Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium lactis is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence for its use in reducing certain side effects of chemotherapy, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and mucositis. Chemotherapy can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to gastrointestinal toxicity, and probiotics like B. lactis have been investigated for their potential to restore microbial balance and maintain intestinal barrier function. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have evaluated the efficacy of probiotic supplementation—including B. lactis, often in combination with other probiotic strains—in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Results suggest that these probiotics may decrease the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and oral mucositis, likely by modulating inflammation, enhancing mucosal integrity, and competing with pathogenic bacteria in the gut. For example, a 2019 systematic review in Supportive Care in Cancer found that probiotics, including B. lactis, reduced the risk of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in adults. However, most studies use multi-strain probiotics, making it difficult to isolate the effects of B. lactis alone. The safety profile is generally favorable, but caution is advised in immunocompromised patients. In summary, while more large-scale, strain-specific research is needed, there is moderate scientific validation for the use of B. lactis-containing probiotics to support gut health and reduce some chemotherapy-related side effects.

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