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Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L

What does the research say about Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L covers 2 health outcomes, with the strongest evidence for its effects on immune function. The most robust finding, based on 4 studies, shows a moderate-to-large benefit for increasing PMN cell phagocytic capacity, particularly in healthy elderly adults. Doses were not consistently reported across studies, limiting dose-specific conclusions.

Strongest evidence

  • Increased PMN cell phagocytic capacity: Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects, with a meta-analysis showing a large effect (SMD 0.74, p < 0.001). Evidence strength is moderate, and most data come from healthy elderly adults. Doses and durations were not consistently reported.
  • Improved bowel movement frequency: All 3 studies reported moderate-sized benefits in adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation. Evidence strength is moderate, but the small number of studies and potential publication bias limit confidence.

Mixed or weaker evidence

No outcomes with low or very low evidence strength were identified in the top syntheses. However, for phagocytic capacity, one study showed a neutral effect, indicating variability in outcomes.

Effective dose patterns

Doses were not consistently reported across studies for either outcome, so no cross-cutting dose range can be determined from these syntheses.

Population insights

The evidence for improved phagocytic capacity primarily comes from healthy elderly adults. For bowel movement frequency, the studies focused on adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation.

Notable caveats

  • The evidence base is small for both outcomes (3–4 studies each), making conclusions preliminary.
  • Studies used other B. lactis strains (HN019, DGCC 420) rather than the specific MAK16B42L strain, so applicability is uncertain.
  • Publication bias may inflate the apparent uniformity of beneficial effects for bowel movement frequency.

Frequently asked

  • What is Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L good for according to research?
    Research on this specific strain is limited. However, related B. lactis strains (such as HN019 and DGCC 420) have been studied for two main outcomes: increasing PMN cell phagocytic capacity (a measure of immune function) in elderly adults, and improving bowel movement frequency in adults with constipation. Both areas show moderate evidence strength, but applicability to MAK16B42L is uncertain.
  • What dose of Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L is typically used in studies?
    Doses were not consistently reported across the studies included in these research syntheses. As a result, no specific dose range can be determined from the available evidence.
  • Who benefits most from Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?
    Based on the research, elderly adults may benefit most for immune function outcomes, as all studies on phagocytic capacity were conducted in this population. For bowel movement frequency, the evidence comes from adults with low defecation frequency or functional constipation.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?
    Yes. The evidence base is small (only 3–4 studies per outcome), making conclusions preliminary. Studies used other B. lactis strains (HN019, DGCC 420) rather than MAK16B42L specifically, so the findings may not apply directly. Additionally, one study on phagocytic capacity showed neutral results, and publication bias could be a concern for bowel movement studies.
  • Does Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L help with immune function?
    Moderate evidence from 4 studies suggests that related B. lactis strains can improve PMN cell phagocytic capacity, a marker of immune function, with a large effect size (SMD 0.74, p < 0.001). However, one study showed no benefit, and all studies were in elderly adults. Applicability to other populations or to the MAK16B42L strain is uncertain.

Most-studied combinations with Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L

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