Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium species are widely studied probiotics, and their use for supporting or treating various infections—primarily gastrointestinal—has some scientific basis. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of Bifidobacterium (often in combination with other probiotics) in reducing the incidence, duration, or severity of infections such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection, and acute infectious diarrhea in both adults and children. The proposed mechanisms include competitive exclusion of pathogens, enhancement of mucosal barrier function, modulation of immune responses, and production of antimicrobial substances.

For example, a 2017 Cochrane review found that probiotics, including Bifidobacterium strains, reduced the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. Randomized controlled trials have also shown benefits in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea. However, most studies use mixtures of probiotics, making it difficult to attribute effects to Bifidobacterium alone. Evidence for Bifidobacterium’s role in preventing non-gastrointestinal infections (like respiratory tract infections) is less robust and more inconsistent.

Overall, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of Bifidobacterium-containing probiotics for certain types of infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. The evidence is not strong across all infection types, and the quality and consistency of studies vary. Further research is needed to clarify strain-specific effects and optimal dosages.

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