Synopsis

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

Bifidobacterium lactis is a probiotic strain that has been studied for its impact on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which includes the Peyer’s patches found in the small intestine. Peyer’s patches play a crucial role in the immune surveillance of the intestinal lumen and facilitate the generation of the immune response within the mucosa. Several animal and in vitro studies have investigated the interaction between B. lactis and the immune system, particularly focusing on modulation of immune cells and cytokine production within the gut mucosa.

A number of studies support that supplementation with B. lactis can enhance the immune response in the gut by increasing the number and activity of immune cells in Peyer’s patches. For example, research in mice has shown that B. lactis can promote the maturation of dendritic cells and increase the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is essential for mucosal immunity (Schiffrin et al., 2010). Another study demonstrated that B. lactis can stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes in Peyer’s patches and modulate cytokine profiles towards an anti-inflammatory state (He et al., 2017).

While much of the evidence comes from preclinical studies, these findings provide a scientific basis for the use of B. lactis in supporting the immune function associated with Peyer’s patches. However, large-scale human clinical trials are still needed to confirm these effects and determine their clinical relevance.

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