Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium adolescentis is a probiotic species found in the human gut microbiota, and its use to support or treat side effects of antibiotics—particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and microbiota disruption—has scientific backing, though the evidence is moderate and not as robust as for some other probiotic strains (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii). Several clinical studies and in vitro experiments have shown that B. adolescentis can help restore gut microbial balance following antibiotic therapy. For example, supplementation with B. adolescentis has been observed to enhance the recolonization of beneficial gut bacteria and to reduce inflammation and gut permeability after antibiotic exposure in animal models and in some small human trials. Moreover, it produces short-chain fatty acids like acetate, which support gut health and potentially inhibit pathogenic bacteria.

However, while B. adolescentis is often included in multi-strain probiotic formulations studied for antibiotic-associated side effects, direct evidence from large, high-quality randomized controlled trials examining this specific species alone for AAD prevention or mitigation is limited. The bulk of the clinical evidence for probiotics in this setting comes from studies of mixed-strain products, where B. adolescentis is one of several components. Thus, its use is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, and it is considered a plausible adjunct in supporting recovery from antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, though not the primary or most validated strain for this use.

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