PROBIOTICS DATABASE
Bifidobacterium lactis is also known as Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis; however in the interests of simplicity, bacteria from this species are referred to as Bifidobacterium lactis. They are typically gram-positive, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium which can be found in the large intestines of most mammals, including humans.
Bifidobacterium lactis is the species of Bifidobacterium most commonly used in food products, as it is more robust than other species of Bifidobacterium genus. Amongst other characteristics, B. animalis subsp. lactis exhibits elevated oxygen tolerance, enabling it to survive in a wider range of environments. This probiotic species has also been shown to inhibit the toxic effects induced by the wheat protein gliadin, a component of wheat gluten. Wheat intolerance is becoming far more prevalent in modern society, but wheat products are staple foods in many cultures, so the potential of this bacterial species to help minimise some of the negative side effects of gluten consumption is attracting some interest.
As some properties & benefits of probiotics may be strain-specific, this database provides even more detailed information at strain level. Read more about the strains that we have included from this genus below.
Bifidobacterium lactis strains: Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07®, Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04®.
Bifidobacterium infantis strains: Bifidobacterium infantis 35624.
Bifidobacterium breve strains: Bifidobacterium breve M-16V®.
For more insights and professional updates on probiotics, please visit the Probiotic Professionals pages.
Lee Y. and Salminen S., (2009), Handbook of Probiotic and Prebiotics. 2nd edition, Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Lindfors K., (2008), ‘Live probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis bacteria inhibit the toxic effects induced by wheat gliadin in epithelial cell culture’. Clin. Exp. Immunol., 152 (3):552-558.
Meile L. et al., (1997), ‘Bifidobacterium lactis sp. nov., a moderately oxygen tolerant species isolated from fermented milk’. Syst. Appl. Microbiol., 20:57-64.
Solano-Aguilar G., (2008), ‘Detection of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (Bb12) in the Intestine after Feeding of Sows and Their Piglets’. Appl Environ Microbiol., 74(20):6338-6347.
Information on this species was gathered by Joanna Scott-Lutyens BA (hons), DipION, Nutritional Therapist; and Kerry Beeson, BSc (Nut.Med) Nutritional Therapist.
Last updated - 18th September, 2018