Bifidobacterium Rhamnosus
Also known as: L. rhamnosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium infantis, B. infantis, Probiotic bacteria, Probiotic supplement ingredient, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Overview
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a well-researched probiotic bacterium, often recognized by its specific strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. While the initial query mentioned "Bifidobacterium rhamnosus," it's important to clarify that *Bifidobacterium* and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* are distinct genera and species, respectively. *Bifidobacterium* species, such as *Bifidobacterium infantis*, are also significant probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are naturally found in the human gut and are widely used as dietary supplements to modulate gut microbiota, enhance gut barrier function, and support immune responses. They are primarily utilized for the prevention and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders and allergic conditions. Research on both *L. rhamnosus* and *B. infantis* is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting their efficacy for specific health outcomes, particularly in infant and pediatric populations.
Benefits
Probiotics, including *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* and *Bifidobacterium infantis*, offer several evidence-based benefits, though efficacy is highly strain- and indication-specific. *Bifidobacterium infantis* has strong evidence for preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants; a meta-analysis of 54 RCTs demonstrated a significant 73% reduction in NEC incidence and reduced mortality. *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* GG shows significant efficacy in preventing pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD), although some studies present mixed results, and longer administration (≥12 weeks) appears to yield better outcomes. While probiotics, including *L. rhamnosus*, can reduce AD severity, *L. rhamnosus* specifically has not been shown to be superior to other strains for this purpose. Additionally, a combination of *Bifidobacterium* spp. and *Lactobacillus* spp. has shown modest improvements in insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with a weighted mean difference of -0.42. Overall, the strongest evidence supports *B. infantis* for NEC prevention and *L. rhamnosus* for pediatric AD prevention.
How it works
Probiotics like *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* and *Bifidobacterium* species exert their beneficial effects through multiple mechanisms. They modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogens through competitive exclusion and the production of antimicrobial substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These bacteria also enhance the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reducing gut permeability. Furthermore, they interact with the host's immune system by stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokines and influencing immune cells such as dendritic cells and toll-like receptors, thereby regulating both local and systemic immune responses. The survival of these probiotic strains through the acidic environment of the stomach and bile salts in the small intestine is crucial for their bioavailability and efficacy.
Side effects
Probiotics, including *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* and *Bifidobacterium* species, are generally considered safe for most healthy individuals, including infants. The most common side effects are mild and transient gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort, which occur in less than 5% of users. These symptoms typically subside as the body adjusts to the supplement. Rare but serious risks, such as bacteremia or sepsis, have been reported, primarily in severely immunocompromised individuals, critically ill patients, or those with central venous catheters. However, these occurrences are extremely uncommon. There are no significant drug interactions widely reported for these probiotics. Contraindications include severe immunocompromise (e.g., organ transplant recipients, patients on high-dose immunosuppressants) and individuals with compromised intestinal barriers or indwelling medical devices, where the risk of systemic infection, though low, may be elevated. Caution is advised in these populations, and medical consultation is recommended.
Dosage
Effective dosages for *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* and *Bifidobacterium* species vary significantly depending on the specific strain, the intended health benefit, and the individual's age and health status. Generally, typical daily doses range from 10^8 to 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU). For the prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, clinical trials using *Bifidobacterium infantis* have commonly employed doses around 10^9 CFU per day. For the prevention of atopic dermatitis, *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* GG has shown benefits at doses around 10^9 CFU per day, with sustained administration for at least 12 weeks often required for noticeable effects. Timing of administration can also be crucial; for allergy prevention, prenatal and early postnatal supplementation may enhance efficacy. Probiotics are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fortified foods, with the formulation impacting the survival of the bacteria through the gastrointestinal tract.
FAQs
Is Bifidobacterium rhamnosus a single strain?
No, 'Bifidobacterium rhamnosus' is a misnomer. *Bifidobacterium* and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* are distinct genera and species. *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* is a specific species, often used as a probiotic.
Are probiotics safe for infants?
Yes, specific strains like *Bifidobacterium infantis* and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* have been safely and effectively used in neonates and infants, with demonstrated benefits for conditions like NEC and atopic dermatitis.
How long does it take to see effects from probiotics?
The time to observe benefits varies by condition. For atopic dermatitis, effects may require 12 weeks or more of consistent use. For NEC prevention, early administration in preterm infants is key.
Can probiotics replace antibiotics?
No, probiotics are not a substitute for antibiotics. They serve as adjuncts to support gut health and immune function, but they do not treat bacterial infections in the same way antibiotics do.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-023-02716-w – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 RCTs involving over 11,900 preterm infants found that probiotics, including *Bifidobacterium infantis*, significantly reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by 73% and also reduce mortality in preterm infants. The study provides high-grade evidence supporting the use of probiotics for these outcomes.
- https://www.actasdermo.org/en-probiotics-reduce-severity-atopic-dermatitis-articulo-S1578219021002973 – This meta-analysis on atopic dermatitis prevention indicates that probiotics are effective in reducing AD severity. However, it notes significant heterogeneity among studies and suggests that *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* is not necessarily superior to other strains, with longer administration (≥12 weeks) yielding better outcomes.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This meta-analysis specifically focused on *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* GG and its efficacy in preventing pediatric atopic dermatitis. It concluded that *L. rhamnosus* GG has significant efficacy for this purpose, although it also acknowledged that some individual trials showed mixed or non-significant results.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6927028/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of probiotics on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It found that probiotics, including combinations of *Bifidobacterium* spp. and *Lactobacillus* spp., modestly improved insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR) in NAFLD patients, suggesting a potential metabolic benefit.
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