Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Bifidobacteria are a genus of probiotic bacteria that have been widely studied for their role in supporting gut health, particularly during and after antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut microbiota, often resulting in side effects such as diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridioides difficile infection. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that supplementation with Bifidobacteria (often in combination with other probiotics like Lactobacillus) can reduce the incidence and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both children and adults.

For example, a 2017 Cochrane review ("Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children") concluded that probiotics, including Bifidobacteria-containing formulations, are effective in preventing AAD. Similarly, studies in adults suggest a beneficial effect, although results can vary depending on the specific strains and combinations used. The mechanism is thought to involve restoration of the disrupted gut microbiota, competitive inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, and modulation of the immune response.

While not all studies use Bifidobacteria alone, their inclusion in multi-strain probiotic products lends substantial scientific support for their use in mitigating antibiotic side effects. However, the precise efficacy may depend on the strain, dose, and population studied. Overall, there is robust scientific evidence supporting the use of Bifidobacteria-containing probiotics to help manage the side effects of antibiotics.

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