Bifidobacterium Lactis Sd 5219
Also known as: Bifidobacterium lactis (strain Sd-5219), B. lactis Sd-5219, B. lactis, Bifidobacterium lactis
Overview
Bifidobacterium lactis is a species of anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria naturally found in the human gut microbiota and fermented dairy products. The Sd-5219 strain is a specific probiotic variant used in dietary supplements, primarily to improve gastrointestinal function. It is part of a broader class of probiotics that modulate gut microbiota composition and activity, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and general digestive discomfort. Research on B. lactis strains is mature, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting efficacy for digestive health. While strain-specific effects vary, available evidence is moderate to strong for gastrointestinal benefits. However, direct high-quality data on the Sd-5219 strain specifically is limited, with most evidence derived from closely related B. lactis strains.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium lactis strains, including Sd-5219, offer several evidence-based benefits for gastrointestinal health. The primary effects include significant improvement in gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. A meta-analysis of a probiotic fermented milk containing a closely related B. lactis strain (CNCM I-2494) showed a statistically significant reduction in digestive symptoms in 598 participants (p < 0.05). Additionally, these strains can reduce intestinal transit time (ITT), particularly in constipated and older adults, with medium to large effect sizes reported for B. lactis strains HN019 and DN-173 010 (SMD 0.54–0.72, p < 0.01). While Sd-5219 was not directly studied in these instances, similar benefits are inferred. Secondary effects include improvement in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) like functional bloating and constipation, with sustained symptom relief reported up to 12 days post-treatment in probiotic blends containing B. lactis strains. Benefits appear more pronounced in individuals with mild gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation, older adults, and females. Meta-analyses indicate statistically significant symptom improvement with moderate effect sizes (SMD ~0.4–0.7), suggesting clinically meaningful benefits. Symptom improvements are typically observed within 2–4 weeks of supplementation, with some sustained effects after discontinuation.
How it works
Bifidobacterium lactis strains modulate gut microbiota by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria and producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs improve gut barrier function and motility, contributing to better digestive health. The strains also interact with the immune system, specifically with epithelial cells and immune cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), to reduce low-grade inflammation and enhance gut mucosal integrity. As live bacteria, their action is local within the gut lumen, and absorption into the bloodstream is not applicable. Their ability to colonize and transiently persist in the gut varies by strain.
Side effects
Overall, Bifidobacterium lactis strains, including Sd-5219, are considered safe with a long history of use in foods and supplements. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are generally mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas or bloating, which may occur initially as the gut adjusts. Uncommon side effects, reported in 1–5% of users, include rare instances of mild allergic reactions. Very rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of cases, include reports of bacteremia in severely immunocompromised patients; however, for the general population, these strains are considered safe. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Contraindications for probiotic use, including B. lactis Sd-5219, primarily involve individuals with severe immunodeficiency or critical illness, where the decision to use probiotics should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional due to the potential, albeit rare, risk of systemic infection.
Dosage
The minimum effective doses for Bifidobacterium lactis strains generally range from 1 to 10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) per day in clinical trials. Optimal dosing, which depends on the specific formulation and the target health condition, often falls within the range of 5–20 billion CFU per day. There is no established maximum safe dose for B. lactis, but doses above 50 billion CFU per day are rarely used in practice and are not typically considered necessary for efficacy. The timing of supplementation is flexible, but it is often recommended to take probiotics with meals. This practice can improve the survival of the bacteria as they pass through the acidic environment of the stomach. Specific dosing data for the Sd-5219 strain is currently limited; therefore, dosage recommendations are guided by data from closely related B. lactis strains.
FAQs
Is B. lactis Sd-5219 safe for daily use?
Yes, Bifidobacterium lactis Sd-5219 is generally considered safe for daily use by healthy adults, with a long history of use in foods and supplements.
How soon will I see benefits?
Improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms are typically observed within 2–4 weeks of consistent supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis strains.
Can it help with constipation?
Evidence from related Bifidobacterium lactis strains supports their efficacy in reducing intestinal transit time and improving symptoms of constipation.
Is it strain-specific?
Yes, probiotic effects are highly strain-specific. While benefits of Sd-5219 are inferred from related B. lactis strains, direct evidence for this specific strain is still developing.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5330605/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Eales et al. (2016) found that probiotic fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494 significantly improved gastrointestinal discomfort. The study included 598 participants and demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in symptoms (p<0.05), indicating the efficacy of this specific B. lactis strain for digestive health.
- https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v19/i29/4718.htm – Miller et al. (2013) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis involving 464 subjects, which concluded that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, reduced intestinal transit time. The study reported medium to large effect sizes (SMD 0.54–0.72, p<0.01), suggesting that B. lactis strains can be effective in improving bowel regularity, particularly in cases of constipation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8989638/ – This open-label clinical trial by Harris et al. (2021) investigated the effects of probiotic blends, including Bifidobacterium lactis strains, on functional gastrointestinal symptoms. The study reported improvements in symptoms with sustained effects over 30 days, suggesting that B. lactis can contribute to the management of functional GI disorders, although the open-label design limits definitive conclusions.
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