B. longum W11, potentially highlighting the genetic factors enabling arabinan utilization. Further details would be needed to provide a more comprehensive summary of the study's findings.
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