Evidence supporting the use of: Bifidobacterium infantis
For the health condition: Antibiotics (side effects of)

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Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium infantis is a probiotic strain that has been investigated for its potential to mitigate the side effects of antibiotics, particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). The rationale for its use is based on scientific evidence, although the strength of the evidence is moderate rather than definitive.

Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota, killing beneficial bacteria and leading to side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, and increased susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria like Clostridioides difficile. Probiotics, including various Bifidobacterium species, are thought to help restore the balance of gut flora during and after antibiotic treatment.

Clinical research specifically on B. infantis is less abundant than for other strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii. However, some studies and reviews have shown that supplementation with Bifidobacterium species, including B. infantis, can reduce the incidence and severity of AAD in both children and adults. For instance, a few randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that multi-strain probiotic formulations containing B. infantis may decrease the risk of diarrhea during antibiotic use.

Overall, while there is scientific support for the use of Bifidobacterium infantis (often as part of a combination probiotic) to alleviate antibiotic side effects, the evidence is not as robust or specific as for some other probiotic strains. Therefore, it is rated as "moderate" (3 out of 5) in terms of evidence strength for this use.

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