Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bifidobacteria are a genus of probiotic bacteria commonly found in the human gut and used in various probiotic supplements. There is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of Bifidobacteria to help prevent or reduce the risk of some infections, especially gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that supplementation with Bifidobacteria, either alone or in combination with other probiotics, can reduce the incidence and duration of infectious diarrhea, particularly in children. For example, studies have demonstrated benefits in reducing rotavirus-associated diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. There is also evidence that Bifidobacteria may help prevent infections in hospitalized or immunocompromised populations by enhancing mucosal barrier function and modulating immune responses.

However, the strength of the evidence varies depending on the type of infection and the population studied. The benefits appear most consistent for certain gastrointestinal infections, while evidence for other types of infections (such as upper respiratory tract infections) is less robust and sometimes inconsistent. Systematic reviews, such as those published by the Cochrane Collaboration, generally conclude that Bifidobacteria-containing probiotics are safe and may provide modest benefits for infection prevention, but more research is needed to determine optimal strains, dosages, and target populations.

In summary, the use of Bifidobacteria for supporting or treating infection is justified by scientific evidence, though the overall effect size is moderate and context-dependent.

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