Bifidobacterium lactis
Also known as: B. lactis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12, HN019, Bi-07, Bl-04, DN-173 010
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, usually labeled B. lactis, is the workhorse bifidobacterium of the supplement industry because it is oxygen-tolerant and survives processing better than most Bifidobacterium species. Well-documented strains include HN019, which was tested in a dose-response trial of whole-gut transit time at roughly 1 and 17 billion CFU daily, and BB-12, widely used in dairy and infant products. It is used in regularity, digestive comfort, and immune formulas and pairs naturally with a Lactobacillus strain.
Research summary
Studied for effects on colonic transit, short-chain fatty acid production, and mucosal immune markers.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound. CFU shown in billions.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 B CFU | 1–10 B CFU | 17 B CFU | — |
Amounts are in billions of CFU (enter 10 for 10 billion). Raw-material weight assumes a 100 billion CFU/g concentrate (10 mg per billion CFU); manufacturers add a 20–50% CFU overage at fill so the label claim holds through shelf life, and the label should state whether CFU are guaranteed at manufacture or at expiry. The HN019 transit-time trial compared about 1.8 and 17.2 billion CFU daily over 14 days.
Standardization: Strain-designated freeze-dried culture; CFU per gram on CoA
Source material: freeze-dried culture
As supplied: Assumes 100 billion CFU/g concentrate (10 mg per billion CFU); adjust to supplier CoA.
Forms of Bifidobacterium
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bifidobacterium lactis | 1–10 B CFU | — | Capsule, Powder | mid |
| Bifidobacterium longum | 1–10 B CFU | — | Capsule, Powder | mid |
| Bifidobacterium infantis (35624) | 1–10 B CFU | — | Capsule, Powder | high |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum | 1–5 B CFU | — | Capsule, Powder | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Heat- and moisture-sensitive vegetative cells; capsule or dry powder only. Among the more processing-tolerant Bifidobacterium strains.
Formulation notes
Separate from antibiotic dosing by at least two hours. Keep water activity low in the finished product.
Sources
- NIH ODS — Probiotics Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsNIH ODS
- Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults. (Waller 2011)PubMed
- Health benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12 in children. (Szajewska 2020)PubMed
Related ingredients
Probiotic Blend (Multi-Strain)
ProbioticA generic placeholder for a multi-strain probiotic blend, typically combining several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and sometimes Streptococcus thermophilus or a Bacillus spore.
Typical: 10–50 B CFU
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
ProbioticLGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, ATCC 53103) is the single most studied probiotic strain, isolated in 1985 and since reclassified as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus.
Typical: 1–10 B CFU
L-Glutamine
Amino acidThe most abundant free amino acid in blood and muscle and a primary fuel for intestinal and immune cells.
Typical: 5–10 g
Saccharomyces boulardii
ProbioticSaccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast rather than a bacterium, originally isolated from lychee and mangosteen skins.
Typical: 5–10 B CFU
Lactobacillus acidophilus
ProbioticLactobacillus acidophilus is the most widely recognized probiotic species and a staple of yogurt cultures and multi-strain capsules.
Typical: 1–10 B CFU