Bifidobacterium lactis MAK16B42L and Increased PMN Cell Phagocytic Capacity

Research synthesisModerate evidenceModerate effect4 studies · 4 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on increasing PMN cell phagocytic capacity, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. 3 of 4 findings reached statistical significance. The most-studied population was healthy elderly adults, and the evidence suggests consistent immune-enhancing effects.

Studied populations: healthy elderly adults, healthy adults

Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Evidence base is small (only 4 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Generated May 12, 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)