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Bifidobacterium adolescentis

Also known as: Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. adolescentis, Bifidobacterium (species adolescentis)

Overview

*Bifidobacterium adolescentis* is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colon. As a member of the Bifidobacterium genus, it's commonly found in fermented foods and dairy products. Primarily used as a probiotic, it supports gut health, modulates immune function, and may alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD. This bacterium ferments carbohydrates, produces short-chain fatty acids, and modulates the gut microbiota. Research on *B. adolescentis* is moderately mature, with several clinical trials and mechanistic studies, though fewer large-scale systematic reviews compared to other probiotics. Evidence is generally positive, but often limited by small sample sizes. Overall, *B. adolescentis* shows promise as a probiotic for gut health and immune modulation.

Benefits

*Bifidobacterium adolescentis* demonstrates several potential health benefits, particularly in gut health and immune modulation. In children with IBS, *B. adolescentis* PRL2019 significantly improved symptom severity and frequency, with a notable 52.8% achieving complete remission compared to 19.4% in the placebo group (OR 0.216, 95% CI 0.075–0.619, p = 0.003). Lower abundance of *B. adolescentis* is associated with IBD, suggesting a protective role. Additionally, *B. adolescentis* SBT2786 has shown potential in improving sleep quality in individuals under high stress, though further validation is needed. While Bifidobacterium-related preparations have shown potential in improving mood, direct evidence for *B. adolescentis* specifically is limited. These benefits have been observed over a 12-week period in pediatric IBS studies.

How it works

*Bifidobacterium adolescentis* primarily works by modulating the gut microbiota, competing with pathogenic bacteria, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promoting regulatory T-cell (Treg) and Th2 responses. It ferments dietary fiber to produce butyrate and other SCFAs, which support gut barrier integrity and exert anti-inflammatory effects. This bacterium interacts directly with the gastrointestinal system, modulating gut microbiota and immune responses. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, while modulating Treg/Th2 balance. *B. adolescentis* acts locally in the gut and is not absorbed into systemic circulation. Its survival through gastric transit is crucial for colonizing the colon.

Side effects

*Bifidobacterium adolescentis* is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, but mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas may occur. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented in available literature. No significant drug interactions have been reported. While contraindications are not established, caution is advised in immunocompromised individuals due to a theoretical risk of infection. Clinical trials have demonstrated its safety in children. Overall, *B. adolescentis* has a favorable safety profile, but individuals with compromised immune systems should consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* is not well-established, but most studies use dosages ranging from 1 to 10 billion CFU/day. This range is considered the optimal dosage based on available clinical data. The maximum safe dose has not been determined, as higher doses have not been systematically studied. It is typically recommended to take *B. adolescentis* with meals to improve its survival through the stomach. Capsules or powders are common forms, and it is important to ensure strain-specific labeling to match the strain used in research (e.g., PRL2019, SBT2786). Prebiotic fiber may enhance colonization.

FAQs

What should I consider when choosing a *B. adolescentis* product?

Ensure the product contains the specific strain studied (e.g., PRL2019, SBT2786) as effects may vary. Also, store the product according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain viability.

Is *B. adolescentis* safe for everyone?

It is generally safe, but individuals who are immunocompromised should consult a healthcare provider before use due to a theoretical risk of infection.

How should I take *B. adolescentis*?

It is recommended to take it with meals to improve its survival through gastric acid and enhance its effectiveness in the gut.

What results can I expect from taking *B. adolescentis*?

In pediatric IBS, symptom improvement may be seen within 12 weeks. In other populations, it may support gut health and microbiota balance, but results can vary.

Is *B. adolescentis* a cure for chronic conditions?

No, it is not a cure. It supports symptom management and gut health, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment for chronic conditions. Strain-specific effects are important.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11794259/ – This observational/mechanistic study analyzed the genomes of *B. adolescentis* and investigated its role in colitis using metagenomic cohorts. The key findings indicated a lower abundance of *B. adolescentis* in IBD patients, a negative correlation with pathogenic bacteria, and modulation of the immune response and gut microbiota. While the study provides high-quality genomic and metagenomic analysis, its observational nature limits the ability to infer causality.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11945947/ – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effects of *B. adolescentis* PRL2019 in children with IBS. The study found significant improvements in IBS symptoms and bowel habits, with 52.8% of the *B. adolescentis* group achieving complete remission compared to 19.4% in the placebo group (p = 0.003). Despite being a well-designed RCT with clear outcomes and statistical significance, the study is limited by its single-center design and small sample size.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1702 – This study investigated the effect of oral synbiotics on gut microbiota and inflammatory markers. It found that synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) improve gut microbiota and reduce inflammation, but the evidence is limited for *B. adolescentis* alone. The study is a high-quality systematic review, but its applicability to *B. adolescentis* specifically is limited due to the use of mixed probiotic formulations.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1463848/full – This article explores the potential of Bifidobacterium-related preparations in improving mood. While it suggests a positive association between Bifidobacterium and mental health, direct evidence for *B. adolescentis* specifically is limited. Further research is needed to establish the specific effects of *B. adolescentis* on mood and mental health.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/83/2/e4/7606372 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of synbiotics on gut microbiota and inflammatory markers. The review found that synbiotics improve gut microbiota and reduce inflammation, but the direct evidence for *B. adolescentis* alone is limited. The study's findings are based on mixed probiotic formulations, which limits its applicability to *B. adolescentis* specifically.