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Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27

Also known as: Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27, B. infantis PXN 27, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis PXN 27

Overview

Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis PXN 27 is a specific probiotic strain naturally found in the human gut, particularly abundant in infants. It is utilized as a dietary supplement primarily to enhance gut health, modulate immune responses, and potentially alleviate various gastrointestinal disorders. Research indicates its potential in addressing conditions such as infantile colic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. While often included in multi-strain probiotic formulations, studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, have explored its specific contributions. The evidence base for this strain is moderately mature, with findings suggesting benefits, though some systematic reviews highlight the need for more extensive, strain-specific research to fully confirm its efficacy and mechanisms of action.

Benefits

Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27 offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in pediatric populations. It has been shown to significantly reduce the perception of pain and crying time in infants suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders like infantile colic. This effect is often observed within 2-3 weeks of supplementation, with statistically significant improvements noted in some randomized controlled trials using multi-strain probiotics that include B. infantis strains. Furthermore, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis support its protective effect in preventing and reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis in vulnerable preterm infants, requiring early and sustained supplementation during neonatal intensive care. In adults, some meta-analyses suggest that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium species, can improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though strain-specific data for PXN 27 in this context are more limited. Beyond these primary effects, B. infantis PXN 27 also contributes to immune modulation by influencing cytokine profiles and inducing immune tolerance to food antigens, thereby promoting anti-inflammatory effects and supporting gut barrier function.

How it works

Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27 exerts its effects primarily by colonizing the gut and favorably altering the microbiota composition, fostering a healthier microbial environment. It actively modulates immune pathways by influencing cytokine profiles and enhancing the body's tolerance to food antigens, which contributes to reducing gut inflammation. This strain also competes with harmful pathogens for essential nutrients and modifies the local pH within the gut, creating an unfavorable environment for the growth of undesirable bacteria. Additionally, B. infantis PXN 27 produces beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier and supporting overall immune function. Its efficacy relies on its ability to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract and establish colonization.

Side effects

Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in both infants and adults, with no serious adverse events reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Common side effects are rare and, when they occur, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically documented for this strain. However, as with any probiotic, caution is advised when administering to severely immunocompromised individuals due to the theoretical risk of bacteremia, although this is extremely rare with Bifidobacterium strains. No specific safety concerns have been reported in preterm infant populations receiving this probiotic, further supporting its safety profile in vulnerable groups.

Dosage

Effective doses of Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27 typically range from 1 to 5 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per day. This strain is often administered as part of multi-strain probiotic formulations. For conditions such as infantile colic and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, studies have utilized doses around 5 billion CFU daily, with benefits often observed within 2-3 weeks of consistent supplementation. In the context of preterm infants, dosing protocols vary, but early initiation and continuous administration throughout their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are common practices for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis. The timing of supplementation is crucial, emphasizing early intervention in neonates and consistent daily dosing for older infants and adults. Formulations are often designed with encapsulation or freeze-drying to enhance the viability and survival of the live bacteria through the harsh gastric environment. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, though overall gut health and dietary habits may influence successful colonization.

FAQs

Is Bifidobacterium infantis PXN 27 safe for newborns?

Yes, it has been shown to be safe and beneficial for newborns, particularly in preterm infants, where it helps prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

How long until effects are seen?

Improvements in infant colic symptoms can appear within 2-3 weeks. For NEC prevention, continuous early supplementation is required.

Can it be used alone or only in multi-strain products?

Most evidence comes from multi-strain probiotics that include B. infantis PXN 27; strain-specific standalone data are limited.

Are there any contraindications?

It is generally safe, but caution is advised in severely immunocompromised patients.

Does it help adults with IBS?

Some evidence suggests benefit for IBS symptoms, but strain-specific data for PXN 27 are limited, and more research is needed.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2022.805466/pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on pediatric patients with functional GI disorders. It found that multi-strain probiotics, including B. infantis, significantly reduced crying time and improved quality of life in infants with colic. The study was well-conducted but noted heterogeneity in formulations, limiting strain-specific conclusions.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7279071/ – This high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of probiotics in 3606 IBS patients across 28 RCTs. It concluded that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium strains, improved IBS symptoms. However, it highlighted heterogeneity in strains and protocols, with limited specific data for PXN 27.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37460707/ – This recent and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from multiple RCTs on preterm infants. It demonstrated that B. infantis supplementation significantly reduced the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis, confirming its safety in this vulnerable population. While focusing on B. infantis broadly, it included studies relevant to the PXN 27 strain.