Overview

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) that lives in the intestines. It produces lactic and acetic acid.

"Good" bacteria such as B. lactis can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. B. lactis is a subspecies of B. animalis. It's found in the human gut and used in probiotic supplements.

People use B. lactis for excessive crying in infants (colic), constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and respiratory tract infections. It is also used for dental cavities, hay fever, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using B. lactis for COVID-19.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is sometimes listed as Bifidobacterium lactis (or B. lactis) on product labels. Don't confuse B. lactis with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Excessive crying in infants (colic). Giving infants B. lactis by mouth seems to help reduce crying from colic.
  • Constipation. Taking B. lactis by mouth seems to help relieve constipation.
  • A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Taking B. lactis by mouth seems to help relieve symptoms of IBS. But it's not clear if taking it together with other probiotics helps.
  • Infection of the airways. Taking B. lactis by mouth might help prevent airway infections such as the common cold in otherwise healthy people. But it might not help people who have other serious health issues.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Cavities. Taking B. lactis by mouth doesn't seem to prevent cavities in young children.
There is interest in using B. lactis for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: B. lactis is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one month. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. lactis seems to be well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: B. lactis is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one month. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. lactis seems to be well-tolerated.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if B. lactis is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: B. lactis likely safe for most children when taken by mouth for up to 8 months. It might cause diarrhea in some children. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if B. lactis is safe for very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: Some probiotics have caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking B. lactis.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotic drugs interacts with BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS SUBSP. LACTIS

    B. lactis is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with B. lactis might reduce the effects of B. lactis. To avoid this interaction, take B. lactis products at least two hours before or after antibiotics.

Dosing

In adults, B. lactis has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics in doses of up to 12.5 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 6 weeks. In children, B. lactis has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

You Might Also Like

Does Your Current UC Treatment Need an Upgrade?
Your Guide to Ulcerative Colitis Maintenance Treatments
Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis Relief
Targeted Therapies for Moderate to Severe UC
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2024 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.