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Bifidobacterium longum

Q: Is Bifidobacterium longum safe?

Bifidobacterium longum is generally safe for most people. Mild side effects like bloating are rare. Avoid if severely immunocompromised.

Q: When and how should I take it?

Take it daily, with or without food. Consistency is important for gut colonization and achieving the desired effects.

Q: What results can I expect?

Expect improvements in gut symptoms (like IBS) within 8 weeks. In infants, it reduces the risk of NEC during neonatal care.

Q: Is it a cure-all?

No, it's not a cure-all. Its effects depend on the specific strain and the condition being addressed. It is condition-specific.

Also known as: B. longum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Bifidobacterium longum

Overview

Bifidobacterium longum is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in breastfed infants. It is also present in some fermented foods and dairy products. As a probiotic supplement, it is used to support gut health, modulate the microbiome, and as an adjunct therapy for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. B. longum is known for its ability to colonize the gut, produce short-chain fatty acids, and modulate immune responses. Research on B. longum is well-established, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses available, providing high-quality evidence for its efficacy and safety. It exerts its effects locally in the gut, interacting primarily with the gastrointestinal and immune systems.

Benefits

Bifidobacterium longum supplementation has demonstrated significant benefits in specific populations. In infants, it significantly reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), with a meta-analysis showing a relative risk reduction of 0.539 (95% CI: 0.333, 0.874). For adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), B. longum, particularly strain 35624, has been shown to significantly reduce IBS symptom scores. Studies have reported a 43.4% reduction in the Total IBS Symptom Score after 8 weeks and an 82-point regression in the IBS-SSS score (p < 0.001). While some studies suggest it may support weight gain in infants, meta-analyses have not found significant differences. These benefits highlight the potential of B. longum as a targeted probiotic intervention for specific conditions.

How it works

Bifidobacterium longum exerts its beneficial effects through several key mechanisms. It modulates the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting a more balanced and diverse microbial environment. It enhances gut barrier function, reducing intestinal permeability and preventing the translocation of harmful substances. B. longum produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, which provide energy to colonocytes and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it modulates immune responses by interacting with gut epithelial cells and immune cells, such as dendritic cells and T cells, influencing the production of cytokines and other immune mediators. These actions collectively contribute to improved gut health and immune function.

Side effects

Bifidobacterium longum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for most populations. Common side effects are rare, with only mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas occurring in a small percentage of users. Meta-analyses have not shown a significant increase in adverse events compared to placebo. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, with large meta-analyses reporting no significant increase in risk. However, caution is advised in immunocompromised individuals due to a theoretical risk of bacteremia. B. longum is contraindicated in individuals with severe immunocompromise, central venous catheters, or critical illness. While generally safe for infants and adults, use in immunocompromised individuals should be closely supervised by a healthcare professional.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Bifidobacterium longum is not well-established and is strain-specific. For adults, dosages in the range of 1–10 billion CFU/day are commonly used, with strain B. longum 35624 often recommended at 1 billion CFU/day for IBS. Similar or lower doses may be appropriate for infants, depending on the specific strain. Doses up to 10 billion CFU/day are generally considered safe. B. longum can be taken with or without food, and daily administration is recommended for consistent gut colonization. It is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and dairy products. Ensure the product contains viable (live) cultures for optimal effectiveness. B. longum exerts its effects locally in the gut and is not systemically absorbed.

FAQs

Is Bifidobacterium longum safe?

Bifidobacterium longum is generally safe for most people. Mild side effects like bloating are rare. Avoid if severely immunocompromised.

When and how should I take it?

Take it daily, with or without food. Consistency is important for gut colonization and achieving the desired effects.

What results can I expect?

Expect improvements in gut symptoms (like IBS) within 8 weeks. In infants, it reduces the risk of NEC during neonatal care.

Is it a cure-all?

No, it's not a cure-all. Its effects depend on the specific strain and the condition being addressed. It is condition-specific.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38137255/ – This meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving 1,671 newborns, mostly preterm infants, found that Bifidobacterium longum supplementation significantly reduced the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with a relative risk of 0.539 (95% CI: 0.333, 0.874). The study noted no significant effect on weight gain or adverse events, but acknowledged heterogeneity in strains and dosing, primarily focusing on preterm infants.
https://www.microbiotajournal.com/article/998 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 5 studies and 796 IBS patients, demonstrated that Bifidobacterium longum 35624 significantly reduced IBS symptom scores, with a 43.4% reduction in TISS and an 82-point regression in IBS-SSS (p < 0.001). The review highlighted that extended courses (up to 3 months) were more effective, while also noting limitations such as a limited number of studies and some heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1463848/pdf – The observational study by Lenoir et al. (2023) found that Bifidobacterium longum 35624 significantly reduced bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (p < 0.0001–0.001), with over 60% of participants achieving clinically significant symptom reduction. Although the observational design lacks a placebo control, the findings support results from RCTs and meta-analyses, indicating a potential benefit in managing IBS symptoms.