Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium infantis is a probiotic bacterium that has been studied for its potential role in supporting gut health, including in individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often disrupts the gut microbiota, leading to gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, mucositis, and increased risk of infection. Some preclinical and early clinical studies have suggested that administration of certain probiotics, including Bifidobacterium infantis, may help restore gut microbial balance, reduce inflammation, and improve barrier function in the gastrointestinal tract during chemotherapy.

However, the evidence specifically supporting Bifidobacterium infantis for reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects in humans is still limited. Most available studies are either small-scale or focus on probiotics as a broader category rather than this specific strain. For example, some animal studies have shown that Bifidobacterium species can attenuate chemotherapy-induced mucositis and improve gut integrity. A few human trials involving mixtures containing Bifidobacterium infantis (often combined with other strains) have reported reductions in diarrhea and inflammatory markers, but these studies are not robust enough to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of B. infantis alone.

Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and some emerging evidence, the use of Bifidobacterium infantis specifically for supporting chemotherapy patients is not yet well established, and more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed. Current evidence merits cautious optimism but not routine clinical recommendation.

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