Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L and Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity

Research synthesisModerate evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 3 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on PMN cell phagocytic capacity, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). The evidence primarily comes from healthy elderly populations. Doses were not consistently reported.

Studied populations: elderly adults

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. One study did not find a statistically significant effect. Doses and formulations were not consistently reported across studies.

Generated Jun 11, 2026

4 of 4 papersPopulation:

The Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 on Cellular Immune Function in Healthy Elderly Subjects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- 2017-02-24
- Meta-Analysis
- Nutrients 9(3)
- - L. Miller
  - L. Lehtoranta
  - M. Lehtinen
- PubMed: 28245559
- DOI: 10.3390/nu9030191
5 Insights on
- Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity
- High evidence
- Elderly
*B. lactis* HN019 supplementation was highly efficacious in increasing PMN phagocytic capacity with an SMD of 0.74 (95% confidence interval: 0.38 to 1.11, *p* < 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Significant
Yes
Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 modulate unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults
- 2007-04-18
- RCT · n = 26
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 62(5)
- - A. Klein
  - U. Friedrich
  - Heinz Vogelsang
  - Gerhard Jahreis
- PubMed: 17440520
- DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602761
6 Insights on
- Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity
- High evidence
- Highly Cited
- Rigorous Journal
- Adults
Percentages of granulocytes and monocytes showing phagocytic activity were significantly elevated from 92 to 95% during probiotic intervention.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Enhancing immunity by dietary consumption of a probiotic lactic acid bacterium (Bifidobacterium lactis HN019): optimization and definition of cellular immune responses
- 2000-11-01
- RCT · n = 50
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 54(11)
- - B. Chiang
  - Y. Sheih
  - LH Wang
  - Chuh-K. Liao
  - H. Gill
- PubMed: 11114680
- DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601093
16 Insights on
- Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity
- High evidence
- Highly Cited
- Elderly
Increases in PMN and NK cell activity were greatest among subjects who consumed B. lactis in lactose-hydrolysed LFM.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Dose
not specified
Enhancement of natural immune function by dietary consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019)
- 2000-03-01
- RCT · n = 25
- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 54(3)
- - K. Arunachalam
  - H. Gill
  - R. Chandra
- PubMed: 10713750
- DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600938
7 Insights on
- Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity
- High evidence
- Highly Cited
- Elderly
while individuals who consumed B. lactis-supplemented milk or milk alone showed enhanced phagocyte-mediated bactericidal activity.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Significant
No
Dose
1.5×10^11 CFU twice daily

Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L and Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity

The Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis HN019 on Cellular Immune Function in Healthy Elderly Subjects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 modulate unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults

Enhancing immunity by dietary consumption of a probiotic lactic acid bacterium (Bifidobacterium lactis HN019): optimization and definition of cellular immune responses

Enhancement of natural immune function by dietary consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019)