Bifidobacterium Infantis Mak22b04i
Also known as: B. infantis Mak22b04i, infant-type bifidobacteria Mak22b04i, Bifidobacterium infantis Mak22b04i
Overview
Bifidobacterium infantis is a species of beneficial gut bacteria naturally found in the human intestines, particularly abundant in infants. It is widely recognized for its probiotic properties, playing a crucial role in modulating gut microbiota and immune responses. The strain Mak22b04i is a specific isolate, though direct peer-reviewed research on this exact strain is currently limited. General research on B. infantis, however, is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews highlighting its potential for improving gastrointestinal health, modulating immune function, and potentially supporting respiratory health. Probiotic effects are highly strain-specific, meaning findings from other B. infantis strains (e.g., 35624, YLGB-1496) may not directly translate to Mak22b04i without specific research.
Benefits
While direct evidence for *Bifidobacterium infantis* Mak22b04i is not available, research on other *B. infantis* strains suggests several potential benefits. Systematic reviews indicate that *B. infantis*, often as part of probiotic mixtures, can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and may help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. The evidence for NEC prevention is clinically meaningful, showing reductions in incidence. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that specific *B. infantis* strains, such as YLGB-1496, may reduce respiratory tract infections in toddlers, although this evidence is preliminary and requires further large-scale trials. Meta-analyses have shown that certain *B. infantis* strains can reduce the duration of diarrhea by approximately 21.6 to 24.8 hours. These benefits are particularly relevant for vulnerable populations like preterm infants and young children. The strength of evidence varies by benefit, with NEC prevention having robust support when *B. infantis* is part of a probiotic regimen, while respiratory benefits are still emerging.
How it works
*Bifidobacterium infantis* primarily exerts its effects by colonizing the gut, where it produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate. These SCFAs contribute to a lower intestinal pH, which can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The strain also modulates the immune system by interacting with immune cells in the gut mucosa, influencing cytokine production, and enhancing anti-inflammatory pathways. It is known to improve gut barrier function, which is crucial for preventing the translocation of harmful substances from the gut into the bloodstream. Its molecular targets include toll-like receptors and other immune signaling pathways. As a live bacterial probiotic, its efficacy depends on its ability to survive the gastrointestinal tract and establish colonization.
Side effects
*Bifidobacterium infantis* strains are generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in both healthy individuals and vulnerable populations, including preterm infants. When side effects do occur, they are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which are rare. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been consistently reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials for *B. infantis*. Studies in special populations, such as preterm infants, have extensively evaluated its safety profile, showing no significant concerns when used appropriately. However, as with any probiotic, individuals with severely compromised immune systems or those with central venous catheters should consult a healthcare professional before use due to a theoretical risk of bacteremia, although this is exceedingly rare for *B. infantis*.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for *Bifidobacterium infantis* Mak22b04i are not established in the scientific literature. However, for other well-researched *B. infantis* strains used in clinical trials, typical daily dosages range from 1 billion (1 x 10^9) to 10 billion (1 x 10^10) Colony Forming Units (CFU). The optimal dosage can vary significantly depending on the specific health condition being addressed, the formulation (e.g., single strain vs. multi-strain probiotic), and the individual's age and health status. Timing considerations often involve taking the probiotic with or without food, as this can influence its survival through the acidic environment of the stomach. The effectiveness of the dosage is also influenced by factors such as the viability of the probiotic cells and their resistance to gastric acid and bile, which are crucial for successful gut colonization.
FAQs
Is *Bifidobacterium infantis* Mak22b04i effective?
Direct evidence for the Mak22b04i strain is currently unavailable. Its potential effectiveness is inferred from research on other *B. infantis* strains, which show benefits for gut and immune health.
Is *Bifidobacterium infantis* Mak22b04i safe?
Yes, *Bifidobacterium infantis* strains are generally considered safe for both adults and infants, with a low incidence of mild gastrointestinal side effects like bloating or gas.
How long does it take to see effects from *Bifidobacterium infantis*?
Benefits can vary; acute symptoms like diarrhea may improve within days, while immune modulation or long-term gut health improvements might take several weeks or months to become noticeable.
Can *Bifidobacterium infantis* be used with antibiotics?
Yes, probiotics are often used alongside antibiotics to help mitigate antibiotic-associated side effects. It's generally recommended to take them a few hours apart to maximize probiotic viability.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00124/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis by McFarland (2018) highlights that probiotic efficacy is highly strain- and disease-specific. It notes that while some *B. infantis* strains, like 35624, showed benefits, there was often confusion regarding strain identification in some trials, limiting definitive conclusions. The study emphasizes the importance of precise strain identification for accurate assessment of probiotic effects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1537610/full – Li et al. (2025) conducted an RCT on toddlers with respiratory issues, investigating *B. infantis* YLGB-1496. The study observed trends toward reduced respiratory symptoms and antibiotic use, though these findings did not reach statistical significance. This moderate-quality study was the first RCT on this specific strain, indicating preliminary but not conclusive evidence for respiratory benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10665187/ – Batta et al. (2023) performed a high-quality systematic review of 16 RCTs involving 14,606 preterm infants. The review concluded that probiotic mixtures containing *B. infantis* significantly reduced the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared to those without *B. infantis*. However, the study noted a lack of trials investigating *B. infantis* monotherapy, suggesting benefits are observed within multi-strain formulations.
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