Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence supports a role of probiotics in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. METHODS: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the role of probiotics in preventing NEC in preterm infants, focusing on the differential effect of type of feeding, was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used; a subgroup analysis on exclusively human milk (HM)-fed infants vs. infants receiving formula (alone or with HM) was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-one trials were included (10,664 infants, 29 probiotic interventions); 31 studies (19 different probiotic regimens) were suitable for subgroup analysis according to feeding. In the overall analysis, Lactobacillus acidophilus LB revealed the most promising effect for reducing NEC risk (odds ratio (OR), 0.03; 95% credible intervals (CrIs), 0.00-0.21). The subgroup analysis showed that Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12/B94 was associated with a reduced risk of NEC stage ≥2 in both feeding type populations, with a discrepancy in the relative effect size in favour of exclusively HM-fed infants (OR 0.04; 95% CrIs <0.01-0.49 vs. OR 0.32; 95% CrIs 0.10-0.36). CONCLUSIONS: B. lactis Bb-12/B94 could reduce NEC risk with a different size effect according to feeding type. Of note, most probiotic strains are evaluated in few trials and relatively small populations, and outcome data according to feeding type are not available for all RCTs. Further trials are needed to confirm the present findings.

BACKGROUND: Preterm children with their aberrant gut microbiota and susceptibility to infections and inflammation constitute a considerable target group for probiotic therapy to generate the age-appropriate healthy microbiota. METHODS: 68 preterm neonates were randomized into five intervention groups: Beginning from the median age of 3 days, 13 children received Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) directly orally, and 17 via the lactating mother. 14 children received LGG with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (Bb12) orally, and 10 via the lactating mother. 14 children received placebo. The children's faecal microbiota was assessed at the age of 7 days by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: The gut microbiota compositions of the children directly receiving the probiotic combination (LGG + Bb12) were significantly different from those of the children receiving the other intervention modes or placebo (p = 0.0012; PERMANOVA), the distinction being due to an increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis (P < 0.00010; ANCOM-BC), and the order Lactobacillales (P = 0.020; ANCOM-BC). CONCLUSION: The connection between aberrant primary gut microbiota and a heightened risk of infectious and non-communicable diseases invites effective microbiota modulation. We show that the direct, early, and brief probiotic intervention of LGG + Bb12 109 CFU each, is sufficient to modulate the gut microbiota of the preterm neonate. IMPACT: Preterm children have a higher risk of several health problems partly due to their aberrant gut microbiota. More research is needed to find a safe probiotic intervention to modify the gut microbiota of preterm children. The maternal administration route via breast milk might be safer for the newborn. In our study, the early and direct administration of the probiotic combination Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 increased the proportion of bifidobacteria in the preterm children's gut at the age of 7 days, but the maternal administration route was not as effective. © 2023. The Author(s).

The role of probiotics in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a probiotic regimen for VAP prophylaxis in mechanically ventilated multi-trauma patients, intubated immediately after the injurious insult. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolling multi-trauma patients, patients expected to require mechanical ventilation for >10 days were assigned at random to receive prophylaxis with a probiotic formula (n=59) or placebo (n=53). The probiotic formula was a preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 [1.75 × 109 colony-forming units (cfu)], Lactobacillus plantarum (0.5 × 109 cfu), Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (1.75 × 109 cfu) and Saccharomyces boulardii (1.5 × 109 cfu) in sachets. Each patient received two sachets twice daily for 15 days: one through the nasogastric tube and one spread on the oropharynx. The incidence of VAP was the primary endpoint. The incidence of other infections and sepsis, and the duration of hospital stay were the secondary endpoints. Administration of probiotics reduced the incidence of VAP [11.9% vs 28.3%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.92; P=0.034] and sepsis [6.8% vs 24.5%, odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.74: P=0.016]. Furthermore, probiotic prophylaxis reduced the time of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the length of hospital stay. The prophylactic use of probiotics with a combination of enteral and topical application to the oropharynx had a positive effect on the incidence of VAP and sepsis, as well as on ICU and total hospital stay in patients receiving protracted mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Objectives were to evaluate probiotics safety and efficacy in oncological surgery. METHODS: Systematic review methodology guided by Cochrane, PRISMA, SWiM, and CIOMS. Protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018086168). RESULTS: 36 RCTs (on 3305 participants) and 6 nonrandomized/observational studies were included, mainly on digestive system cancers. There was evidence of a beneficial effect on preventing infections, with 70% of RCTs' (21/30) direction of effect favoring probiotics. However, five RCTs (17%) favored controls for infections, including one trial with RR 1.57 (95% CI: 0.79, 3.12). One RCT that changed (balanced) its antibiotics protocol after enrolling some participants had mortality risk RR 3.55 (95% CI: 0.77, 16.47; 7/64 vs. 2/65 deaths). The RCT identified with the most promising results overall administered an oral formulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 + Lactobacillus plantarum + Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 + Saccharomyces boulardii. Methodological quality appraisals revealed an overall substantial risk-of-bias, with only five RCTs judged as low risk-of-bias. CONCLUSIONS: This large evidence synthesis found encouraging results from most formulations, though this was contrasted by potential harms from a few others, thus validating the literature that "probiotics" are not homogeneous microorganisms. Given microbiome developments and infections morbidity, further high-quality research is warranted using those promising probiotics identified herein.

BACKGROUND: As dysregulated gut microbiota is known in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and probiotics may improve it, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a combination probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 in non-constipated IBS. METHODS: Two hundred non-constipated IBS patients were randomized to the above-mentioned probiotic and placebo for 84 days. The outcome measures included IBS-Global Improvement Scale (IBS-GIS), IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QoL), EAR3Q, IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), and patient-reported improvement. Fecal microbiota was evaluated in a subset. RESULTS: Response in IBS-GIS was higher with probiotics than with placebo at days 28 (19.3% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.048), 56, and 84. Total and abdominal pain, distension, and QoL scores of IBS-SSS decreased at day 28 with probiotics that persisted till days 56 and 84. The percentage of patients with "severe" symptoms reduced from 20.8% at baseline to 3.9% at day 84, and the median IBS-QoL score decreased significantly at day 28; the beneficial effect on QoL was sustained till days 56 and 84 (p < 0.001). Improvement in abdominal pain, distension, urgency of defecation, bowel habit satisfaction, and stool frequency was noted earlier with probiotics than with placebo; 4.0% in the probiotic group and 0.9% in the placebo group had mild/moderate adverse events (p = 0.167). Symptom recurrence occurred in 3.0% in the probiotic group and 3.9% in the placebo group during follow-up of 180 days (p = 0.718). No difference was observed in the fecal microbiota between the two groups, but healthy genera were enriched with probiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The probiotic blend studied was more effective than placebo in non-constipated IBS in adults. © 2025 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

INTRODUCTION: During the pandemic, overweight and obese adolescents were at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Indonesia's government has implemented prevention programmes and immunisation; however, the rise in SARS-CoV-2 infections among adolescents is exacerbated by low-quality diet and lifestyle habits. Also, the vaccine programme is not prioritised in this population. To address this, a solution involves providing probiotics and counselling on healthy lifestyle habits to improve diet and immunity. Therefore, we designed a protocol for a randomised controlled trial with a 20-week intervention to investigate the effect of probiotics supplementation and counselling on healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, and psychosocial stimulation, on nutritional status and antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in this group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on healthy overweight and obese adolescents. The study will involve 440 adolescents aged 12-17 living in Jakarta, Surabaya or Yogyakarta for at least 6 months and have completed at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The intervention group will receive daily probiotic supplementation of three strains, including Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis (BB-12), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), at the level of 109-1010 colony-forming units for 20 weeks, while the control group will receive a placebo. Both groups will receive weekly counselling on healthy eating habits, physical activity and psychosocial stimulation. The primary outcomes will be changes in the body mass index for age z-score and IgG specific to SARS-CoV-2 titre concentrations between groups. The secondary outcomes will include changes in secretory IgA specific to SARS-CoV-2 titre concentrations, monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, gut microbiota diversity and the score of Healthy Eating Index 2015. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (KET 763/UN2.F1/ETIK/PPM.00.02/2022: 1 A

INTRODUCTION: Premature birth and very low birth weight (VLBW) are leading causes of neonatal mortality. Almost all premature infants experience hyperbilirubinaemia. Administering probiotics to breastfeeding mothers may positively affect infant outcomes. This trial aims to investigate whether probiotic supplementation for mothers with VLBW infants affects total serum bilirubin levels and postpartum depression scores (primary outcomes), as well as some other neonatal and maternal outcomes (secondary outcomes). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled superiority trial with two parallel arms. Participants, caregivers and outcome assessors will be blinded. A total of 122 breastfeeding mothers of neonates with a birth weight of 1000-1500 g, along with their infants within 48 hours of birth, will be assigned to either the probiotic or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio through block randomisation, stratified by singleton and twin births. The intervention will involve oral administration of probiotics containing Lactobacillus paracasei 431 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12, or an indistinguishable placebo, for 42-45 days. Outcomes will be assessed through daily observations, laboratory assessments and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Adverse events will also be documented. Modified intention-to-treat analyses will be employed for the primary and secondary outcomes, excluding participants lost to follow-up from all postintervention assessments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol has been approved by the Medical University of Tabriz Ethics Committee (IR.TBZMED.REC.1401.735). Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20100414003706N42. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

OBJECTIVE: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in children. Evidence regarding the impact of probiotics supplementation in ADHD children is limited and controversial. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy with Ritalin among ADHD children and adolescents. METHODS: This study was a triple-blind, randomized controlled trial of 60 Iranian ADHD patients aged four to sixteen. The participants were randomly assigned to receive probiotics supplements containing both Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1896™ (A7) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis (BB-12®) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 8 weeks. ADHD symptoms were assessed using Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA/CPT) at baseline and during the study. RESULTS: This study showed a significant decrease in the CPRS total score after 4 weeks of intervention in the probiotic group (baseline: 43.96 ± 21.52; fourth week: 37.22 ± 23.01; p = 0.01). However, no significant finding was found for the total score of the CPRS after 8 weeks. Moreover, at the end of the study, a significant increase was observed in score of auditory response control in the probiotic versus the placebo group (probiotic: 91.55 ± 16.69; placebo: 80.55 ± 17.43; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics supplementation with Ritalin may have some beneficial effects among ADHD children and adolescents, such as improving auditory response control and total score of CPRS. However, further clinical trials are required to clarify the impact of probiotics on ADHD.

IMPORTANCE: The effects of probiotic interventions on colonization with resistant bacteria and early microbiome development in preterm infants remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of Bifidobacterium longum subsp infantis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis (BB-12), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-5) probiotics to prevent colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms or highly epidemic bacteria (MDRO+) and to shape the microbiome of preterm infants toward the eubiotic state of healthy full-term infants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, group sequential, phase 3 Priming Immunity at the Beginning of Life (PRIMAL) randomized clinical trial, conducted from April 2018 to June 2020, included infants with gestational age of 28 to 32 weeks at 18 German neonatal units. Data analyses were conducted from March 2020 to August 2023. INTERVENTION: A total of 28 days of multistrain probiotics diluted in human milk/formula starting within the first 72 hours of life. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Colonization with MDRO+ at day 30 of life (primary end point), late-onset sepsis and severe gastrointestinal complication (safety end points), and gut dysbiosis, ie, deviations from the microbiome of healthy, term infants (eubiosis score) based on 16-subunit ribosomal RNA and metagenomic sequencing. RESULTS: Among the 643 infants randomized until the stop of recruitment based on interim results, 618 (median [IQR] gestational age, 31.0 [29.7-32.1] weeks; 333 male [53.9%]; mean [SD] birth weight, 1502 [369] g) had follow-up at day 30. The interim analysis with all available data from 219 infants revealed MDRO+ colonization in 43 of 115 infants (37.4%) in the probiotics group and in 39 of 104 infants (37.5%) in the control group (adjusted risk ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.54-1.81; P = .97). Safety outcomes were similar in both groups, ie, late-onset sepsis (probiotics group: 8 of 316 infants [2.5%]; control group: 12 of 322 infants [3.7%]) and severe gastrointestinal complications (probiotics group: 6 of 316 infants [1.9%]; control group: 7 of 322 infants [2.2%]). The probiotics group had higher eubiosis scores than

Different nutraceuticals are often considered by parents of infants and children with abdominal pain and disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Herb extracts and natural compounds have long been used in traditional medicine, but clinical pediatric trials are very limited. This narrative review based on relevant studies identified through a search of the literature in Pubmed and Medline updated to October 2023 focused on the effect of nutraceuticals in infantile colic, functional abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents. Significant reductions in colic episodes and crying time were reported in two studies on fennel (seeds oil or tea), in three studies on different multiple herbal extracts (all including fennel), in one study on Mentha piperita, and in at least two double-blind randomized controlled studies on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (108 CFU/day for at least 21 days) in breast-fed infants. Compared to a placebo, in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome, a significant reduction in pain was reported in two studies supplementing peppermint oil capsules or psyllium fibers, and in one study on corn fiber cookies, partial hydrolyzed guar gum, a specific multiple herbal extract (STW-5), or vitamin D supplementation. To date, there is moderate-certainty evidence with a weak grade of recommendation on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (108 CFU/day) in reducing pain intensity in children with functional abdominal pain and for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (1-3 × 109 CFU twice daily) in reducing pain frequency and intensity in children with IBS. Further large and well-designed pediatric studies are needed to prove the efficacy and safety of different herbal extracts and prolonged use of studied products in infants and children with pain disorders of the gut-brain interaction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of concomitant use of probiotic BB-12 in metformin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes on glycemic control, metformin-related gastrointestinal side effects, and treatment compliance. METHODS: A total of 156 patients (mean [standard deviation] age: 50.9 [9.9 years], 74.4% females) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes or prediabetes were randomly assigned to receive either metformin alone (n = 84, MET group) or metformin plus Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) probiotic (n = 72, MET-PRO group). Data on body mass index (kg/m2), fasting blood glucose (mg/dL), blood lipids, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were recorded at baseline and at the third month of therapy. Data on gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms and treatment noncompliance were also recorded during post-treatment week 1 to week 4. RESULTS: MET-PRO versus MET therapy was associated with a significantly higher rate of treatment compliance (91.7% vs 71.4%, P = .001), greater reduction from baseline HbA1c values (0.9 [0.4-1.6] vs 0.4 [0-1.6] %, P < .001) and lower likelihood of gastrointestinal intolerance symptoms, including abdominal pain (P = .031 to <.001), diarrhea (P = .005 to <.001) and bloating (P = .010 to <.001). Noncompliance developed later (at least 15 days after the therapy) in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the MET group (P = .001 for 15-21 days and P = .002 for 22-28 days). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study proposes the benefit of combining probiotics with metformin in the treatment of patients with T2D or prediabetes in terms of improved glycemic control and treatment adherence rather than correction of dyslipidemia or weight reduction.

Investigations that focused on the protective role of probiotics against Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in multiple-trauma (MT) patients are generally few, probably due to the complexity of the concept of trauma. We aimed to assess the efficacy of a four-probiotic regime to reduce the incidence of SSI in MT patients, with a brain injury included. MT patients, being intubated and expected to require mechanical ventilation for >10 days, were randomly allocated into placebo (n = 50) or probiotic treatment (n = 53) comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (1.75 × 109 cfu), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UBLP-40 (0.5 × 109 cfu), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (1.75 × 109 cfu), and Saccharomycesboulardii Unique-28 (1.5 × 109 cfu) in sachets. All patients received two sachets of placebo or probiotics twice/day for 15 days and were followed-up for 30 days. The operations were classified as neurosurgical, thoracostomies, laparotomies, orthopedics, and others; then, the SSI and the isolated pathogen were registered. A total of 23 (46.0%) and 13 (24.5%) infectious insults in 89 (50 placebo patients) and 88 (53 probiotics-treated) operations (p = 0.022) were recorded, the majority of them relating to osteosynthesis—17 and 8, respectively. The most commonly identified pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Our results support published evidence that the prophylactic administration of probiotics in MT patients exerts a positive effect on the incidence of SSI.

BACKGROUND: Caries is a multifactorial disease, microbes being an important etiological factor. "Probiotics" are nonpathogenic microbes which can stimulate health-promoting flora and suppress pathogens. It's the era of prevention, clinical approach toward prevention by altering bacterial ecology is the need of the hour. The aim of the study was to evaluate anticariogenic effect of probiotic curd (Amul's Probiotic Dahi) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (La5) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12) in 6-12 years of age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, nonblinded study conducted on school children aged between 6 and 12 years having Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth and/or deft ≥2. Selected subjects were divided into two groups of 31 each, study group received probiotic curd ("Amul's Probiotic Dahi") two times a day in a quantity of 100 g, respectively, for 21 days and control group did not receive any intervention. Salivary Streptococcus mutans count and salivary pH estimation were done at the baseline, after 7 days and at the end after 24 days, for comparison. RESULTS: No statistical difference was seen in salivary S. mutans count between both groups, after intervention of 7 days. However, there was significant difference in salivary S. mutans count at the end of 24 days. There was no statistical difference in salivary pH between both groups. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that probiotics substitute decreases salivary S. mutans count after continuous consumption for 3 weeks and there is no short-term effect on salivary pH.

To evaluate the administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® (BB-12) on infant colic in breastfed infants, a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study was conducted in Chengdu, China from April 2016 to October 2017 with 192 full-term infants less than 3 months of age and meeting the ROME III criteria for infant colic. After a 1-week run-in the infants were randomly assigned to receive daily BB-12 (1×109 cfu/day) or placebo for 3 weeks. Crying/fussing time were recorded using a 24 h structured diary. The primary endpoint was the proportion of infants achieving a reduction in crying and fussing time of ≥50% from baseline. Parent's/caregiver's health related quality of life was measured using a modified PedsQL™ 2.0 Family Impact Module and immunological biomarkers were evaluated from faecal samples at baseline and after the 21-day intervention. The percentage of infants achieving a reduction in the daily crying/fussing time ≥50% after the 21-day intervention was significantly higher in the infants supplemented with BB-12 (P<0.001). The mean number of crying episodes was significantly reduced in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (10.0±3.0 to 5.0±1.87 vs 10.5±2.6 to 7.5±2.8, respectively) (P<0.001) and the mean daily sleep duration was markedly increased from baseline to end of intervention in the BB-12 group compared to the infants in the placebo group (60.7±104.0 vs 31.9±102.7 min/day, respectively) (P<0.001). The faecal levels of human beta defensin 2, cathelicidin, slgA, calprotectin and butyrate were statistically higher in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group after the 21-day intervention. At the end of the intervention the parent's/caregiver's physical, emotional and social functioning scores were significantly higher for the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (all P<0.05). Supplementation of BB-12 is effective in reducing crying and fussing in infants diagnosed with infant colic.

The administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is often associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and impacts gastrointestinal tract homeostasis, as evidenced by the following: (a) an overall reduction in both the numbers and diversity of the gut microbiota, and (b) decreased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Evidence in humans that probiotics may enhance the recovery of microbiota populations after antibiotic treatment is equivocal, and few studies have addressed if probiotics improve the recovery of microbial metabolic function. Our aim was to determine if Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12)-containing yogurt could protect against antibiotic-induced fecal SCFA and microbiota composition disruptions. We conducted a randomized, allocation-concealed, controlled trial of amoxicillin/clavulanate administration (days 1-7), in conjunction with either BB-12-containing or control yogurt (days 1-14). We measured the fecal levels of SCFAs and bacterial composition at baseline and days 7, 14, 21, and 30. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to the BB-12 group, and 20 participants to the control group. Antibiotic treatment suppressed the fecal acetate levels in both the control and probiotic groups. Following the cessation of antibiotics, the fecal acetate levels in the probiotic group increased over the remainder of the study and returned to the baseline levels on day 30 (-1.6% baseline), whereas, in the control group, the acetate levels remained suppressed. Further, antibiotic treatment reduced the Shannon diversity of the gut microbiota, for all the study participants at day 7. The magnitude of this change was larger and more sustained in the control group compared to the probiotic group, which is consistent with the hypothesis that BB-12 enhanced microbiota recovery. There were no significant baseline clinical differences between the two groups. Concurrent administration of amoxicillin/clavulanate and BB-12 yogurt, to healthy subjects, was associated with a significantly smaller decrease in the fecal SCFA levels and a more stable taxonomic profile of the microbiota over time than the control group.

Probiotics are consumed in fermented dairy products or as capsules for their putative health benefits. However, little research has been done to evaluate the effects of the delivery matrix on the health benefits of probiotics in humans. To examine the effects of delivering Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) (log10 10 ± 0.5 CFU/day) via a yogurt smoothie versus a capsule, we monitored the fecal microbiota, gut transit times (GTTs), and fecal excretion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in healthy adults. In a randomized, four-period, crossover study performed in a partially blind manner, 36 adults were recruited and randomly assigned to four treatments: control yogurt smoothie (YS), yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added prefermentation (PRE), yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added postfermentation (POST), and capsule containing BB-12 (CAP). Participants' fecal microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing, GTTs via SmartPill, and fecal SCFAs by gas chromatography (GC) before (baseline) and after each intervention. Participants had significantly higher percentage of Streptococcus after consuming YS versus CAP (P = 0.01). Bifidobacterium-specific terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed a significantly higher percentage of B. animalis after consuming PRE and POST compared to baseline, YS, CAP, and final washout (P < 0.0001). The predominant SCFAs were negatively correlated with GTTs. Consumption of BB-12 delivered in a yogurt smoothie or capsule did not significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota, GTTs, or fecal SCFA concentration of the study cohort. However, daily consumption of BB-12 in yogurt smoothie may result in higher relative abundance of B. animalis in healthy adults. (This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01399996.) IMPORTANCE Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 is a probiotic strain that has been used worldwide since 1985. It has commonly been delivered in fermented dairy products for perceived benefits associated with gut health and enhanced immune function. In addition to fermented dairy products, many new probiotic-containing alternatives such as probiotic

BACKGROUND: Although there is evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotics for infantile colic (IC), there are not many studies regarding the efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB-12®, (BB-12®), for the treatment of IC. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this subspecies of probiotic administration on IC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, infants with IC diagnosis, exclusive breastfeeding, gestational age of more than 37 weeks, and birth weight of more than 2500 grams were included. The selected infants were randomly allocated into the two groups of "BBcare" group, treated with BB-12® and the control group was treated with a placebo, 5 drops per day, for 6 weeks. The mean of crying time, vomiting episodes, and frequency of defecation at baseline and during follow-ups (40 and 60 days after intervention) were compared between the two studied groups. RESULTS: In this study, 40 and 38 neonates in "BBcare" and placebo groups completed the study. In the "BBcare" group frequency of defecation, crying time, and vomiting episodes decreased significantly during intervention till 60 days after probiotic administration (P < 0.05). In the placebo group, there was a significant increase in crying and vomiting episodes between baseline and 60 days after intervention (P < 0.05). Between-group analyses indicated that mean of crying time, and vomiting episodes and number of defecations, 60 days after intervention were significantly lower in "BBcare" group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study offer compelling signals for the effectiveness of BB-12® in the management of some intestinal problems. Although these findings could be supportive evidence for the important role of gut microbiota as the goal of intervention to improve bowel movement and comfortable defecation in IC, further studies are needed in this field, especially for the evaluation of different types of probiotics in combination with each other's and with different dosages. Copyright: © 2026 Advanced Biomedical Research.

Despite growing interest in postbiotics as stable alternatives to probiotics, their efficacy when delivered through food matrices and their integrated effects on the gut microbiota-metabolite-immune axis remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether postbiotic-enriched milk derived from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 can functionally modulate host-microbiota interactions in vivo, in comparison with probiotic milk and appropriate controls. Postbiotics, consisting of heat-inactivated bacterial cells and their metabolites, were generated by thermal inactivation (95 °C for 30 min) and incorporated into UHT milk at a level equivalent to cultures containing 109 CFU mL-1 prior to heat inactivation. Following a 28-day intervention in healthy rats, gut microbiota composition, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and systemic immune parameters were comprehensively evaluated. Postbiotic delivery through a milk matrix selectively reshaped gut microbial composition without altering overall diversity, indicating targeted ecological modulation. Notably, postbiotics reduced Bacteroidota abundance and shifted the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio toward a more balanced profile, accompanied by enrichment of taxa associated with carbohydrate fermentation and microbial cross-feeding. These compositional changes translated into a significant increase in SCFA production, particularly butyrate (p < 0.05), highlighting enhanced metabolic functionality of the gut microbiota. Importantly, postbiotic supplementation induced a systemic immune shift toward a Th1-oriented response, with increased IFN-γ and IL-2 levels and reduced IL-4, IL-13, and IgE, alongside elevated IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed strong functional links connecting specific microbial shifts to both SCFA profiles and cytokine modulations. In several parameters, postbiotic milk exhibited comparable or superior effects relative to probiotic milk. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that food-delivered B. lactis BB-12 postbiotics can reprogram the gut microbiota-SCFA-immune axis in vivo, supporting their potential as a stable, next-generation functional da

BACKGROUND: Whole brain irradiation (WBI) is an essential treatment for brain tumors and metastases, but often leads to radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI), and cognitive dysfunction, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Emerging evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in neurological disorders via the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) and Bifico on WBI-induced cognitive impairment in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: After 4 weeks of BB-12 and Bifico intervention, the cognitive performance of WBI mice in Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) tests improved significantly. The interventions also mitigated impairments in hippocampal neurogenesis, reduced the overactivation of microglia and astrocytes, and alleviated neuroinflammation. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that WBI-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by reduced alpha diversity and increased Helicobacter abundance, was reversed by probiotic treatment. Additionally, BB-12 and Bifico restored intestinal barrier integrity, as indicated by upregulated tight junction proteins, and reduced colonic and systemic inflammation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that probiotics BB-12 and Bifico promote recovery from RIBI and cognitive dysfunction by modulating the MGBA, providing new insights into potential strategies for intervening in RIBI and cognitive dysfunction.

This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of probiotics across three major health domains: intestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular. Intestinal health: Probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 reinforce epithelial integrity via upregulation of tight-junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1), attenuate inflammation through cytokine modulation (↑IL-10, ↓TNF-α, IL-6), and restore eubiosis in conditions including IBS, constipation, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Neurologic health: "Psychobiotic" strains (e.g., L. rhamnosus JB-1, B. longum 1714, L. helveticus R0052 + B. longum R0175) modulate neurotransmitter synthesis (GABA, serotonin), dampen HPA-axis hyperactivity, and reduce neuroinflammation, yielding improvements in anxiety, stress resilience, cognitive function, and slowing brain-atrophy progression in MCI and Alzheimer's disease. Cardiovascular health: Meta-analyses of 30+ RCTs demonstrate that probiotic supplementation (notably L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, B. longum) lowers total and LDL cholesterol (-7 to -10 mg/dL) via bile-salt hydrolase activity, SCFA-mediated GPR signaling, direct cholesterol assimilation, and modestly reduces systolic (-2 to -4 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure through anti-inflammatory pathways and improved endothelial function. Safety: While generally safe in healthy populations, rare adverse events (bacteremia, D-lactic acidosis, horizontal gene transfer) have been reported in immunocompromised or critically ill individuals, underscoring the need for individualized risk-benefit assessments and rigorous adverse-event surveillance. Probiotics exert strain-specific, multimechanistic benefits on gut barrier integrity, neuroendocrine signaling, and cardiometabolic regulation. To fully realize their therapeutic promise, future research must pursue large-scale, head-to-head clinical trials, integrate multiomics and precision-design approaches, and establish standardized frameworks for safety monitoring and personalized formulation.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently redefined as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Alterations in gut microbiota have been implicated in its pathogenesis, and synbiotic therapies combining probiotics and prebiotics have gained interest as potential treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 3-month synbiotic supplementation on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content as the primary outcome, along with biochemical parameters, in patients with NAFLD, assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS). METHODS: Nineteen patients diagnosed with NAFLD based on ultrasonography or biopsy were recruited; after exclusions, 18 patients completed the study. All participants received a daily synbiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12), and prebiotics (inulin, oligofructose, potato starch) for 12 weeks. IHTG was quantified by ¹H-MRS before and after treatment. Routine biochemical and hematological parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, IHTG content decreased significantly (13.02 ± 6.74% vs. 9.34 ± 4.44%, p = 0.021). Serum ALT (p = 0.023), AST (p = 0.013), and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.032) levels decreased significantly, while platelet count increased (p = 0.009). Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) values also showed a significant reduction following treatment (p = 0.002). Body weight and BMI demonstrated a trend toward reduction without reaching statistical significance. Other biochemical parameters remained unchanged. Logistic regression analysis identified baseline triglyceride levels as the strongest predictor of steatosis progression despite therapy. CONCLUSION: Short-term synbiotic supplementation significantly reduced hepatic steatosis and improved selected biochemical parameters in MASLD patients. These findings support the potential role of microbiota-targeted therapies as adjunctive treatment in NAFLD/MASLD. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted. © 2026. The Author(s).

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has presented ongoing global health, economic, and societal challenges. In addition to respiratory complications, increasing evidence suggests that disruptions to the gut microbiota may influence disease susceptibility and severity, highlighting the importance of microbiome-based interventions in supporting host immunity. While probiotics have been widely explored for their immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, limitations regarding their stability and safety under certain conditions remain a concern. Postbiotics, defined as non-viable microbial metabolites, secreted factors, and ultrasonicated bacterial lysate components, represent a promising alternative due to their enhanced safety profile, stability, and emerging antiviral properties. This study investigated the antiviral efficacy of postbiotics derived from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 against SARS-CoV-2 using Vero E6 cells cultures. Furthermore, a novel food-based antiviral model was developed by incorporating postbiotic supernatants and ultrasonicated bacterial lysate at a concentration of 1500 μg/mL into a yogurt matrix. The postbiotic-enriched yogurt achieved a 1.87-2.48 log₁₀ reduction in viral titer against the Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. These findings support the potential of postbiotics as functional food ingredients for viral risk reduction and contribute to the advancement of microbiome-derived antiviral strategies.

OBJECTIVES AND STUDY: To explore the effects and mechanisms of lactoferrin combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 on Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in healthy children through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Eligible healthy children aged 0-6 years were randomized into intervention group (IG, n = 60, receiving lactoferrin and probiotic for 3 months) and control group (CG, n = 34, receiving placebo). The study primarily assessed changes in the incidence and severity of RTIs, and monitored gastrointestinal adverse events. Fecal samples were collected pre- and post-intervention to analyze gut microbiota composition and metabolomic profiles, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). RESULTS: After the intervention, the incidence of RTIs showed no significant difference between groups (55% vs. 61.8%, p = 0.52), but both the RTI severity score (3.0 vs. 4.0, p < 0.05) and mean duration per RTI episode (3.54 d vs. 5.27 d, p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the IG. No serious adverse events were reported, and the incidence of indigestion was significantly reduced in the IG compared with the CG (8.3% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.04). The intervention significantly altered phylogenetic diversity (PD-whole tree within IG: p = 0.0011; baseline between IG and CG: p = 0.63; post-intervention between IG and CG: p = 0.029) and community structure (weighted UniFrac within IG: 0.012; between IG and CG at 3 months: p = 0.036 vs. baseline p = 0.01). The gut microbiota in the intervention group exhibited a trend toward greater stability over time. Integrated microbiome-metabolite analysis showed attenuation of fatty acid oxidation-and energy metabolism-related metabolic drivers after intervention, together with no significant changes in fecal SCFA levels. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention improved clinical outcomes and induced phylogenetic restructuring of the gut microbiota rather than changes in overall abundance, accompanied by a shift toward greater stability in gut microbial structure and energy metabolic patterns. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: identifier ChiCTR2500111308. © 2026 Shi, Zhu, Tao, Liu, Zhao, Zhang and Zhang.

154. J Endocrinol Invest. 2026 Aug;49(8):1985-1996. doi: 10.1007/s40618-026-02877-5. Epub 2026 Apr 16. Supplementation with the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 improves the efficacy of alendronate sodium/vitamin D₃ therapy on skeletal health in stage 3 CKD. Zhao X(1), Zhai Q(2), Jia X(1), Zhu Y(3), Bao Y(1), Min X(1), Du L(1), Liu Y(4). Author information: (1)Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No. 88, Jiankang Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan , China. (2)Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88, Jiankang Road, Weihui , 453100, Henan , China. (3)Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No.88, Jiankang Road, Weihui , 453100, Henan , China. [email protected]. (4)Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, No. 88, Jiankang Road, Weihui, 453100, Henan , China. [email protected]. DOI: 10.1007/s40618-026-02877-5 PMID: 41989512 Conflict of interest statement: Declarations. Competing interests: All of the authors had no any personal, financial, commercial, or academic conflicts of interest separately.

Underutilised, nutrient-dense legumes in their sprouted form provide promising substrates for developing functional fermented foods capable of influencing gut microbial activity and metabolite production. This study evaluated the effects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria-fermented beverages derived from sprouted Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production using an in vitro colonic fermentation model. The beverages were fermented with either Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 (BCBF24) or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 75 (BCL7524). During colonic fermentation, at 0, 12, 24, and 38 h, faecal slurries were collected for SCFA analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technologies). Microbial diversity decreased, indicating selective enrichment of taxa. BCL7524 induced a major shift, significantly (p < 0.05) enriching Bacillota and driving Megasphaera to ~42% dominance within 24 h. This reflected cross-feeding from L. plantarum to lactate-utilising Megasphaera spp. Spearman correlation linked Megasphaera to a broad SCFA profile, including isobutyric, isovaleric, valeric, and hexanoic acids, with a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation observed for hexanoic acid. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated proteolysis and mapped hexanoic acid to fatty acid biosynthesis pathways, suggesting chain-elongation activity contributing to hexanoate formation. In line with this, BCL7524 produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of hexanoate (3-14 mM) and valerate (10-15 mM), supporting chain-elongation activity within the community. In contrast, BCBF24 enriched Actinomycetota and Bifidobacterium, correlating with acetate production (18-23 mM). This study demonstrates that specific synbiotic beverages can modulate gut microbial ecology and metabolic output under in vitro conditions.

Yogurt is a commonly consumed nutritious and healthy food and is an excellent carrier of prebiotics and probiotics. However, the survival of probiotics in the gut with the presence of gastric and intestinal juices and bile fluid is the main challenge. Hence, the yogurt formulation must be modified to resist the inhospitable environment of the gut and assist the probiotics in their survival. One strategy to overcome this limitation is the incorporation of prebiotics into probiotic-containing yogurt. Prebiotics are mostly nondigestible food ingredients that assist in the survival, proliferation, and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Supplementation of yogurt with hempseed protein concentrate (HP) and carrot powder as prebiotics may give sufficient protection to probiotics to survive in the human gut. We investigated the viability of probiotics in goat milk yogurt that was supplemented with plant-based prebiotics during 28-d storage at 4°C and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal transit. The basic mix for the yogurts had 82.85% milk, 10.68% powdered goat milk, and 6.47% sugar. Additionally, the mix was supplemented with carrot powder (0.6%), HP (2.5%), and a combination of 0.6% carrot powder and 2.5% HP. A control yogurt without plant-based ingredients was also prepared. The mix was heated to 80°C for 30 min, cooled, and then inoculated with 2% of activated starter culture (YF-L812) and 2 probiotics (3% Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 and 3% Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5; Chr Hansen). Then the mixes were incubated at 43°C until the pH reached 4.4 to 4.6. The effects of plant-based prebiotics and probiotics on physicochemical properties such as composition, pH, acidity, water-holding capacity (WHC), and microbial counts of yogurts were studied. The addition of prebiotics and probiotics did not have any negative impact on the composition, WHC, lipid oxidation, firmness, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of yogurts. The presence of HP in yogurts significantly increased the viability of L. acidophilus LA-5 (LA) during storage. The prebiotics in yogurts did not affect the viability of Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 during storage. The HP-c

Gastrointestinal digestion shapes nutrient availability and microbial substrates in early life, yet how milk digestion products regulate probiotic-pathogen dynamics remains unclear. Using in vitro digestion products of human milk (HM), infant formula (IF), and control milk (CM), we evaluated the fermentation responses of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in static reactors (ST) and peristalsis-mimicking soft elastic tubular reactors (SETR). HM-derived residues selectively enhanced probiotic activity by increasing reducing-sugar utilization, acidification (ΔpH), and overall metabolic output by 110% (LGG) and 130% (BB-12), while suppressing E. coli growth by 28%. In the absence of digestive products, LGG and BB-12 declined by 0.99 and 3.19 log units, whereas E. coli increased by 0.33 log. Mechanical compression in SETR further boosted BB-12 metabolic output by 23% compared with ST. These results demonstrate that infant milk digestion products differentially regulate microbial strategies. We acknowledge that this simplified three-strain model does not capture full gut community complexity, and broader consortia studies are needed for future validation. © 2026 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

The colonization of the infant gut microbiome during the critical window of 0-3 years is influenced by a multitude of prenatal, environmental and host factors, and may be crucial for life-long health. The infant gut microbiome is highly dynamic, with bifidobacteria-dominance generally established during birth and lactation, followed by transition to a more stable and adult-like composition reached around 3 years of age. Bifidobacteria-dominance in infancy is considered protective as they not only display both anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects but also foster the establishment of other beneficial species via cross-feeding interactions. As predominance of bifidobacteria is considered the marker of a healthy breastfed infant, the use of bifidobacteria-based probiotics for the prevention of gut dysbiosis and related conditions has been investigated. This clinically oriented summary highlights the unmet research needs of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® (BB-12), a well-studied probiotic added to baby formulas, dietary supplements, and fermented milk products; several potentially beneficial attributes, including acid and bile tolerance, strong adherence properties, pathogen inhibition, and immune modulation are considered. Clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and beneficial effects of BB-12 in infants and children across multiple disorders and highlight the need for improved clinical and regulatory guidelines.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Probiotics are widely used in paediatrics, but efficacy varies by strain and indication. In 2023, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications issued strain-specific recommendations for gastrointestinal disorders. This review summarises studies published since 2024 to assess whether new evidence warrants changes to these recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Saccharomyces boulardii are recommended for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. LGG, S. boulardii , Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, or the combination of L. rhamnosus 19070-2 and L. reuteri DSM 12246 may be considered in acute gastroenteritis. For infant colic, recommendations include L. reuteri DSM 17938 or Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 in breast-fed infants; for functional abdominal pain, L. reuteri DSM 17938 or LGG. No probiotics are recommended for constipation. For prevention of necrotising enterocolitis, weak recommendations include LGG or a combination of B. infantis BB-02, B. lactis BB-12 and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4. There is no recommendation for or against probiotic-supplemented formulas. SUMMARY: Recent trials have not provided sufficient evidence to justify changes to the ESPGHAN recommendations. Evidence for probiotic use in paediatrics is confined to a few strains and indications. Larger multicentre studies with standardised preparations and clearly defined outcomes are still needed.

In this study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial and sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mKATP and sKATP, respectively) in the mechanisms of cardioprotection afforded by a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) in rats with systemic inflammatory response (SIR), which included diet-induced obesity and chemically induced colitis. Selective mKATP and sKATP blockers were used for assessment of their involvement in the mechanisms of probiotic preconditioning, while myocardial tolerance to ischemia-reperfusion injury was determined in the isolated perfused heart subjected to global ischemia-reperfusion. Intragastric administration of lyophilized LA-5 and BB-12 at a dose of 1.2 × 108 CFU/mL for 7 days resulted in myocardial infarct size reduction. This cardioprotective effect was associated with specific changes in cytokine concentrations, namely, reduced levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ. Moreover, probiotic therapy reversed SIR-induced reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the gut and SIR-induced elevation of acetic and propionic short-chain fatty acids in the blood. Preischemic pharmacological inhibition of sKATP channels but not mKATP channels abolished cardioprotective effect of probiotics. Therefore, it was suggested that sKATP channels are implicated in myocardial protection elicited by probiotics.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 plays a role in maintaining the intestinal barrier and regulating inflammation; however, its potential connection to ocular diseases has not been thoroughly explored. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common ocular complication of diabetes and is closely associated with metabolic dysregulation. This study investigated whether BB-12 supplementation could affect systemic diabetic symptoms, the progression of DR, and the stability of gut microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetic db/db mice were utilized to monitor metabolic parameters, assess hepatic and lipid profiles, evaluate retinal function via ERG, and examine retinal morphology through OCT and HE staining. Treg/Th17 balance was analyzed by flow cytometry, and gut microbiota composition was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: The results showed that BB-12 reduced obesity, decreased hepatic steatosis, improved retinal blood vessel health and vision, and influenced both the Treg/Th17 balance and gut dysbiosis in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings lay the groundwork for regulatory role of intestinal microbiota on systemic and ocular complications of diabetes, and further examination of the gut-retina axis.

Background/Objectives: Infant diarrhea is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. While Bifidobacterium is linked to diarrhea, its preventive effects, underlying mechanisms, and potential synergistic benefits with prebiotics remain unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of a synbiotic composed of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) and 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) in alleviating infant diarrhea. Methods: One-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used to construct a model of infant diarrhea via infection with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) O127. Mice were administered BB-12 (108 CFU per mouse), 2'-FL (1 g/kg), or their combination (synbiotic) for three consecutive weeks. Results: Administration of the synbiotic not only markedly improved diarrhea, anxiety-like behavior, colon inflammation, and gut barrier function but also positively reshaped the microbial community. This was achieved through a significant rise in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia and Paraprevotella), a rise in fecal SCFAs, and a reduction in harmful bacteria such as Escherichia. Conclusions: The synbiotic effectively relieves EPEC-induced infant diarrhea by regulating gut microbiota composition and metabolic functions. These findings highlight its potential as a dietary intervention in infant diarrhea and provide new insights into infant health applications.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Visceral hypersensitivity (VH) is a hallmark symptom. METHODS: Twenty-five female rats were allocated to either a control group (sham stress, n = 5) or a stressed group exposed to a 10-day water avoidance (WA) stress protocol to induce VH (n = 20). After stress induction, stressed rats received a 4 week intervention with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (P1), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 (P2), or their combination (P1P2). Control rats were administered PBS. Visceral hypersensitivity was assessed using abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores, and metabolic changes in plasma, liver, and distal colon were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics. FINDINGS: Water avoidance stress induced VH, as evidenced by higher AWR scores (P < 0.05) and lower pain thresholds compared to controls (38.47 ± 3.78 versus 29.48 ± 2.52; P < 0.001). Probiotics significantly reduced AWR scores at 20 and 80 mmHg and increased pain thresholds in comparison with the WA + PBS group (P < 0.05). Metabolomic profiling revealed that WA + PBS rats showed significant dysregulation in energy, amino acid, one-carbon, and lipid metabolism. Notable changes included elevated sarcosine, acetate, taurine, glutamate, tryptophan, 2-hydroxybutyrate, urea, and allantoin, with reduced O-acetylcarnitine in plasma; increased succinate, myo-inositol, isoleucine, threonine, glutamine, betaine, pyroglutamate, and O-phosphocholine with decreased taurine in the liver; and various amino acids, ketone bodies, glucose, glycerol, and one-carbon metabolites in the colon (P < 0.001). Probiotic supplementation largely restored these metabolic changes, with clustering analyses supporting the normalization of metabolic signatures. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic supplementation ameliorated VH and reversed IBS-D-associated metabolic disruptions, illustrating its therapeutic potential and providing insights into the underlying mechanisms. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

INTRODUCTION: The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health and dietary strategies, such as synbiotic interventions, have emerged as promising tools to modulate its composition and metabolic activity. Inulin is a well established prebiotic, but alternative fibers like polydextrose have gained interest due to their distinct fermentation profiles and functional benefits. This study aimed at evaluating whether polydextrose could exert prebiotic effects comparable to inulin when incorporated into a synbiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12®. METHODS: Using the in vitro dynamic multivessel colonic xGIbiomics ® system, we simulated human gut conditions and assessed changes in microbial composition and metabolite production. RESULTS: Both synbiotic yogurts increased levels of beneficial organic acids, such as propionate and lactate, and decreased ammonium ion concentrations, indicating a shift toward saccharolytic fermentation. The synbiotic formulation incorporating polydextrose also led to increased butyrate production when compared to the yogurt containing only the BB-12® probiotic, and a greater relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. when compared to the synbiotic formulation incorporating inulin. Additionally, both synbiotic treatments reduced Klebsiella spp., a potentially pathogenic genus. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight polydextrose as a viable and effective alternative to inulin in synbiotic formulations, reinforcing its potential as a functional dietary fiber for gut health modulation.

OBJECTIVES: The gut-brain axis has emerged as a promising avenue for understanding the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system. This study investigated the potential impact of probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5), Lactobacillus paracasei (L. casei 431), and Bifidobacterium lactis (BB-12), as well as their combination, on dental pulp pain management and cognitive functions. DESIGN: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n = 8). The probiotics (109 CFU) were orally administered for 14 consecutive days. Capsaicin (100 µg) was used to induce inflammatory pulp nociception. The Morris water maze task was used to evaluate learning and memory performance. Levels of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) cytokines in the animals' trigeminal ganglion (TG) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (Trk-B) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes in the animals' hippocampus were determined using western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Intradental application of capsaicin induced nociceptive behavior and increased IL-1β and TNF-α in the TG of rats. Probiotics could attenuate nociception and prevent IL-1β and TNF-α overexpression. Furthermore, pain induced cognitive impairments, decreased BDNF, NPY, and Trk-B and increased COX-2 gene expression in rat hippocampus, which were inhibited by probiotics supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that probiotics may play a role in orofacial pain relief and cognitive enhancement in painful situations by modulating gut microbiota composition and influencing protein levels and gene expression in brain regions associated with pain and cognition.

Probiotics have a longstanding association with human health, yet the mechanisms behind their benefits are often unclear. To understand the mode of action for the efficacy of a probiotic, it is important to take a broad overview of the interactions between the microbe, its environment, and the host. The BB-12 Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain is one of the most documented probiotic strains on the market and has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of a low defecation frequency and infant colic, among others. In this review, we examine the wide range of preclinical and clinical data available for the strain, to help elucidate some of its potential mechanisms of action. We describe the defence mechanisms developed by the strain to ensure gastrointestinal survival and transit, as well as the current knowledge on how BB-12 interacts with the host epithelial lining and cells of the immune system and the relationship between the strain and the gut microbiota. Collectively, the well documented clinical efficacies demonstrated by BB-12 are most likely not through one single mechanism, but through the collective direct and indirect effects the strain has on both its environment and the host.

Background/Objectives: Probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in managing gastrointestinal disorders through modulation of gut microbiota. Restoring microbial balance remains a therapeutic challenge. Recent strategies combine probiotics, inulin, and sodium butyrate as synergistic agents for gut health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of milk supplementation with inulin and sodium butyrate on physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics, and the survival of selected probiotic strains during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Methods: Fermented milk samples were analyzed for color, pH, titratable acidity, and syneresis. A trained sensory panel evaluated aroma, texture, and acceptability. Samples underwent a standardized in vitro digestion simulating oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. Viable probiotic cells were counted before digestion and at each stage, and survival rates were calculated. Results: Physicochemical and sensory attributes varied depending on probiotic strain and supplementation. Inulin and the inulin-sodium butyrate combination influenced syneresis and acidity. Lacticaseibacillus casei 431 and Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ samples showed the highest viable counts before digestion. Two-way ANOVA confirmed that probiotic strain, supplementation type, and their interactions significantly affected bacterial survival during digestion (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of inulin and sodium butyrate did not impair probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The effects on product characteristics were strain-dependent (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, L. casei 431, L. paracasei L26, L. acidophilus LA-5, L. johnsonii LJ). These findings support the use of inulin-butyrate fortification in dairy matrices to enhance the functional potential of probiotic foods targeting gut health.

Chronic inflammation is identified to be an underlying pathophysiology in different conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since the aberrant interaction of the mucosal immune system with the dysbiotic flora has been reported to contribute to IBD development, probiotics have been studied for potential prophylaxis and treatment. In this regard, fermented dairy foods are a rich source of probiotics and bioactive compounds. However, limited studies have determined the impact of fermented dairy products in the context of chronic inflammation. In particular, a potential role for dairy starter cultures is not well studied. Hence, in this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of two cheese starter cultures (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis M58 and Streptococcus thermophilus TA 61) in comparison with commercial probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5) using the Cmax-induced Caco-2 inflammation model. Specifically, we characterized their ability to attenuate inflammatory response via modulation of IL-8 secretion, NF-κB activation, barrier integrity (TEER), and tight junction gene expression. Overall, pre-exposure to the starter cultures before Cmax treatment significantly reduced the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, compared to cytokine control (P < 0.05). Further, the reduction in pNF-κB was found to be associated with a significant reduction in IL 8 secretion (P < 0.05). Moreover, the cultures protected the Caco-2 monolayer from inflammation-induced increase in permeability by upregulating the genes associated with ZO-1 and occludin production. Furthermore, the protective effect of the starter cultures was comparable to that of the commercial probiotics with known anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, cheese starter cultures could be a potential strategy against chronic gut inflammation. © 2025 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.

BACKGROUND: The maturation of the immune system is critical during early life, as it involves the differentiation, maturation, and establishment of immune tolerance of immune cells. This process is influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors, particularly the symbiotic microbiota. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12), originally found in dairy products, is widely used in infant formula and dietary supplements. However, its role and mechanisms in immune development during early life remain unclear. METHODS: Using GF mice as the experimental model, B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was administered via gavage during early life. In the juvenile stage, changes in T-cell subsets in the spleen, thymus, and gut intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were assessed using spectral flow cytometry. Additionally, targeted metabolomics analysis of tryptophan metabolism and short-chain fatty acid pathways in colonic tissue was conducted to explore how B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 influences the immune system through gut microbiota metabolism. RESULTS: BB-12 effectively modulates the gut immune microenvironment, leading to beneficial changes in T-cell subsets in key immune tissues such as the spleen, thymus, and gut IELs. Metabolomics analysis further supports these findings by showing that BB-12 intervention greatly increased the production of tryptophan derivatives and acetic acid in the colon of GF mice. CONCLUSION: The findings provide theoretical evidence for the role of B. animalis subsp. lactis in immune system development and support its application in dietary supplements, suggesting potential as a component for infant immune health and in preventing immune-related diseases. © 2025 The Author(s). Animal Models and Experimental Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Chinese Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences.

INTRODUCTION: In severe COVID-19, excessive cytokine release may be driven by SARS-CoV-2. We investigated the modulatory effect of probiotics taking into consideration direct interaction with the immune gut cells. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were classified by the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or not. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a preparation of four probiotics (LactoLevure® containing Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, and L. plantarum) and/or recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFNγ) and tocilizumab. Cytokine concentrations were measured in cell supernatants. Gene expression of Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results were associated with the level of viremia. RESULTS: Probiotics decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) production by the PBMCs of both ARDS and non-ARDS patients. LPS stimulated the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 in non-ARDS patients. IL-6 production was maintained in the presence of probiotics. rhIFNγ enhanced LPS-stimulated cytokine production by PBMCs; this was not the case when PBMCs were stimulated by probiotics. Probiotics upregulated TLR2 and LPS downregulated TLR4 in the PBMCs of patients with ARDS. PBMCs from patients with viremia had more cytokine production by probiotic stimulation. CONCLUSION: Probiotics interact with the immune system of COVID-19 patients by modulating the production of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 in an IFNγ-independent mechanism. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.