Bifidobacterium Lactis

Bifidobacterium lactis

Bifidobacterium lactis is a type of beneficial bacteria found in the intestines. It has many valuable nutritional components that are essential for good overall health. Since it can survive the harsh environment in the gastrointestinal tract, its health benefits can go beyond healthy digestion. Several foods including fermented milk products like yogurt are rich in Bifidobacterium lactis. It is also available in the form of capsules and tablets.

Benefits of Bifidobacterium lactis

Strong scientific evidence supports the many health benefits of consuming Bifidobacterium lactis:

Normalizes Bowel Movement

Results from one of the largest probiotic clinical trials show that the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis can help improve bowel regularity.^[1] According to the study, participants who took Bifidobacterium lactis supplements for four weeks experienced more regular bowel movements compared to the placebo group.

Boosts Immune Function

The aging process can lead to a decline in immune function. Interestingly, consuming Bifidobacterium lactis supplements can help boost immune function and prevent various infections. Results from one clinical trial conducted in healthy elderly volunteers (63–84 years old) who consumed milk supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 show that the treatment increased the production of T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and other cells of the immune system.^[2]

Lowers High Cholesterol

Prolonged elevation of cholesterol levels is associated with various life-threatening medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. In one study, diabetic patients who consumed 300 grams of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 per day for 6 weeks caused a 4.54% decrease in total cholesterol and a 7.45% decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol).^[3] This finding is highly significant since reductions in cholesterol levels are associated with a reduced risk for fatal illnesses.  

Fights Inflammation

Probiotics are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Results from one study involving young patients with atopic eczema (skin inflammation) show that Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation caused a significant improvement in skin condition compared to the unsupplemented group.^[4] Also, the treatment decreased the levels of inflammatory substances in the supplemented group.

Improves Symptoms of Functional Bowel Disorders (FBD)

FBD is characterized by abdominal pain, early satiety, bloating, nausea, distention, and changes in bowel movements. The three most common FBD are constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia. One clinical trial found that Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation can be beneficial in patients with FBD.^[5] According to the study, 8 weeks of Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation in FBD patients resulted in a significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life.

Lowers High Blood Sugar Levels

The sudden spike in blood sugar levels of diabetics can lead to debilitating symptoms. Therefore, diabetics need to control their blood sugar levels through medications and lifestyle changes. In addition to this regimen, Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation can be beneficial in stabilizing the blood sugar levels of diabetics. In fact, one clinical trial found that patients with type 2 diabetes who consumed 300 grams per day of probiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 achieved normal blood sugar levels following the treatment.^[6]    

References:

1. Dorte Eskesen et al, (2015), Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial , British Journal of Nutrition (Human and Clinical Nutrition), http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114515003347.
2. Gill HS, Rutherfurd KJ, Cross ML, Gopal PK. Enhancement of immunity in the elderly by dietary supplementation with the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;74(6):833-9.
3. Ejtahed HS, Mohtadi-nia J, Homayouni-rad A, et al. Effect of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis on lipid profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(7):3288-94.
4. Isolauri E, Arvola T, Sütas Y, Moilanen E, Salminen S. Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy. 2000;30(11):1604-10.
5. Ringel Y, Ringel-Kulka T, Maier D, et al. Clinical trial: Probiotic Bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 Versus Placebo for the Symptoms of Bloating in Patients with Functional Bowel Disorders – a Double-Blind Study. Journal of clinical gastroenterology. 2011;45(6):518-525. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e31820ca4d6.
6. Ejtahed HS, Mohtadi-nia J, Homayouni-rad A, Niafar M, Asghari-jafarabadi M, Mofid V. Probiotic yogurt improves antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutrition. 2012;28(5):539-43.