HEALTH BENEFITS OF BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS SSP. LACTIS
B. animalis (specifically the subspecies B. lactis) is a crucial component of a healthy gut microbiome. It promotes digestive health, particularly in children, with some evidence suggesting it helps the body prevent and fight infections. Let’s explore its additional benefits.
WHAT IS BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS?
Bifidobacteria are among the most extensively studied probiotics globally. They were first discovered and isolated from the feces of a breastfed infant in 1899.
Bifidobacterium animalis is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium found in the guts of most mammals, including humans. It is considered a beneficial component of the gut microbiota.
In Europe, Bifidobacterium animalis was granted Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2007, a status awarded at the species level.
Previously regarded as a separate species, B. lactis is now classified as a subspecies of B. animalis (thus referred to as B. animalis ssp. lactis).
Two widely studied strains are:
- B. animalis spp. lactis BB-12: Shown to enhance immune responses in humans.
- B. animalis spp. lactis DN-173 010: Proven to accelerate intestinal transit in humans, reduce symptoms in individuals with common digestive issues, IBS, and constipation.
BENEFITS OF B. ANIMALIS SSP. LACTIS
Gut Health Benefits
- Diarrhea: Reduces frequency, duration, and hospital stays related to diarrhea. It is particularly effective in managing rotavirus-induced diarrhea in children and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).
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Constipation: Improves symptoms of constipation, increasing stool frequency and quality in affected individuals.
- BB-12® has been shown to enhance bowel movement by 35%, with a 114% increase in the number of normal defecation days.
- IBS: Alleviates bloating, discomfort, and constipation in IBS patients, improving GI transit and reducing symptoms.
- H. pylori: Combined with inulin, it reduces side effects of treatment and enhances antibiotic efficacy, indirectly increasing H. pylori eradication rates.
- Gut Microbiota: Increases bifidobacteria and decreases harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium in children.
- Abdominal Discomfort: Clinically beneficial for improving digestive comfort and symptoms in healthy adults with abdominal discomfort.
Infection-Related Benefits
- Reduces cold/flu duration in healthy adults and respiratory infections in infants and young children.
Infant Development
- Positively impacts growth in vulnerable infants, such as those born to HIV-infected mothers or premature babies.
Obesity Management
- Daily consumption of milk containing B. animalis ssp. lactis significantly reduces BMI, total cholesterol, LDL, and inflammation markers in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Anemia in Children
- Fortified milk with B. animalis ssp. lactis and prebiotic oligosaccharides decreases anemia and iron deficiency risk by 45%, contributing to weight gain of 0.13 kg/year in children aged 1-4.
Immune Benefits
- Enhances immunity in healthy young women.
- During pregnancy, it influences fetal immune parameters and regulates immune factors in breast milk.
- In a study involving 172 healthy infants, B. animalis ssp. lactis reduced immune-related adverse effects from formula feeding and cesarean births, increasing virus-specific IgA levels.
- Stimulates immune responses to vaccinations in healthy adults. BB-12® enhances immune function.
Allergy Benefits
- Improves eczema symptoms in children.
- Reduces Th2 cytokines and alleviates nasal symptoms in adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- When added to post-fermentation yogurt, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in healthy adults and the elderly.
Benefits for the Elderly
- Modifies gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli) and reducing harmful bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteria).
- Boosts natural immunity, enhances phagocytic activity of leukocytes, and improves tumor cell elimination by NK cells.
Celiac Disease
- Counteracts harmful effects of gluten (specifically gliadin) on human intestinal cells in celiac disease patients.
Lactomin Plus as a Source
Consider Lactomin Plus, a dietary supplement containing encapsulated probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum, with a guaranteed potency of ≥10⁸ CFU per sachet.
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