The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12®
- 2014-03-28
- Microorganisms 2(2)
- Mikkel Jungersen
- A. Wind
- E. Johansen
- J. Christensen
- Birgitte Stuer-Lauridsen
- D. Eskesen
- PubMed: 27682233
- DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms2020092
Abstract
This review presents selected data on the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12(®) (BB-12(®)), which is the world's most documented probiotic Bifidobacterium. It is described in more than 300 scientific publications out of which more than 130 are publications of human clinical studies. The complete genome sequence of BB-12(®) has been determined and published. BB-12(®) originates from Chr. Hansen's collection of dairy cultures and has high stability in foods and as freeze dried powders. Strain characteristics and mechanisms of BB-12(®) have been established through extensive in vitro testing. BB-12(®) exhibits excellent gastric acid and bile tolerance; it contains bile salt hydrolase, and has strong mucus adherence properties, all valuable probiotic characteristics. Pathogen inhibition, barrier function enhancement, and immune interactions are mechanisms that all have been demonstrated for BB-12(®). BB-12(®) has proven its beneficial health effect in numerous clinical studies within gastrointestinal health and immune function. Clinical studies have demonstrated survival of BB-12(®) through the gastrointestinal tract and BB-12(®) has been shown to support a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, BB-12(®) has been shown to improve bowel function, to have a protective effect against diarrhea, and to reduce side effects of antibiotic treatment, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In terms of immune function, clinical studies have shown that BB-12(®) increases the body's resistance to common respiratory infections as well as reduces the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections.
Keywords: BB-12®; Bifidobacterium; probiotic.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium bifidum/lactis Bb-02 | Absence of Treatment-Related Side Effects | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum/lactis Bb-02 | Improved Bowel Function | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum/lactis Bb-02 | Improved Respiratory Infection Resistance | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum/lactis Bb-02 | Maintained Intestinal Microbiota Stability | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Enhanced Resistance to Respiratory Infections | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Improved Bowel Function | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Improved Immune Function | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Improved Overall Gastrointestinal Health | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Reduced Acute Respiratory Tract Infections | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Reduced Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-02 | Reduced Diarrhea Incidence | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Enhanced Resistance to Respiratory Infections | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Improved Bowel Function | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Improved Gastrointestinal Health | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Improved Immune Function | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Reduced Incidence of Diarrhea | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Reduced Respiratory Tract Infections | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 | Reduced Side Effects from Antibiotic Treatment | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12 | Improved Bowel Function | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12 | Improved Gastrointestinal Health | Beneficial | Large |
| Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12 | Reduced Respiratory Tract Infections | Beneficial | Moderate |