Bifidobacterium breve

Gut-brain axis has emerged as a promising strategy for managing depression. Probiotic supplements, which modulate the gut microbiome, are suggested to enhance gut-brain communication and improve depressive symptoms and cognitive function. However, the acceptance of probiotics in managing depression remains contentious. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on depression through meta-analysis and to assess their mechanisms of action, focusing on changes in gut microbial composition and neural mechanisms. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, up to January 1, 2024, were included. Nine studies consistently demonstrated improvements in depressive symptoms, gut microbiota, inflammatory markers, cognitive function, and mood regulation. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms with probiotics compared to placebo, with a mean difference of - 1.94 (95% CI = -3.56 to - 0.32, p = 0.02, I2 = 69%). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), which showed substantial improvement, with a mean difference of - 3.27 (95% CI = -6.42 to - 0.12, p = 0.04, I2 = 82%), is a preferred tool for further studies due to its comprehensive symptom coverage and strong psychometric properties. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus plantarum subspecies JYLP-326 and Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 were particularly effective, while multi-strain probiotics generally showed more consistent effects than single-strain interventions. Probiotics show promising potential in alleviating depression through their anti-inflammatory effects, gut microbiota modulation, cognitive function enhancement, and possible influence on brain structure and neurotransmitter systems. Despite some variability in trial results, this review provides updated insights for medical practitioners, highlighting probiotics as a viable treatment option for depression.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effect of oral intake of bacterial probiotics on 15 variables related to obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, EMBASE and COCHRANE from 1990 to June 2018. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (≥14 days) excluding hypercholesterolaemia, alcoholic liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and children <3 years. RESULTS: One hundred and five articles met inclusion criteria, representing 6826 subjects. In overweight but not obese subjects, probiotics induced improvements in: body weight (k=25 trials, d=-0.94 kg mean difference, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.70, I²=0.0%), body mass index (k=32, d=-0.55 kg/m², 95% CI -0.86 to -0.23, I²=91.9%), waist circumference (k=13, d=-1.31 cm, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.83, I²=14.5%), body fat mass (k=11, d=-0.96 kg, 95% CI -1.21 to -0.71, I²=0.0%) and visceral adipose tissue mass (k=5, d=-6.30 cm², 95% CI -9.05 to -3.56, I²=0.0%). In type 2 diabetics, probiotics reduced fasting glucose (k=19, d=-0.66 mmol/L, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.31, I²=27.7%), glycated haemoglobin (k=13, d=-0.28 pp, 95% CI -0.46 to -0.11, I²=54.1%), insulin (k=13, d=-1.66 mU/L, 95% CI -2.70 to -0.61, I²=37.8%) and homeostatic model of insulin resistance (k=10, d=-1.05 pp, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.61, I²=18.2%). In subjects with fatty liver diseases, probiotics reduced alanine (k=12, d=-10.2 U/L, 95% CI -14.3 to -6.0, I²=93.50%) and aspartate aminotransferases (k=10, d=-9.9 U/L, 95% CI -14.1 to -5.8, I²=96.1%). These improvements were mostly observed with bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum), Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii) containing mixtures and influenced by trials conducted in one country. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of probiotics resulted in minor but consistent improvements in several metabolic risk factors in subjects with metabolic diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016033273. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

INTRODUCTION: Bifidobacterium breve M-16V has been used as a probiotic in preterm infants. Probiotic strain-specific data are essential to guide clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess effects of B breve M-16V in preterm neonates. DESIGN: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs of B breve M-16V in preterm infants was conducted. Multiple databases, proceedings of Pediatric Academy Society, and other relevant conferences were searched in September 2016 and on January 5, 2017. RESULTS: Five RCTs (n = 482) and 4 non-RCTs (n = 2496) were included. Of the 5 RCTs, 4 carried high/unclear risk of bias in many domains. Meta-analysis (fixed effects model) of RCTs showed no significant benefits on stage ≥2 necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, mortality, and postnatal age at full feeds. Meta-analysis of non-RCTs showed significant benefits on (1) late-onset sepsis-3 studies (n = 2452), odds ratio = 0.56 (95% CI, 0.45-0.71), P < .0001; (2) mortality-2 studies (n = 2319), odds ratio = 0.61 (95% CI, 0.44-0.84), P = .002; and (3) postnatal age at full feeds (days)-2 studies (n = 361), mean difference, -2.42 (95% CI, -2.55 to -2.3), P < .00001. There were no adverse effects from B breve M-16V. On Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation analysis, the overall quality of evidence was deemed very low. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence is limited regarding the potential of B breve M-16V in preterm neonates. Adequately powered, preferably cluster RCTs are needed to confirm these findings. © 2017 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the best probiotic supplementation in triple therapy for pediatric population with Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: Eligible trials were identified by comprehensive searches. Relative risks with 95% confidence intervals and relative ranks with P scores were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine trials (3122 participants) involving 17 probiotic regimens were identified. Compared with placebo, probiotic-supplemented triple therapy significantly increased H. pylori eradication rates (relative ratio (RR) 1.19, 95% CI 1.13-1.25) and reduced the incidence of total side effects (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38-0.65). Furthermore, to supplemented triple therapy, Lactobacillus casei was identified the best for H. pylori eradication rates (P score = 0.84), and multi-strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus for total side effects (P score = 0.93). As for the subtypes of side effects, multi-strain of Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, L. acidophilus, L. casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, L. rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus sporogenes, and Streptococcus thermophilus was the best to reduce the incidence of diarrhea; multi-strain of Bacillus mesentericus, Clostridium butyricum, and Streptococcus faecalis for loss of appetite; multi-strain of B. longum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus for constipation; multi-strain of Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. infantis, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. reuteri, and Streptococcus for taste disturbance; Saccharomyces boulardii for bloating; and multi-strain of Bifidobacterium breve, B. infantis, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, and S. thermophilus for nausea/vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics are recommended to supplement triple therapy in pediatrics, and the effectiveness of triple therapy is associated with specific probiotic supplementation.

Consumption of live bacteria as probiotic supplements is increasing. There is, however, a lack of information on the safety of ingested probiotics. The main objective of this study was to investigate the adverse events (AEs) of specific probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) alone or LGG in combination with L. rhamnosus Lc705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii JS, Bifidobacterium lactis BB12, or Bifidobacterium breve 99) studied in six of our study groups' clinical trials, by analysing individual participant data. A secondary objective was to study AEs associated with the consumed probiotic species and mixtures in three specific categories; 'gastrointestinal disorders', 'respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders' and 'infections and infestations'. Six randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies by our study group were included in this AE analysis (study population n=1,909). All AE data were classified according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. From the 26 CTCAE System Organ Classes, we identified AEs in 20 classes among 1,909 subjects. Probiotic ingestion did not result in statistically significant differences in AEs in different groups, when compared to placebo. A subgroup analysis of gastrointestinal, respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders, infections and infestations, found no differences between the intervention groups or for different probiotic combinations (risk ratio (RR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-1.02, P=0.30; RR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.01, P=0.35; RR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.93-1.06, P=0.62, respectively). As a conclusion, ingestion of probiotic supplementations containing LGG alone, or LGG in combination with L. rhamnosus Lc705, P. freudenreichii JS, B. breve 99, or B. lactis BB12 did not seem to cause AEs in young and elderly subjects in this analysis.

107. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2013 Jan;105(1):19-36. doi: 10.4321/s1130-01082013000100005. Effect of probiotic species on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: A bring up to date meta-analysis. Ortiz-Lucas M, Tobías A, Saz P, Sebastián JJ. Comment in Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2013 Jan;105(1):1-2. doi: 10.4321/s1130-01082013000100001. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: immune system alteration in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients may be modulated by probiotics. We assessed the efficacy of some probiotic species in alleviating characteristic IBS symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a meta-analysis of all identified randomized controlled trials comparing probiotics with placebo in treating IBS symptoms was performed with continuous data summarized using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), where appropriate. The random-effects model was employed in cases of heterogeneity; otherwise, fixed-effects models were used. RESULTS: meta-analysis was performed with 10 of 24 studies identified as suitable for inclusion. Probiotics improved pain scores if they contained Bifidobacterium breve (SMD, - 0.34; 95% CI, - 0.66; -0.02), Bifidobacterium longum (SMD, -0.48; 95% CI, - 0.91; -0.06), or Lactobacillus acidophilus (SMD, -0.31; 95% CI, -0.61; -0.01) species. Distension scores were improved by probiotics containing B. breve (SMD, -0.45; 95% CI, -0.77; -0.13), Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus casei, or Lactobacillus plantarum (SMD, -0.53; 95% CI, -1.00; -0.06) species. All probiotic species tested improved flatulence: B. breve (SMD, -0.42; 95% CI, -0.75;- 0.10), B. infantis, L. casei, L. plantarum (SMD, -0.60; 95% CI, -1.07; -0.13), B. longum, L. acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus (SMD, -0.61; 95% CI, -1.01; -0.21). There was not a clear positive effect of probiotics concerning the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: some probiotics are an effective therapeutic option for IBS patients, and the effects on each IBS symptom are likely species-specific. Future studies must focus on the role of probiotics in modulating intestinal microbiota and the immune system while considering individual patient symptom p

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission remains a key treatment goal, but remission rates vary. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota modulation via probiotics may influence systemic inflammation and improve outcomes in RA. The objective was to evaluate the effects of adjunctive probiotic supplementation on clinical outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed RA receiving conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) over 12 months. METHODOLOGY: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 100 patients with newly diagnosed RA were assigned to receive either probiotics containing Lactobacillus casei BLn2401, Lactobacillus salivarius BL2201, and Bifidobacterium breve BL3406 plus cDMARDs (experimental group); or cDMARDs alone (control). Clinical outcomes including disease activity score using 28 joints (DAS28), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, CRP; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR), pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), functional disability (health assessment questionnaire, HAQ), and RA quality of life (RAQoL) questionnaire were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Remission rates and corticosteroid use were evaluated. RESULTS: The probiotic group demonstrated faster and more sustained reductions in DAS28, CRP, ESR, pain, and disability scores; compared to controls. The probiotic group achieved near-remission (DAS28 2.3 ± 0.4) by 12 months, while the control group reverted to baseline disease activity. Probiotic use was the independent predictor of remission or low disease activity (HR = 2.703, p < 0.001). Patient-reported quality of life improved significantly, and corticosteroid dependence decreased in the probiotic group. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive probiotic supplementation with specific strains may enhance clinical outcomes, reduce inflammation, and increase remission rates in early RA, supporting probiotics as a safe, accessible adjunctive therapy. Copyright (c) 2025 Branko Barac, Sretko Lukovic, Tijana Kojic, Tatjana Z Radnic, Aleksandra Bibic.

Background: Probiotic supplementation for very preterm infants is a common practice in many neonatal units. Assessing the effects of early postnatal exposure to probiotics on long-term neurodevelopment, growth, and atopy-related outcomes is important. Extremely preterm (EP: <28 weeks) infants enrolled in our previously reported randomized trial (SiMPro) comparing short-term effects of single (SS: B. breve M-16V) versus triple-strain (TS: B. breve M-16V, B. longum subsp. infantis-M63, B. longum subsp. longum-BB536) probiotic provided a unique opportunity to study this issue. Methods: This follow-up study assessed the five-year outcomes of SiMPro trial infants, including neurodevelopment (cognition (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient/ FSIQ using WPPSI-IV), behavior (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), executive function (BRIEF-P)), growth (anthropometry) and blood pressure (BP). Atopy-related outcomes were evaluated at six to seven years using the ISAAC questionnaire. A linear mixed model was used for longitudinal outcomes. Impairment indicators were modeled using logistic regression and adjusted for Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) centiles. Results: Follow-up rates (SS: 89.2% versus TS: 95%), neurodevelopmental outcomes [severe impairment (FSIQ < 70): SS: 7.4% versus TS: 4.3%; p = 0.68], growth, BMI, and BP were comparable between the SS and TS groups. The total difficulty score or BRIEF-P executive indices, disability rates (none: 66.7% versus 55.4%), and atopy-related outcomes were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Both TS and SS Bifidobacterium probiotic formulations were safe, with comparable neurodevelopmental, growth, and atopy-related outcomes at school age.

BACKGROUND: Oral probiotic intake is suggested to have positive effects on skin. We aimed to elucidate the effects of oral Bifidobacterium breve M-16V intake on skin by analyzing facial images, the skin myco/microbiota, and the gut microbiota. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Japan. Healthy women aged over 30 years were randomly allocated to either the B. breve (1 × 1010 colony-forming units (CFU)/sachet, two sachets daily) or the placebo group and consumed the corresponding study food for 12 weeks. Facial images were taken at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 using VISIA evolution. Stool and skin samples were collected at weeks 0 and 12. The primary outcome was the change in the total VISIA score from baseline. RESULTS: A total of 120 females aged 30-79 years were assigned to the B. breve (n = 59) or placebo (n = 61) group. The total VISIA score worsened in the placebo group at week 8 (p = 0.029) but not in the B. breve group. Compared with that of the placebo group, the VISIA brown spot score of the B. breve group improved at weeks 4 (p = 0.013) and 8 (p = 0.041). The VISIA pore score improved at weeks 4 (p = 0.013), 8 (p = 0.041), and 12 (p = 0.004) within the B. breve group. Genus-level analysis of the gut microbiota revealed a significant increase in Blautia abundance in the B. breve group. The frequency of adverse events was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral B. breve M-16V administration may suppress skin deterioration, including the appearance of brown spots, on the faces of adult females.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the physiological and psychological health impacts of Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) on healthy adults. METHODS: The study was divided into preclinical research and a clinical trial phase. In the preclinical study, the bioactive components of BBr60 were analyzed through LC-MS targeted metabolomics. In the clinical trial, 109 healthy adults aged 19-45 were recruited to participate in an 8-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a BBr60 supplement (1010 CFU/day) or a placebo (maltodextrin). Throughout the study, liver function, metabolic markers, cardiovascular and body composition metrics were assessed. Volunteer scores on the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI), Gastrointestinal Symptom Scale (GIS), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) were recorded, and the impact on the intestinal microbiota structure and function of healthy participants was analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: The preclinical study indicated the role of BBr60 in modulating key metabolic pathways, including those involved in ABC transporters, arginine, proline, and tryptophan metabolism. Clinical trial results demonstrated significant improvements in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and reductions in total cholesterol with BBr60 supplementation. Gastrointestinal symptoms and emotional states also improved, with significant reductions in ADS scores (p = 0.000), particularly in symptoms related to alcohol consumption such as post-drinking memory loss and tremulous delirium. Additionally, significant enhancements in gastrointestinal health were observed, as indicated by a notable decrease in NDI scores (p = 0.002), suggesting reduced impact of stomach issues on daily life. GIS scores further confirmed improvements in gastrointestinal function, particularly in early satiety and appetite. While overall emotional changes were not significant, positive emotional scores increased post-intervention, and negative emotional scores decreased. The probiotic demonstrated good safety and tolerability throughout the 8-week trial period. CONCLUSIO

BACKGROUND: The infant gut microbiome is essential for healthy growth and development. However, limited research has explored how interventions targeting maternal and infant health, nutrition, and psychosocial conditions during preconception, pregnancy, and early childhood impact microbiome development. To address this research gap and better understand the potential impact of such interventions, this study was designed to evaluate their effects on the infant gut microbiome. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the effects of an integrated intervention package on infant gut microbiome at 6 mo of age compared with routine care. METHODS: The study was embedded in a randomized factorial trial involving women aged 18-30 y. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a preconception intervention package or routine care until pregnancy. Pregnant women were then randomly assigned to receive a pregnancy and early childhood intervention package or routine care. The intervention included health care for growth-related conditions, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and psychosocial care. Stool samples from 392 infants (185 from the preconception, pregnancy, and early childhood intervention group and 207 from the routine care group) were collected at 6 mo, followed by microbiome DNA isolation and high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the mean relative abundance of core gut microbiome phyla, genera, and species between the intervention and routine care groups. RESULTS: Infants in the group who received preconception, pregnancy, and early childhood intervention had a significantly lower mean relative abundance of Klebsiella genus under the Pseudomonadota phylum (45% lower; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18, 63) and Klebsiella pneumoniae species (38% lower; 95% CI: 8, 59) compared with routine care group. In contrast, the relative abundance of Megasphaera (72% higher; 95% CI: 7, 175), Prevotella (72% higher; 95% CI: 3, 187), and Bifidobacterium breve (34% higher; 95% CI: 2, 79) was significantly higher in the group received preconception, pregnancy and early childhood intervention

BACKGROUND: Probiotics comprise various strains that offer numerous health benefits. Researchers have recently focused on the relationship between probiotic consumption and improved gut microbiota function, enhanced digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and enhanced sports performance. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of pre-sleep casein intake, coupled with probiotic strains, on soccer players' anaerobic power, lower-body-specific strength, and power performance. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study was conducted with forty-four male soccer players (Age: 22.81 ± 2.76 years, Height: 177.90 ± 6.75 cm, Weight: 67.42 ± 8.44 kg). The participants underwent the isokinetic strength, Wall-squat, and running-based anaerobic sprint (RAST) tests initially; then, they were randomly divided into four groups: probiotics (PRO), casein (CAS), probiotics with casein (PRO+CAS), and placebo (PLA). The PRO groups were given one probiotic capsule (containing eight bacterial strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BP06, Lacticaseibacillus casei BP07, Lactobacillus acidophilus BA05, Lactobacillus bulgaricus BD08, Bifidobacterium infantis BI04, Bifidobacterium longum BL03, Bifidobacterium breve BB02, and Streptococcus thermophilus BT01, with a total dose of 4.5 × 1011 CFU) during dinner, while the CAS groups consumed 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The PRO+CAS group was given one probiotic capsule during dinner and 20 grams of casein powder 45 minutes before bed. The participants in the PLA group were given one red capsule (containing 5 grams of starch) during dinner. All participants were instructed to take the supplements only on training days, three times a week for four weeks. Additionally, isokinetic strength parameters, including absolute peak torque (APT) and average rate of force development (AvRFD), were measured for the knee extensors (ext) and flexors (flx) muscles (concentric phase at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, using the dominant leg). One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) or Quade tests with a significance level of p < 0.05 was used to analyze the collected data. RESULT: The current stu

Erratum in JAMA Netw Open. 2025 May 1;8(5):e2516123. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.16123. IMPORTANCE: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are prevalent in children, prompting frequent health care consultations, especially among those with fever. Probiotics show potential as an adjuvant treatment for URTIs, but evidence in children is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in shortening fever duration among children with URTIs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted between November 19, 2021, and June 20, 2023, at the pediatric emergency department of the Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy. Patients between 28 days and 4 years of age with a fever (≥38.5 °C) and URTI were eligible. Exclusion criteria included recent probiotic use, chronic autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive treatment, and requirement for hospitalization. Randomization was computer generated and assigned participants to either the intervention (probiotics) or control (placebo) group. Participants, parents or caregivers, and investigators were masked to the group assignments. The primary analysis followed the intention-to-treat approach. INTERVENTIONS: The probiotic group received daily single dose of 0.5 mL probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 for 14 days. The placebo group received daily single dose of 0.5 mL placebo for 14 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was fever duration, defined as the number of days between the first and the last days with fever. RESULTS: Of the 128 patients enrolled (69 males [54%]; mean [SD] age 2.5 [1.3] years), 65 (51%) were randomly assigned to receive placebo and 63 (49%) to receive probiotics. The median (IQR) fever duration was shorter in the probiotic group than the placebo group (median [IQR], 3 [2-4] days vs 5 [4-6] days; adjusted risk ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51-0.80). Few mild adverse events were reported and did not significantly differ between the pro

BACKGROUND: Birth by cesarean section (C-section) is associated with a delayed colonization of bifidobacteria and Bacteroidota species with potential negative health consequences. Previously, an infant formula with a synbiotic mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS [9:1]) and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V was found to restore the timely colonization of bifidobacteria in C-section born infants. In this study, we investigated the effect of this synbiotic mixture on gut microbiota development in C-section and vaginally-born infants participating in a growth equivalence trial (NCT03520764). METHODS: Healthy, fully formula-fed Chinese infants were randomized to receive a partially hydrolyzed whey-based protein formula with the synbiotic mixture (n = 112), or an intact protein formula with scGOS/lcFOS (prebiotic, n = 112). Breastfed infants served as reference group (n = 60). Gut microbiota profiling by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stools collected at baseline, 17 weeks (end of intervention) and 12 months of age was complemented with analysis of stool pH, short-chain fatty acids, lactic acids, and secretory IgA concentrations. RESULTS: Both the prebiotic and the synbiotic formula supported a dominant and diverse infant-type bifidobacterial community, but with increased abundance of Bifidobacterium breve in the synbiotic group. In C-section born infants (54.8% of randomized) the synbiotic but not the prebiotic, enhanced the bifidobacterial species diversity and showed restoration of Parabacteroides at 17 weeks, and Bacteroides spp. at 12 months closer to that of the vaginally-born infants. CONCLUSION: The synbiotic was confirmed to support the restoration of important gut colonizers in infants born by C-section with effects observed even beyond the intervention period. © 2025. The Author(s).

SCOPE: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most prevalent food allergies in early childhood, often treated via elimination diets including standard amino acid-based formula or amino acid-based formula supplemented with synbiotics (AAF or AAF-S). This work aimed to assess the effect of cow's milk (CM) tolerance acquisition and synbiotic (inulin, oligofructose, Bifidobacterium breve M-16 V) supplementation on the fecal metabolome in infants with IgE-mediated CMA. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CMA-allergic infants received AAF or AAF-S for a year during which fecal samples were collected. The samples were subjected to metabolomics analyses covering gut microbial metabolites including SCFAs, tryptophan metabolites, and bile acids (BAs). Longitudinal data analysis suggested amino acids, BAs, and branched SCFAs alterations in infants who outgrew CMA during the intervention. Synbiotic supplementation significantly modified the fecal metabolome after 6 months of intervention, including altered purine, BA, and unsaturated fatty acid levels, and increased metabolites of infant-type Bifidobacterium species: indolelactic acid and 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid. CONCLUSION: This study offers no clear conclusion on the impact of CM-tolerance acquisition on the fecal metabolome. However, our results show that 6 months of synbiotic supplementation successfully altered fecal metabolome and suggest induced bifidobacteria activity, which subsequently declined after 12 months of intervention. © 2024 The Author(s). Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

Probiotics, known for regulating gut microbiota, may aid those with overweight or obesity, but their mechanisms require more research. This study involved 75 overweight or obese young adults, randomly assigned to either a Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) group or a placebo group. Both groups received diet guidance and took either BBr60 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers analyzed body composition, serum glucose, lipids, liver and kidney function, comprehensive metabolome, and intestinal homeostasis before and after the intervention. After 12 weeks, BBr60 significantly reduced weight and BMI compared to pretreatment levels and outperformed the placebo. The BBr60 group also showed improved blood biochemistry, with notably lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels than the placebo group (p < 0.05). Additionally, BBr60 influenced vital serum and fecal metabolites related to three amino acid metabolic pathways and regulated the bacteria Dialister, Klebsiella, and Bacteroides, which correlated strongly with serum metabolites. These findings indicate that BBr60 can safely and effectively regulate BMI, body weight, serum glucose, lipids, and liver function markers, which may involve BBr60's impact on key gut bacteria, which influence metabolites related to the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism.

Comment in Nutrients. 15:1093. Thank you kindly for your interest in and opinion [...].

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) for reducing body fat. Healthy individuals were randomized into the BB-3 or placebo group (1:1). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate body fat reduction objectively. In the BB-3 group, body weight was lower than before BB-3 ingestion. Regarding waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip circumference ratio, waist circumference and hip circumference were lower in the BB-3 group than in the placebo group at 12 weeks; the waist/hip circumference ratio was found to decrease at each visit in the BB-3 group, although there was no significant difference in the amount of change after 12 weeks. BB-3 did not cause any severe adverse reactions. Body fat was significantly lower in the BB-3 group than in the placebo group. In conclusion, ingesting BB-3 significantly reduces body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Thus, BB-3 is safe and effective for reducing body fat.

Erratum in J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2023 Jan 30;29(1):125. doi: 10.5056/jnm21202E. BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aim to evaluate the differences in the microbiome of responders and non-responders, as well as predict the response to probiotic therapy, based on fecal microbiome data in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). METHODS: A multi-strain probiotics that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus (KCTC 11906BP), Lactobacillus plantarum (KCTC11867BP), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (KCTC 11868BP), Bifidobacterium breve (KCTC 11858BP), Bifidobacterium lactis (KCTC 11903BP), Bifidobacterium longum (KCTC 11860BP), and Streptococcus thermophilus (KCTC 11870BP) were used. Patients were categorized into probiotic and placebo groups, and fecal samples were collected from all patients before and at the end of 8 weeks of treatment. The probiotic group was further divided into responders and non-responders. Responders were defined as patients who experienced adequate relief of overall irritable bowel syndrome symptoms after probiotic therapy. Fecal microbiota were investigated using Illumina MiSeq and analyzed using the EzBioCloud 16S database and microbiome pipeline (https://www.EZbiocloud.net). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the alpha and beta diversity between the responder and non-responder groups. The abundances of the phylum Proteobacteria and genus Bacteroides significantly decreased after probiotic treatment. Bifidobacterium bifidum, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Enterococcus faecium showed a significantly higher abundance in the probiotic group after treatment compared to the placebo group. Enterococcus faecalis and Lactococcus lactis were identified as biomarkers of non-response to probiotics. The abundance of Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans significantly increased in the responders after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic treatment changes some composition of fecal bacteria in patients with IBS-D. E. faecalis and L. lactis may be prediction biomarkers for non-response to probiotics. Increased abundance of F. sccharivorans is correlated to symptom improvement by probiotics in patients with IBS-D.

Background: Depression and other stress-related mental disorders are the leading causes of disability worldwide, making them a significant global health challenge. This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of psychobiotic microorganisms on mental health outcomes, with particular focus on their sources, metabolites, and therapeutic potential for depression. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using publications from 2020 to 2024 in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies examining psychobiotics and their effects on mental health in humans and experimental animals. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (ROB 2). Results: Of 369 identified articles, 45 met inclusion criteria. The predominant psychobiotic strains belonged to Lactobacillus (45.5%) and Bifidobacterium (29%) genera. Strain sources included commercial preparations (24%), human-derived (16%), and food-derived (16%) strains. Psychobiotic bacterial strains produce neuromodulatory metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), neurotransmitters (e.g., GABA and serotonin), and indole derivatives that influence the gut-brain axis. Their mechanisms of action include neurotransmitter regulation (27.1%), modulation of the gut microbiota (27.1%), SCFA production (16.9%), and control of inflammatory responses (15.3%). Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Akkermansia muciniphila demonstrated particularly promising effects. Conclusions: Psychobiotics show significant potential as adjunctive and therapeutic agents in depressive disorders through modulation of the gut-brain axis.

Background/Objectives: This systematic review focused on collecting the most significant findings on the impact of the administration of Bifidobacterium infantis (or Bifidobacterium longum subps. infantis) and Bifidobacterium breve, alone, in conjunction, or in combination with other strains, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). These diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons, resulting in a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. AD is typified by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, while PD is marked by motor symptoms associated with the loss of dopamine (DA). Methods: Five different databases, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Wiley, PubMed, and Web of Science (WoS), were reviewed and the studies were screened for inclusion by the following criteria: (i) studies that specifically evaluated the use of Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, or Bifidobacterium breve as a therapeutic intervention, either in human or animal models, in the context of neurodegenerative diseases; (ii) the studies were required to address one or more of the pathologies examined in this article, and the pathologies included, but were not limited to, neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and oxidative stress; (iii) the full text was accessible online; and (iv) the article was written in English. Results: The data suggest that these probiotics have neuroprotective effects that may delay disease progression. Conclusions: This study provides updated insights into the use of these Bifidobacterium strains in neurodegenerative diseases like AD and PD, with the main limitation being the limited number of clinical trials available.

OBJECTIVES: Infant formulas (IF) with postbiotics, defined as inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host, are available. We systematically updated evidence on the safety and health effects of administering iF with postbiotics (with or without other modifications) compared with standard IF. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched to December 2021. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included. Using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2, for the primary outcomes, 5 trials had an overall high risk of bias, and 6 trials had some concerns of bias. Most data were available on IF fermented with Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus (BB/ST). These formulas, compared with the standard IF, were safe and well tolerated. Postbiotic formulas with additional modifications (ie, formula fermented with BB/ST & prebiotics, partly fermented formula with BB/ST and prebiotics with or without modified milk fat, partly fermented antiregurgitation formula with BB/ST and prebiotics) were generally safe and well tolerated but did not offer clear benefits replicated in other studies. Only limited data were available on formula fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74. CONCLUSIONS: IF with postbiotics evaluated so far are safe and well tolerated by infants who cannot be breastfed. No firm conclusion can, however, be reached regarding the clinical effects and benefit of one formula over another. It seems reasonable to discuss with healthcare providers current evidence regarding specific modifications in infant formulas and let them decide whether the expected benefits meet expectations and are worth the cost.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in peripheral immunological response (decrease in blood proinflammatory cytokines) and fecal microbiota (especially Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) after administration of probiotics in children with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet. DATA SOURCE: The databases MEDLINE, LILACS, Springer and SciELO were used for this review, with the descriptors "celiac disease AND probiotics". At the end of the search, 168 articles were retrieved, four of which were included in the final qualitative synthesis, having as inclusion criteria randomized clinical trials and pediatric population (1-19 years) and, as exclusion criteria, interventions other than probiotics, studies with patients with other diseases associated with celiac disease, or patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria. All elected studies were published until September 2020, without language restriction, with patients receiving strains of Bifidobacterium breve or B. longum and on a gluten-free diet. DATA SYNTHESIS: The studies show that the administration of probiotics along with a gluten-free diet, can approximate the fecal microbiota of celiac patients to typical conditions of healthy individuals, by restoring the abundance of some microbial communities that characterize the typical physiological condition. In addition, the administration of probiotics can reduce serum proinflammatory cytokines (mainly TNF-alpha). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the positive correlation between probiotics and fecal microbiota/serological markers in pediatric patients with celiac disease, we emphasize the need for future multicentric studies that should include a larger number of patients and a longer follow up period. OBJETIVO: Avaliar mudanças na resposta imunológica (diminuição de citocinas pró-inflamatórias no sangue) e na microbiota fecal (principalmente Bacteroidetes e Firmicutes) após a administração de probióticos em crianças com doença celíaca que seguiam uma dieta livre de glúten. FONTES DE DADOS: Foram utilizadas para esta revisão as bases de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Sprin

Comment in Nutrients. 2020 Feb 03;12(2):E399. doi: 10.3390/nu12020399. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 03;12(2):E401. doi: 10.3390/nu12020401. Mucositis is a common and severe adverse effect of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy treatments applied to oncologic patients. The development of effective therapies and adjuvant treatments to increase their efficacy and reduce adverse effect is a priority in cancer therapy. Probiotics are non-pathogenic live microorganisms that when ingested in adequate amounts can colonize the intestinal tract promoting the restoration of a healthy gut microbiota and contributing to all its functions including the maintenance of the integrity of the mucosa and the modulation of the immune system. In order to check the possible efficacy and safety of these microorganisms to prevent or ameliorate mucositis' symptoms, we have systematically searched the bibliographic databases MEDLINE (via Pubmed), EMBASE, The Cochrane library, Scopus, Web of science, and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health of Sciences (LILACS) using the descriptors "Mucositis", "Probiotics", "Neoplasms", "Humans", and "Clinical Trials". After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were accepted for review and critical analysis. Our analysis suggests that a combination of Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Saccharomyces boulardii could be a good combination of probiotics to reduce incident rates of mucositis or ameliorate its symptoms in chemo or radiotherapy treated patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotics on functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) and functional constipation (FC). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted, searching PubMed and Cochrane databases from inception to January 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of probiotics in children aged 4 to 18 years with FAPD or children aged 0 to 18 years with FC. RESULTS: A total of 657 citations were identified. Finally, 11 RCTs for FAPD and 6 RCTs for FC were included. Some evidence exists for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (n=3) in reducing frequency and intensity of abdominal pain in children with irritable bowel syndrome. There is no evidence to recommend L. reuteri DSM 17938 (n=5), a mix of Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium longum (n=1), Bifidobacterium lactis (n=1) or VSL#3 (n=1) for children with FAPD. No evidence exists to support the use of Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus LCR35 (n=1), B. lactis DN173 010 (n=1), B. longum (n=1), L. reuteri DSM 17938 (n=1), a mix of B. infantis, B. breve and B. longum (n=1), or Protexin mix (n=1) for children with FC. In general, studies had an unclear or high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient evidence exists for the use of probiotics in FAPD and FC, only L. rhamnosus GG seems to reduce frequency and intensity of abdominal pain but only in children with irritable bowel syndrome. A better understanding of differences in gut microbiota in health and disease might lead to better probiotic strategies to treat disease.