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 on PMN cell phagocytic capacity, with a predominant moderate-to-large effect size. Statistically significant improvements were found in 3 of 4 studies. The evidence comes primarily from healthy elderly adults, though one study also included general healthy adults.

Studied populations: healthy elderly adults, healthy adults

Caveats: Doses were not reported in the available studies, preventing dose-response conclusions. One study (2000, n=50) did not report statistical significance for the PMN outcome, adding some uncertainty. All studies appear to use related B. lactis strains (HN019 or DGCC 420), but generalization to the specific strain MAK16B42L is indirect.

Generated May 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 cell phagocytosis were greatest among subjects who consumed B. lactis in lactose-hydrolysed LFM.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
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
There were also significant increases in polymorphonuclear cell phagocytic capacity among test group subjects, following consumption of milk supplemented with B. lactis.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Significant
Yes

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)