Bifidobacterium Breve Br03
Also known as: B. breve BR03, Bifidobacterium breve B-3, BB-3, B-3, Bifidobacterium breve BR03
Overview
Bifidobacterium breve BR03 is a specific probiotic bacterial strain naturally found in the human gut microbiota, particularly prevalent in infants and healthy adults. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to positively influence gut microbial composition. Research has focused on its potential benefits in areas such as infantile colic, reduction of body fat, and overall metabolic health. Key characteristics of this strain include its ability to colonize the gastrointestinal tract, modulate host metabolism, and potentially contribute to a reduction in body fat mass. The scientific evidence supporting its use is considered moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses available, particularly concerning its metabolic and gastrointestinal effects. It is generally administered orally and is designed to survive the acidic environment of the stomach to reach and colonize the intestines.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium breve BR03 has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits: - **Body Fat Reduction:** Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide moderate to strong evidence that *B. breve* BR03 (often referred to as B-3 or BB-3) can significantly reduce body fat mass and percentage in overweight or pre-obese adults. Studies, such as one involving 20–50 billion CFU/day over 12 weeks, reported reductions of approximately 0.6–0.7 kg in fat mass and 0.6–0.7% in body fat percentage, even without concurrent lifestyle changes like calorie restriction or increased exercise. This suggests a direct metabolic effect of the probiotic. - **Infantile Colic Management:** Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have indicated the efficacy of *B. breve* BR03, often as part of probiotic mixtures, in managing symptoms of infantile colic. The evidence suggests that this strain can help modulate the gut microbiota in infants, leading to a reduction in crying and discomfort associated with colic. - **General Safety and Tolerability:** *B. breve* BR03 is generally well-tolerated in healthy individuals, with a low incidence of side effects. This high safety profile contributes to its suitability as a dietary supplement.
How it works
Bifidobacterium breve BR03 exerts its effects primarily by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to an increase in beneficial bifidobacteria populations. This probiotic strain influences host metabolic pathways by upregulating the expression of intestinal glucagon-like peptides (GLPs) and adiponectin. GLPs play a role in glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation, while adiponectin is an adipokine involved in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Through these mechanisms, *B. breve* BR03 may contribute to improved fat metabolism, reduced visceral fat accumulation, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. It is orally administered and designed to survive gastrointestinal transit to colonize the gut, thereby influencing energy homeostasis and inflammatory pathways.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium breve BR03 is generally considered likely safe for healthy adults and children when taken orally for up to one year. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) are rare, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as transient gas or bloating. Uncommon side effects (1–5%) are not well-documented but could include other forms of transient gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects (<1%) are extremely infrequent but include very rare cases of bacteremia or sepsis. These severe adverse events have primarily been reported in highly immunocompromised individuals or premature infants, especially those with pre-existing conditions like intestinal blockages or post-surgical complications. Therefore, *B. breve* BR03 should be used with caution or avoided in immunocompromised patients and infants with intestinal obstruction. No significant drug interactions have been reported with *B. breve* BR03, making it generally compatible with most medications.
Dosage
For body fat reduction, clinical trials have utilized effective doses of *Bifidobacterium breve* BR03 ranging from 20 billion to 50 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. These dosages were typically administered over a 12-week period to observe significant reductions in body fat. For the management of infantile colic, doses vary depending on the specific probiotic formulation, but generally fall within the range of 100 million (10^8) to 1 billion (10^9) CFU per day, often as part of a multi-strain probiotic mixture. There is no established maximum safe dose for *B. breve* BR03, and doses exceeding 50 billion CFU/day have not been extensively studied in clinical settings. The timing of administration is flexible, as probiotics can generally be taken with or without food. While no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, the viability and effectiveness of the probiotic depend on proper storage and the quality of the formulation.
FAQs
Is Bifidobacterium breve BR03 safe for children?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for children. However, caution is advised for very premature infants or those with pre-existing intestinal issues, where rare complications have been reported.
How soon can I expect to see benefits from Bifidobacterium breve BR03, particularly for body fat reduction?
Significant reductions in body fat have been observed after approximately 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve BR03 in clinical studies.
Does Bifidobacterium breve BR03 require lifestyle changes like diet or exercise for its body fat reduction effects?
No, studies have shown that body fat reduction effects with Bifidobacterium breve BR03 can occur without concurrent calorie restriction or changes in exercise habits, indicating a direct metabolic influence.
Can Bifidobacterium breve BR03 cause infections?
Infections are extremely rare. They have only been reported in highly immunocompromised individuals or infants with severe intestinal complications, such as obstruction, not typically in healthy populations.
Research Sources
- https://www.e-cep.org/m/journal/view.php?number=20125555431 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium breve BR03, in reducing symptoms of infantile colic. The study concluded that probiotic interventions, particularly those containing B. breve BR03, significantly reduced crying and discomfort in infants with colic, suggesting a beneficial role in modulating gut microbiota for this condition.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6081611/ – This meta-analysis and randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 on body fat reduction in overweight/obese adults. The meta-analysis showed a consistent reduction of approximately 0.6% in body fat, while the RCT confirmed a 0.7 kg fat mass reduction with 50 billion CFU/day of B. breve B-3, supporting its role in improving body composition.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9824586/ – This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of 20 billion CFU/day of Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (BB-3) on body composition in pre-obese adults over 12 weeks. The study found significant reductions in body fat mass, weight, and waist/hip circumference, confirming the strain's efficacy in improving body composition and its safety and tolerability without lifestyle changes.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1665/bifidobacterium-breve – This source provides a general overview of Bifidobacterium breve, including its common uses, potential side effects, and safety considerations. It highlights that the strain is generally considered safe for healthy individuals but advises caution in immunocompromised populations or those with specific medical conditions, particularly regarding rare instances of infection.
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