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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 supporting its role in immune function. Specifically, across 4 studies, the probiotic demonstrated a moderate-to-large beneficial effect on PMN cell phagocytic capacity, primarily in healthy elderly and general healthy adults. Doses were not reported in the available studies, preventing conclusions about effective dosing.

Strongest evidence: The most robust research supports a beneficial effect on PMN cell phagocytic capacity, a marker of immune function. All 4 studies reported improvements, with 3 showing statistically significant results, yielding a moderate evidence strength and moderate effect size. The evidence comes primarily from healthy elderly adults (3 studies) and one study including general healthy adults. Doses were not reported in any study, so no dose range can be identified.

Mixed or weaker evidence: No outcomes with low or very low evidence strength were identified in the available syntheses.

Effective dose patterns: No dose information was reported across any of the 7 studies, so no cross-cutting dose insights can be drawn.

Population insights: The research on PMN cell phagocytic capacity points to healthy elderly adults as the most studied population, suggesting potential benefit in age-related immune decline. For bowel movement frequency, the evidence comes from adults with infrequent bowel movements or functional constipation (3 studies), indicating benefit in those with suboptimal bowel habits.

Notable caveats: All 7 studies used related but different Bifidobacterium lactis strains (HN019, DGCC 420, BB-12, GCL2505), not the specific strain MAK16B42L, so generalization is indirect. One study on PMN capacity (2000, n=50) did not report statistical significance, adding uncertainty. For bowel movement outcomes, one study had a very small sample size (n=17). Doses and forms were not reported in any study, limiting practical interpretation.

Frequently asked

  • What is Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L good for according to research?
    Research on related strains of Bifidobacterium lactis suggests benefits for two health outcomes: increased PMN cell phagocytic capacity (a marker of immune function) based on 4 studies, and improved bowel movement frequency based on 3 studies. The evidence strength for both outcomes is moderate.
  • What dose of Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L is typically used in studies?
    Doses were not reported in any of the 7 studies included in the syntheses, so no typical dose range can be provided. This is a significant limitation of the current evidence for this strain.
  • Who benefits most from Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?
    For immune function, the strongest evidence is in healthy elderly adults, who showed improved PMN cell phagocytic capacity across multiple studies. For bowel movement frequency, the research primarily involved adults with infrequent bowel movements or functional constipation, suggesting benefit in those populations.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L?
    Yes, multiple caveats exist. All 7 studies used different Bifidobacterium lactis strains (e.g., HN019, BB-12) rather than the specific MAK16B42L strain, so applicability is indirect. Doses and forms were not reported in any study. One study on immune function (n=50) did not report statistical significance, and one bowel movement study had a very small sample size (n=17).
  • Does Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L help with immune function?
    Based on 4 studies, related strains of Bifidobacterium lactis show a moderate-to-large beneficial effect on PMN cell phagocytic capacity, a measure of immune cell activity. Three of the four studies reported statistically significant improvements, primarily in healthy elderly adults. However, generalization to the MAK16B42L strain is indirect.
  • Does Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L help with constipation or bowel regularity?
    Three randomized controlled trials found moderate beneficial effects on bowel movement frequency in adults with infrequent bowel movements or functional constipation. Two of the three studies reported statistically significant improvements. However, the studies used different strains (BB-12, HN019, GCL2505), and doses were not reported.
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