From the Guidelines
Bifidobacterium is beneficial for adults, particularly in improving whole gut transit time, stool frequency, and stool consistency, as evidenced by a review of existing meta-analyses 1. The benefits of Bifidobacterium in adults are thought to be due to its ability to produce short-chain fatty acids, maintain intestinal barrier function, and compete with harmful bacteria for resources in the gut. Some key benefits of Bifidobacterium supplementation in adults include:
- Improved whole gut transit time, with a reduction of 12.4 hours 1
- Increased stool frequency, with an average increase of 1.3 bowel movements per week 1
- Improved stool consistency, with a significant effect seen in subgroup analysis of adults with functional constipation 1 It is essential to note that while Bifidobacterium appears to be beneficial, adequately powered RCTs are required to better determine the species or strains, doses, and duration of use that are most efficacious 1. In terms of supplementation, typical ranges are from 1-10 billion CFU daily, with products available as capsules, powders, or in fermented foods like yogurt with live cultures. As with any supplement, it is crucial to follow the product label instructions and take the supplement consistently, ideally with food to improve survival through stomach acid. While generally safe, some individuals may experience temporary gas or bloating when first starting supplementation. Overall, the current evidence suggests that Bifidobacterium can be a useful adjunct in supporting gut health in adults, particularly those with functional constipation or other gastrointestinal disorders 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Bifidobacterium for Adults
- Bifidobacterium has been shown to have health-promoting effects, including the prevention and treatment of disease 2.
- Some Bifidobacterium strains are considered probiotic microorganisms and have been included as bioactive ingredients in functional foods and supplements 2.
- Supplementation with Bifidobacterium longum BB536 has been found to increase cell numbers of bifidobacteria in fecal microbiota and modulate immune function in elderly patients 3.
- Bifidobacterium has been shown to improve osteoporosis in mice by modulating intestinal immunity and suppressing bone loss 4.
Effects on Immune Function and Intestinal Microbiota
- Bifidobacterium supplementation has been found to increase serum IgA and natural killer cell activity in elderly patients 3.
- Bifidobacterium has been shown to inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the gut and alleviate gut inflammation 4.
- The presence of different species of bifidobacteria changes with age, and certain species are more prevalent in adults than in infants 5.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
- Bifidobacterium may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, as well as other diseases related to intestinal dysmotility and immune system dysfunction 4, 6.
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 has been found to have beneficial effects on gut health, including maintaining intestinal barrier function and regulating host immune defense 6.