Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium lactis is a probiotic bacterium that has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting or treating Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The use of B. lactis in this context is justified primarily by scientific investigation, rather than tradition, as it is not a historically used remedy but a more recent addition to probiotic therapies based on emerging microbiome science.

Evidence supporting B. lactis for IBD is mixed but promising in some areas. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have evaluated B. lactis (either alone or in combination with other probiotics) for its effects on gut inflammation, mucosal barrier function, and clinical symptoms in both adult and pediatric populations. Mechanistically, B. lactis is believed to enhance the intestinal barrier, modulate immune responses, and compete with pathogenic bacteria.

However, the clinical efficacy of B. lactis specifically—independent of other probiotic strains—is not robustly established. Some studies, such as those investigating the multi-strain probiotic VSL#3 (which contains B. lactis among other species), have shown benefit for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis or preventing pouchitis. But when B. lactis is used alone, results are less consistent, and large-scale, high-quality trials are lacking.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some supportive data for using B. lactis in IBD, the evidence is moderate and not conclusive. Its use is best viewed as potentially adjunctive rather than primary therapy, and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm its benefit.

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