Bifidobacterium animalis lactis

What is Bifidobacterium animalis lactis?

Bifidobacterium animalis lactis is a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is commonly used as a probiotic. This beneficial microorganism can be found as an active ingredient in many dietary supplements and functional foods.

Key Details on B. animalis lactis

• Species name: Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis
• Strain names: B. lactis BB-12, B. lactis DN-173 010
• Microbiology: Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore forming anaerobe
• Natural habitat: Intestinal tract of humans and other mammals

B. lactis is one of the most extensively studied probiotic strains and has demonstrated several health benefits in clinical research when consumed. This includes benefits for gastrointestinal and immune health.

How B. lactis Works as a Probiotic

When ingested, B. lactis survives stomach acid and bile to successfully reach the intestines. It then works via several mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract:

• Adheres to intestinal epithelial cells to colonise
• Produces lactic and acetic acid to create an acidic environment unfavourable to pathogens
• Secretes bacteriocins that inhibit pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella
• Interacts with gut immune cells to modulate immunity

Through these actions, B. lactis is able to confer its probiotic benefits. It also reproduces to maintain an adequate population size of these beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Clinical Research on B. lactis Probiotic Benefits

B. lactis probiotic supplements have been extensively studied in human clinical trials across over 100 studies. Research indicates B. lactis may provide the following evidence-based benefits:

Digestive & Gut Health

• Alleviates constipation and improves stool consistency
• Reduces risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
• Lessens symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Decreases intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)

Immune Function

• Enhances immune response to vaccinations
• Reduces incidence and severity of respiratory infections
• Lessens duration of common cold symptoms

Metabolic Health

• Improves blood lipid profiles
• Reduces systemic inflammation linked to diseases
• Aids management of type 2 diabetes

B. lactis in Supplements

As a extensively studied probiotic, B. lactis is widely used as an active ingredient in supplements to provide targeted digestive and immune support.

What to Look For in a B. lactis Supplement

When selecting a B. lactis probiotic, quality is important. Check that the product has the following features:

• Strain identity - Should list full strain name Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis (along with any strain numbers like BB-12)
• Colony forming units (CFUs) - Should guarantee minimum viable cells, usually in billions (e.g. 10 billion CFU)
• Delivery system - Uses technology to protect live cultures on shelf and deliver to intestines
• Additional probiotics - May be blended with other beneficial strains like Lactobacillus
• No unnecessary additives - Avoid fillers, colours, artificial ingredients

Reputable supplements will display this information clearly on the label or website.

What Form Can B. lactis Probiotics Take?

B. lactis is a live microbe, so it requires encapsulation technology to remain viable on the shelf and make it intact to the intestines after ingestion. As such, most high quality B. lactis probiotics come in capsule or powder form, including:

• Capsules - Gel caps with powdered probiotic cultures inside
• Powders - Dried powder sachets to mix into water or food
• Gummies - Probiotic cultures suspended into gummy/chew format

When comparing products, check for colony counts and delivery systems used for optimal viability.

What Are The Usual Doses of B. lactis?

Human clinical studies showing benefits have used a wide variety B. lactis doses, ranging from 1 billion to 100 billion CFU daily. However, most supplements contain B. lactis in doses of 5 to 20 billion CFU per serve.

Higher doses may be used in certain situations like antibiotic use, when higher intake is needed to counter disruption to digestive flora. But for general gut and immune health, standard probiotic doses are appropriate.

Always follow recommended label instructions for dosage guidelines. And consult your integrative healthcare professional if unsure what intake is right for your individual needs.

FAQs About Taking B. lactis Probiotics

Is it safe to take B. lactis supplements?

Yes, Bifidobacterium lactis supplements are very safe for most people when taken as directed. Safety is well established in clinical studies, with no serious adverse events reported. Minor digestive symptoms are occasionally seen when first taking probiotics. But B. lactis does not colonise tissues outside the intestine or cause infections, even in vulnerable groups like infants.

When is the best time to take B. lactis?

For optimal effect, take your B. lactis supplement about 20-30 minutes before your meal anytime during the day. Split dosage AM and PM if taking higher amounts. Make sure to take on an empty stomach, as food intake can interfere with absorption and viability.

How long does it take for B. lactis benefits to start?

It typically takes 2-4 weeks of consistent B. lactis supplementation to build up meaningful probiotic activity in your gastrointestinal system before benefits like improved regularity start kicking in. Maximum effects are usually seen after 3-6 months for other benefits to digestive, immune and metabolic health. So sustained use is important.

Can B. lactis be taken together with antibiotics?

Yes, it is safe and beneficial to continue taking your B. lactis alongside antibiotic medications. The antibiotics will likely kill some of the probiotic bacteria too. So make sure to take your B. lactis at least a few hours apart from your antibiotics, and consider upping your usual dose to compensate.

Who may benefit most from taking B. lactis?

Those who stand to benefit most from adding in a B. lactis probiotic include:

• People looking to optimise digestive health - especially with issues like constipation, bloating, irregularity
• Those prone to side effects when taking antibiotics
• People who frequently get ill with coughs/colds or want to stay well
• Individuals with elevated inflammation and metabolic disease risk
• Elderly people looking to support immunity and gut microbiome

Of course, anyone can promote their overall health and wellbeing by keeping gut flora balanced with B. lactis supplementation.