Bifidobacterium Animalis Subspecies Lactis Effects and Uses

Bifidobacterium animalis is a helpful strain of probiotic bacteria which naturally inhabits the human digestive tract.

It is considered probiotic because it confers a beneficial effect on its host (the human or other mammal) simply by doing what it does naturally.

Supplementation with bifidobacterium animalis and other probiotics is often undertaken when a disruption occurs within the GI tract.

Disruption can happen due to illness, high levels of stress, foodborne pathogens or due to treatment with antibiotics.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What is Bifidobacterium Animalis?

Bifidobacterium animalis, or B. animalis, is known by a few different names, which can make it confusing when shopping for a probiotic formula containing it.

Part of the confusion is because another Bifidus bacteria called bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) was merged with B. animalis when their DNA were sequenced and found to have an overwhelming number of similarities.

Despite the merger, these two subspecies continue to garner attention individually from both researchers and health conscious individuals.

Some companies, like Dannon, have developed their own proprietary strain of subspecies B. lactis to use exclusively in their own lines of products promoting healthier intestinal and bowel function.

Many manufacturers neglect to note which subspecies of B. animalis is contained in their products. This can lead consumers to purchase products which do not address the specific issues the consumer wishes to treat.

More reputable manufacturers, on the other hand, will not only indicate the subspecies used, but often will indicate the type of medium used to grow the bacteria.

This can be especially helpful for those with allergies to certain food products, like dairy. It is also helpful for vegans and vegetarians who do not want to use supplements grown with mediums that contain animal by-products.

Probiotic Effects

Bifidobacterium animalis is essential for good digestion. This microorganism lives in the large intestine where it competes for food.

The intestinal lumen, stomach, colon and bowel are all colonized by the dominant microorganisms living in the gut flora, thus when supplementing with probiotics, it is imperative to take an adequate dose to enable them to effectively out-compete unhealthy bacteria which can cause illness or infection.

Some probiotic bacteria colonize along the lumen walls while others, like bifidobacterium animalis, exert their probiotic effects as they move through the digestive system.

Bifidobacterium animalis uses a fermentation process to convert carbohydrates into chemical compounds like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, enabling only probiotic dominance throughout the intestinal arena.

It does this by working together with other species of bifidobacterium to produce a non-alkaline environment with low pH levels. Pathogenic bacteria typically survive best in alkaline (low acidity) environments.

Those unable to survive the inhospitable acidic environment are unable to colonize thereby preventing the negative effects that can occur.

Bifidobacterium Animalis Benefits

Clinical studies demonstrate bifidobacterium animalis is effective when used for relief of some of the symptoms associated with IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome) and Crohn’s Disease.

Specifically, bloating and constipation were significantly reduced in women who ate at least two servings of a milk product enriched with bifidobacterium animalis (subspecies lactis).

Individuals who experience abdominal discomfort, flatulence and bloating following meals often report a reduction in symptoms when replenishing their flora with supplements containing bifidobacterium animalis. Most supplements of B. animalis actually contain the subspecies B. lactis, like those found in dairy products.

People with lactose intolerance may experience some relief or reduction in gas, but may wish to take supplements grown in mediums, other than dairy.

Another study showed that 84% of children taking two doses per day experienced a decrease in the number of cold symptoms. This finding supports the theory that immune system function is influenced by probiotic supplementation.

Sources and Dosage

Bifidobacterium animalis does not colonize the GI tract walls, but instead exerts a probiotic effect as it passes through the digestive system.

For this reason, if supplementation is undertaken to treat chronic symptoms, then daily supplementation will be necessary for an ongoing benefit.

Typically, doses are taken twice daily and contain between 5 – 15 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units).

Dosage will vary depending on whether this supplement is taken by itself, or in combination with other bifidobacterium designed to work symbiotically with it.

Side Effects of Bifidobacterium Animalis.

Most people experience no side effects when supplementing with bifidobacterium animalis pills or products like yogurt and milk.

A small percentage of people report mild abdominal discomfort or gas when first beginning regular supplementation. These symptoms usually subside with continued use.

Individuals whose immune system is weakened should talk with their doctor before taking probiotics. In addition, individuals diagnosed with short bowel syndrome are cautioned to speak with their doctor before starting a probiotic regimen.

Review

Bifidobacterium animalis is a probiotic bacterial organism used to reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It works to promote better immune function, although this mechanism is not fully understood.

B. animalis is sometimes listed on ingredient panels by the subspecies name bifidobacterium lactis. Bifidobacterium animalis is commonly used to treat constipation and, with ongoing use, promotes regularity and normal bowel function.

Rate This Article

(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)