Synopsis

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

Bifidobacteria are a group of probiotic bacteria commonly used and studied for their effects on gastrointestinal health, including abdominal pain, particularly in the context of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain in both adults and children. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that specific strains of Bifidobacteria (such as Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) can reduce the severity and frequency of abdominal pain in IBS patients compared to placebo. The proposed mechanisms include modulation of gut microbiota, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, and reduction of intestinal inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity.

While the evidence is not uniformly strong for all strains and all patient groups, a 2020 systematic review in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics and a 2016 review in Gut Microbes both conclude that Bifidobacteria-containing probiotics, especially when used as part of multi-strain formulations, provide statistically significant, albeit modest, improvements in abdominal pain symptoms. The quality of the evidence is moderate, with some heterogeneity among studies due to variations in probiotic strains, dosages, and outcome measures. Nevertheless, their use is scientifically justified for this indication, though efficacy may be strain-specific and not universal to all Bifidobacteria products.

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