The human body contains trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome, which profoundly influence overall health, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract. Scientific inquiry focuses on probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts. Research has shifted from broadly studying species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to isolating specific strains for targeted effects. Health benefits are unique to an individual strain, making the precise numerical designation of a probiotic essential.
Identifying Bifidobacterium Infantis 35624
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 is a specific, patented strain of bacteria isolated from a healthy human intestinal tract. The numerical suffix, 35624, is a catalogue number that distinguishes this isolate from all other bacteria of the same species. This is why a generic Bifidobacterium infantis supplement cannot be assumed to offer the same benefits as the clinically studied 35624 strain.
Although widely recognized as B. infantis 35624, genetic sequencing suggests it technically belongs to the subspecies Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 35624. The original name is maintained commercially due to the extensive research conducted under the B. infantis label. This strain survives transit through the upper digestive tract, ensuring it reaches the colon alive to exert its beneficial effects.
How This Specific Strain Interacts with the Gut
The primary mechanism of action for B. infantis 35624 involves modulating the immune and nervous systems within the gut. Unlike many probiotics that compete with pathogens, this strain exhibits strong immunoregulatory properties. It interacts with the host’s immune cells to promote an anti-inflammatory response, acting as an enteric signaling microbe.
Studies show that B. infantis 35624 helps normalize the ratio of anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gut. This modulation extends beyond the digestive tract, reducing systemic inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), in human subjects with various inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, this strain possesses visceral antinociceptive effects, meaning it reduces hypersensitivity to pain signals originating from the gut. This impact on visceral sensitivity is relevant for conditions characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort and pain.
Clinical Efficacy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
B. infantis 35624 has been most extensively studied for managing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Clinical trials show that this strain provides relief across common IBS symptoms. Its efficacy is attributed to its unique immunomodulatory and antinociceptive actions, addressing the underlying inflammation and heightened pain perception associated with IBS.
In a key large-scale, placebo-controlled study, the strain was significantly superior to placebo in alleviating abdominal pain and discomfort. Patients also reported significant improvements in a composite score encompassing several other IBS-related issues:
- Bloating
- Abdominal distension
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- A sense of incomplete evacuation
- The passage of gas
The improvement in the overall global assessment of symptoms exceeded that of the placebo group by more than 20%, highlighting its clinical relevance. The benefits are dose-dependent, requiring the exact concentration tested in clinical settings to achieve therapeutic results.
Safety Considerations and Recommended Dosage
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 is generally considered well-tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to that of a placebo in clinical trials. Most users experience no adverse effects, which supports its widespread use as a dietary supplement. In some cases, individuals may experience mild, temporary gastrointestinal disturbances, such as an increase in gas or bloating, as the body adjusts to the introduction of the new bacteria.
The optimal dosage identified in the most successful clinical trials is 1 x 10⁸ colony-forming units (CFU), or 100 million CFU, taken once daily. Clinical studies testing lower and higher doses, such as 1 x 10⁶ and 1 x 10¹⁰ CFU, showed no significant difference from the placebo, underscoring the narrow therapeutic window for this specific strain. Individuals who are severely immunocompromised should consult a healthcare provider before use.