Lab4
Also known as: Lab4, Lab4P, Lab4 Probiotic
Overview
Lab4 is a defined multistrain probiotic blend formulated as a dietary supplement, comprising specific strains of *Bifidobacterium bifidum*, *Bifidobacterium animalis* subsp. *lactis*, and two strains of *Lactobacillus acidophilus*. It is primarily investigated for its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health, particularly in relieving symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and for its potential role in weight management and cardiovascular risk modulation. Lab4 has also shown promise in maintaining gut microbiome resilience during antibiotic therapy. Key characteristics include documented anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, the ability to modulate gut microbiota composition, and a potential to reduce antibiotic resistance gene abundance. The research base for Lab4 is growing, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supporting its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Lab4 has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits across various health domains. For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), an 8-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 70 females with Rome IV-diagnosed IBS showed a significant reduction in IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) by −85 points (p < 0.0001), alongside improvements in anxiety and depression. In weight management, a 9-month RCT involving overweight adults found that Lab4P supplementation (5×10^10 cfu/day) led to a significant body weight reduction of −1.30 kg (95% CI −1.77, −0.83), as well as decreases in BMI, waist, and hip circumference compared to placebo. Regarding cardiovascular health, animal models and in vitro studies suggest Lab4 can reduce circulating LDL cholesterol and inhibit atherosclerotic plaque formation, attributed to its cholesterol assimilation and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, a randomized, placebo-controlled study indicated that Lab4, when combined with *Saccharomyces boulardii*, helped maintain gut microbiota diversity and reduced antibiotic resistance gene abundance during antibiotic therapy, highlighting its role in gut microbiome protection.
How it works
Lab4 exerts its beneficial effects through several biological mechanisms within the gut. The strains possess bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, which deconjugates bile acids, influencing cholesterol metabolism and the gut microbial environment. Lab4 also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha from blood mononuclear cells ex vivo. Its ability to assimilate cholesterol and regulate its intestinal transport contributes to the observed reductions in LDL cholesterol. Furthermore, Lab4 modulates gut microbiota composition, helping to maintain microbial diversity and reduce the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes during antibiotic treatment. As a probiotic, Lab4 acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract, with its efficacy dependent on the viability of the bacterial strains and their ability to colonize and metabolically interact with the gut environment.
Side effects
Lab4 has been generally well tolerated in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with no serious adverse events reported in the cited studies. Common side effects typically associated with probiotics, such as mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., bloating, gas), are possible but were not significantly reported in the research. There are no documented clinically significant drug interactions for Lab4. However, caution is generally advised when co-administering any probiotic with immunosuppressants or in individuals who are immunocompromised, as there is a theoretical risk of bacteremia or fungemia, although this is rare with well-characterized probiotic strains. Contraindications are not formally established, but standard probiotic precautions apply. The majority of evidence for Lab4's safety and efficacy comes from adult populations; data in children, pregnant women, or severely immunocompromised individuals are limited, and use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.
Dosage
Effective doses of Lab4 in clinical studies typically range around 5×10^10 colony-forming units (cfu) per day. This dosage has been used in studies demonstrating benefits for weight management and gut microbiome protection. For IBS symptom relief, benefits were observed with daily supplementation over an 8-week period. For weight management, studies extended up to 9 months of daily intake to achieve significant results. Lab4 is commonly available in oral capsules or sachets, designed to ensure the viability of the bacterial strains through gastric passage. While no specific timing for administration has been reported, consistent daily intake is recommended to maintain the beneficial effects. The formulation of Lab4 products is crucial for ensuring the survival and delivery of viable bacteria to the gut, which is a key factor in their efficacy.
FAQs
Is Lab4 safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports the safety of Lab4 for up to 9 months of continuous use, as observed in clinical trials. Longer-term safety data beyond this period are currently limited.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Improvements in IBS symptoms have been noted after approximately 8 weeks of daily supplementation. Effects related to weight management typically require several months of consistent use to become apparent.
Can Lab4 be used with antibiotics?
Yes, Lab4, especially when combined with *Saccharomyces boulardii*, may help preserve gut microbiota diversity and reduce the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes during antibiotic therapy.
Does Lab4 cause side effects?
Lab4 is generally well tolerated. While mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or gas are theoretically possible with probiotics, they are uncommon and were not significantly reported in clinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nmo.14751 – This double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigated Lab4 in 70 females with IBS. It found significant reductions in IBS symptom severity, anxiety, and depression after 8 weeks of supplementation, indicating its efficacy for IBS management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7788077/ – This 9-month randomized controlled trial in overweight adults demonstrated that Lab4P supplementation led to significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist/hip circumference compared to placebo, suggesting its role in weight management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8656110/ – This study, combining animal models and in vitro assays, provided mechanistic insights into Lab4's effects. It showed that Lab4 reduced LDL cholesterol, inhibited atherosclerosis, and exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its potential cardiovascular benefits.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiomes/articles/10.3389/frmbi.2024.1359580/full – This randomized, placebo-controlled study explored the impact of Lab4 plus *Saccharomyces boulardii* during antibiotic therapy. It found that the probiotic combination helped maintain gut microbiota diversity and reduced the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting its protective role.
