Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L

What does the research say about Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L has examined its effects on 2 health outcomes across 7 peer-reviewed studies. The strongest evidence, supported by 4 studies in healthy elderly adults, indicates a moderate effect on increasing PMN cell phagocytic capacity, though conclusions remain preliminary due to the small evidence base. Dose reporting across studies has been inconsistent, with no established effective dose for either outcome.

Strongest evidence:

  • Increased PMN cell phagocytic capacity — This outcome has moderate evidence strength, based on 4 studies. Of these, 3 reported beneficial effects with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). All evidence comes from healthy elderly adults. Doses were not consistently reported across studies, limiting the ability to identify a specific effective dose.

Mixed or weaker evidence:

  • Improved bowel movement frequency — Evidence strength is low, based on 3 randomized controlled trials. All 3 reported moderate beneficial effects in adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation, and 2 of 3 found statistically significant improvements. The small number of studies and lack of consistent dose reporting are key limitations. Additionally, the available evidence may be subject to publication bias, as null-result studies in this area are less likely to be published.

Effective dose patterns:

  • No consistent effective dose range can be established for either outcome, as doses and formulations were not consistently reported across the 7 studies. The syntheses note that different strains (BB-12, HN019, GCL2505) were used in some studies, further limiting generalizability to the specific strain MAK16B42L.

Population insights:

  • Evidence for immune function (PMN cell phagocytic capacity) comes exclusively from healthy elderly adults. For bowel movement frequency, the evidence is derived from adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation. No data are available from other populations (e.g., children, athletes, or general healthy adults) for these outcomes.

Notable caveats:

  • Both evidence bases are small (4 and 3 studies) and should be considered preliminary.
  • Dose and formulation reporting was poor across studies, with no consistent effective dose identified.
  • For bowel movement frequency, studies used different Bifidobacterium lactis strains, and the results may not be fully applicable to MAK16B42L.
  • Publication bias is a potential concern for bowel movement frequency research.
  • One study on phagocytic capacity did not find a statistically significant effect.

Frequently asked

  • What is Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L good for according to research?
    Research has studied Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L for two health outcomes: increasing PMN cell phagocytic capacity (immune function) and improving bowel movement frequency. The strongest evidence is for immune function in healthy elderly adults, where 3 of 4 studies reported moderate beneficial effects. Evidence for bowel movement frequency is based on 3 trials in adults with constipation, all showing moderate benefits, though the evidence strength is considered low.
  • What dose of Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L is typically used in studies?
    Doses were not consistently reported across studies for either outcome, so no typical or effective dose range can be identified from the available research. The syntheses note that different formulations and strains (such as BB-12, HN019, and GCL2505) were used in some studies, making it difficult to extrapolate a specific dose for MAK16B42L.
  • Who benefits most from Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?
    Evidence for immune function benefits comes exclusively from healthy elderly adults, suggesting this population may be the primary group studied. For bowel movement frequency, benefits were observed in adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation. No research is available on other populations like children, athletes, or general healthy adults for these outcomes.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?
    Yes. Both evidence bases are small (4 studies for immune function, 3 for bowel movement) and should be considered preliminary. Dose and formulation reporting was inconsistent, and one study on immune function did not find a statistically significant effect. For bowel movement frequency, publication bias is a concern, and studies used different Bifidobacterium lactis strains, limiting generalizability to MAK16B42L specifically.
  • Does Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L help with immune function?
    Research shows moderate evidence that it may increase PMN cell phagocytic capacity, a measure of immune function. Three of 4 studies in healthy elderly adults reported beneficial effects with moderate effect sizes. However, the evidence base is small, one study found no significant effect, and doses were not consistently reported.
  • Does Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L help with constipation?
    Three randomized controlled trials in adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation reported moderate beneficial effects on bowel movement frequency, with 2 of 3 finding statistically significant improvements. However, the evidence strength is rated as low due to the small number of studies, inconsistent dosing, and potential publication bias.

Most-studied combinations with Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (4)
Back to top