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Bifidobacterium Bifidum St1722

Also known as: Bifidobacterium bifidum St1722, Bifidobacterium bifidum

Overview

Bifidobacterium bifidum is a species of anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in infants and adults. The designation 'St1722' refers to a specific strain within this species. It is commonly incorporated into probiotic formulations designed to enhance gut health. As a probiotic, B. bifidum is primarily utilized to support digestive well-being, modulate the gut microbiome, and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the general efficacy of probiotics, including B. bifidum species, is well-researched, strain-specific evidence for St1722 is currently limited in high-quality randomized controlled trials. However, the broader Bifidobacterium genus has been extensively studied, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting the benefits of various Bifidobacterium strains for gut health.

Benefits

Bifidobacterium bifidum, as a species, offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily focused on gastrointestinal health. It has shown efficacy in reducing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements, with meta-analyses indicating significant symptom improvement when used alone or in combination with other probiotics. This benefit is supported by high-quality systematic reviews and network meta-analyses. Furthermore, B. bifidum helps restore and maintain a healthy gut microbiome balance, which is crucial for overall digestive function. Beyond gut health, there is some evidence suggesting potential secondary benefits. These include a possible reduction in airway infections in healthy individuals and improvements in metabolic markers like insulin resistance and liver enzymes, particularly when combined with other probiotics in conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While effect sizes vary by study and probiotic combination, statistically significant reductions in IBS symptoms and improvements in metabolic markers have been reported. Benefits typically become observable after several weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Bifidobacterium bifidum contributes to gut health through several key mechanisms. It produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate and lactate, which lower the pH in the colon, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and providing energy for colonocytes. The strain also enhances the integrity of the mucosal barrier, reducing gut permeability and preventing the translocation of harmful substances. Furthermore, B. bifidum modulates immune responses within the gut by interacting with local immune cells and receptors in the gut mucosa, contributing to a balanced inflammatory response. As a live microorganism, it transiently colonizes the gastrointestinal tract, competing with undesirable bacteria for nutrients and adhesion sites, thereby helping to maintain a healthy microbial balance.

Side effects

Bifidobacterium bifidum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has a long history of use in foods and dietary supplements. For most healthy individuals, side effects are mild and transient. The most common adverse effects reported are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort, particularly when first initiating supplementation. These symptoms typically subside as the body adjusts to the probiotic. Uncommon or rare side effects include very rare cases of infection, primarily reported in severely immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those with central venous catheters, severe underlying diseases, or compromised immune systems). For healthy populations, the risk of such infections is extremely low. There are no significant drug interactions documented for B. bifidum. However, caution is advised for severely immunocompromised patients, as the theoretical risk of bacteremia or fungemia, though rare, exists. Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare professional before taking probiotic supplements.

Dosage

The typical recommended dosage for Bifidobacterium bifidum in probiotic formulations ranges from 1 billion to 10 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. However, it's important to note that strain-specific optimal dosing for B. bifidum St1722 is not yet well-defined in clinical research. In many clinical trials, multi-strain probiotic products are used, with total daily doses often ranging from 10 billion to 50 billion CFU. There is no established maximum safe dose for B. bifidum; doses up to 50 billion CFU daily are generally well tolerated in healthy individuals. To enhance the survival of the live bacteria through stomach acid, it is usually recommended to take B. bifidum supplements with meals. B. bifidum is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and incorporated into fermented foods, with efficacy depending on the formulation's ability to deliver viable organisms to the gut.

FAQs

Is Bifidobacterium bifidum St1722 effective for IBS?

While Bifidobacterium bifidum species generally show efficacy in improving IBS symptoms, specific high-quality data for the St1722 strain are limited. Strain-specificity is crucial for probiotic effects, so individual results may vary.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Yes, Bifidobacterium bifidum is generally considered safe for long-term use in healthy individuals. It is a natural inhabitant of the human gut and has a good safety profile.

How soon do benefits appear?

Benefits from Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation typically begin to appear within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use. Full effects may take longer to manifest.

Can it cause side effects?

Some individuals may experience mild, temporary gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas when first starting Bifidobacterium bifidum. These symptoms usually subside as the body adjusts.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights that probiotic efficacy is highly strain- and disease-specific. While it supports the general concept of probiotic benefits, it notes the lack of direct high-quality data for specific strains like St1722, emphasizing the need for more targeted research.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967/full – This systematic review and network meta-analysis on probiotics for IBS found that various Bifidobacterium species can improve IBS symptoms. It provides a ranking of efficacy among different probiotic interventions, though it does not specifically mention the St1722 strain.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6927028/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium species, on individuals with NAFLD and metabolic conditions. It concluded that probiotics can reduce liver enzymes and improve insulin resistance, despite high heterogeneity across the included multi-strain interventions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37923223/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing both animal and clinical studies, found that Bifidobacterium supplementation can reduce blood glucose and improve various metabolic markers. However, it did not provide specific data on the St1722 strain, making its relevance indirect for this particular strain.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1666/bifidobacterium-bifidum – This source provides a general overview of Bifidobacterium bifidum, covering its common uses, potential benefits, and safety profile. It serves as a general informational resource for the species rather than a specific research study on the St1722 strain.