Evidence supporting the use of: Bifidobacterium breve
For the health condition: Antibiotics (side effects of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bifidobacterium breve is a probiotic bacterium commonly used to help support gut health, especially during or after antibiotic use. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut microbiota, leading to side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses support the use of probiotics, including B. breve, for the prevention and reduction of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). For example, a 2015 meta-analysis in The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that B. breve, often in combination with other probiotic strains, reduced the risk and severity of AAD in children. Another randomized controlled trial in adults showed that B. breve supplementation during antibiotic treatment helped maintain gut microbiota diversity and reduced self-reported digestive discomfort.

The mechanism of action involves B. breve’s ability to compete with pathogenic bacteria, enhance mucosal barrier function, and modulate immune responses in the gut. While much of the evidence comes from studies using mixed-strain probiotic formulations, some research specifically highlights the benefits of B. breve. However, the strength of evidence is moderate rather than conclusive, as variations in probiotic strains, dosages, and study populations can affect outcomes. Overall, there is scientific support for using B. breve to mitigate antibiotic side effects, but more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and to determine optimal dosing strategies.

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