Bifidobacterium lactis
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Bifidobacterium lactis (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 460 participants, researched for Immune Function, Gastrointestinal Health, Respiratory & Allergy Support.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Function
ModerateGastrointestinal Health
ModerateRespiratory & Allergy Support
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Function
To evaluate effects of B. lactis on natural killer cell activity and immune function in healthy elderly adults
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate effects of B. lactis on natural killer cell activity and immune function in healthy elderly adults
Dose
B. lactis 1.5×10¹¹ CFU/day
Participants
25 healthy elderly volunteers (median age 69 years)
Duration
6 weeks
Results
B. lactis consumption significantly enhanced levels of interferon-alpha upon stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, demonstrating enhanced immune function.
How They Measured It
Interferon-alpha levels, NK cell activity
To evaluate Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on intestinal antibody response in formula-fed infants
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on intestinal antibody response in formula-fed infants
Dose
Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 10⁶ CFU/g
Participants
172 six-week-old healthy full-term infants
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Infants consuming Bb12 had augmented sIgA concentration and heightened anti-rotavirus and anti-poliovirus-specific IgA following immunization.
How They Measured It
Secretory IgA, immune markers
Gastrointestinal Health
To review B. lactis HN019 effects on gut health and barrier function
Study Type
Review and synthesis
Purpose
To review B. lactis HN019 effects on gut health and barrier function
Dose
Various doses (10⁹-10¹¹ CFU/day)
Participants
Multiple study populations
Duration
Various
Results
B. lactis HN019 maintains intestinal barrier function, competes with pathogens, and regulates immune defense toward pathogens. Beneficial for GI health.
How They Measured It
Literature synthesis of in vitro and human studies
Respiratory & Allergy Support
To evaluate B. lactis BLa80 for preventing allergic, respiratory, and GI diseases in young children
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate B. lactis BLa80 for preventing allergic, respiratory, and GI diseases in young children
Dose
B. lactis BLa80 supplementation
Participants
Young children in China
Duration
12 months
Results
B. lactis BLa80 supplementation significantly reduced respiratory and allergic disease incidence in young children.
How They Measured It
Disease incidence, respiratory symptoms, allergy markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bifidobacterium lactis research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Bifidobacterium lactis (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis), involving 460 total participants. Research covers Gut health, Immune function, Gastrointestinal health. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Bifidobacterium lactis has been researched for: Gut health, Immune function, Gastrointestinal health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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