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Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in infancy

Teemu Taipale1, Kaisu Pienihäkkinen, Erika Isolauri

  • 1Korpilahti-Muurame Health Care Center, 40950 Muurame, Finland. teemu.taipale@muurame.fi

The British Journal of Nutrition
|September 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Controlled administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) probiotic in healthy infants may reduce respiratory infections. This study found fewer respiratory infections in infants receiving BB-12 compared to the placebo group.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12), are increasingly studied for their potential health benefits in infants.
  • The impact of specific probiotic strains on the incidence of acute infectious diseases in early childhood requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of controlled Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) administration on the risk of acute infectious diseases in healthy newborn infants.
  • To assess the recovery of BB-12 in infant feces and its correlation with health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 109 infants aged 1-8 months.
  • Infants received either a BB-12 containing tablet or a placebo tablet twice daily via a pacifier or spoon.
  • Data collected included breastfeeding habits, infections, symptoms, and fecal samples for BB-12 quantification using qPCR.

Main Results:

  • BB-12 was detected in the feces of 62% of infants in the probiotic group.
  • No significant differences were observed in gastrointestinal symptoms, otitis media, or antibiotic use between groups.
  • Infants receiving BB-12 experienced significantly fewer respiratory infections (65%) compared to the control group (94%).

Conclusions:

  • Controlled early childhood administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 may reduce the incidence of respiratory infections.
  • BB-12 supplementation appears to be a promising strategy for enhancing infant immune defenses against respiratory pathogens.

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