Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Related Terms

BAA-999, BB536, BB-536, Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001, bifidus milk, bifidus yogurt, BL999, Morinaga Bifidus?, Morinaga Caldus?, oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) BL07S.

Background

Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (BB536) is a Gram-positive bacterium that produces lactic and acetic acids. BB536 is a type of probiotic bacterium. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs").
The supposed health benefits of probiotics and BB536 include maintaining the health of the intestinal tract and the immune system and protecting against infection.
At this time, research in support of the use of BB536 for allergic disorders is limited mainly to Japanese cedar pollen (JCP). Studies suggest that BB536 and other probiotics may improve bowel function and fecal characteristics. BB536 as part of infant formulas may offer small benefit.
Further research is needed to assess the potential benefits of BB536.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Research suggests BB536 may reduce symptoms associated with Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) allergy. At this time, there is limited information available on other types of allergies. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


Research suggests BB536 may reduce symptoms associated with Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) allergy. At this time, there is limited information available on other types of allergies. Additional research is needed in this area.

 B


The addition of BB536 to the diet, either alone or in combination with other prebiotics, normalized bowel movements and improved moisture, odor, and visual characteristics of feces. BB536 supplementation has also changed bacterial strains in human intestines.

 C


The addition of BB536 to the diet, either alone or in combination with other prebiotics, normalized bowel movements and improved moisture, odor, and visual characteristics of feces. BB536 supplementation has also changed bacterial strains in human intestines.

 C


A study showed that BB536 reduced the number of vaccinated people who got the flu or a fever. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


A study showed that BB536 reduced the number of vaccinated people who got the flu or a fever. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Fermented milk with BB536 and other beneficial bacteria may reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Fermented milk with BB536 and other beneficial bacteria may reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


BB536 may shorten the time to reach full tube feeding in very-low-birthweight infants. Other studies have suggested that formulas with BB536 do not negatively affect growth or development. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


BB536 may shorten the time to reach full tube feeding in very-low-birthweight infants. Other studies have suggested that formulas with BB536 do not negatively affect growth or development. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Milk containing BB536 and other probiotics increased bowel movements and improved moisture, odor, and visual characteristics of feces. BB536 supplementation has also changed bacterial strains in human intestines. Additional research using BB536 alone is needed.

 C


Milk containing BB536 and other probiotics increased bowel movements and improved moisture, odor, and visual characteristics of feces. BB536 supplementation has also changed bacterial strains in human intestines. Additional research using BB536 alone is needed.

 C


Research suggests that BB536 and other probiotics may reduce yeast infections associated with chemotherapy. BB536 has also benefitted fecal bacterial populations. Additional research using BB536 alone is needed.

 C


Research suggests that BB536 and other probiotics may reduce yeast infections associated with chemotherapy. BB536 has also benefitted fecal bacterial populations. Additional research using BB536 alone is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
To treat allergies, 5 x 1010 colony-forming units (CFU) per two grams of BB536 have been taken by mouth twice daily for four weeks or 13 weeks. Additionally, 2 x 107 CFU of living BB536 in yogurt have been taken by mouth daily for 14 weeks.
To treat constipation, 180-200 milliliters of milk with at least 2 x 109 CFU of BB536 has been taken by mouth daily for up to three weeks. Additionally, 100g of BB536-supplemented yogurt drink (more than 2 x 107 CFU per gram) has been taken by mouth daily for up to three weeks. A two gram sachet of BB536-H (5x1010CFU lyophilized BB536) or BB536-L (2.5x1010CFU lyophilized BB536) powder has been taken by feeding tube once or twice daily for 16 weeks.
For flu prevention, 1 x 1011 CFU of BB536 have been taken by mouth daily for three weeks before an influenza vaccine and then for an additional 16 weeks.
To treat ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), 2-3 x 1011 CFU of BB536 have been taken by mouth daily for 24 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
BB536 may interact with agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may increase bone strength, antiallergy agents, antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidiarrheals, cholesterol-lowering agents, gastrointestinal agents, and laxatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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