Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bifidobacterium species are a group of probiotics commonly found in the human gut and widely used in supplements. Their use in supporting or treating autoimmune disorders is based on an emerging body of scientific research, primarily from preclinical (animal) studies and a limited number of human clinical trials. Research indicates that Bifidobacterium may help modulate the immune system by promoting regulatory T cell responses, maintaining gut barrier integrity, and reducing inflammation. Some animal studies have demonstrated that specific strains of Bifidobacterium can ameliorate disease severity in autoimmune models, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (a model for multiple sclerosis) and inflammatory bowel disease.

In humans, data are more limited and mostly focused on autoimmune-related conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, where some clinical trials have shown modest improvements in symptoms and inflammatory markers with probiotic supplementation. However, the evidence for benefits in systemic autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) is sparse and inconclusive. Further, most studies use well-defined strains of Bifidobacterium, not unspecified species, so generalizing to all Bifidobacterium is problematic.

In summary, there is a scientific rationale for the use of Bifidobacterium in autoimmune disorders based on immune modulation, but clinical evidence in humans is limited and strain-specific. More rigorous, large-scale trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety across different autoimmune conditions. Current evidence supports only a modest benefit, reflected in the evidence rating of 2.

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