Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis supplementation on gastrointestinal symptoms: systematic review with meta-analysis

CONTEXT

The effects of probiotics on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have been increasingly investigated, particularly that of Bifidobacterium animalis. Clinical trials so far have shown differing evidence regarding these effects in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the published evidence on the effects of B. animalis subspecies lactis on GI symptoms (GIS) in healthy adults.

DATA SOURCE

A search of the Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for reports on randomized controlled trials published up to October 2021.

DATA EXTRACTION

Population characteristics and data on colonic transit time (CTT), stool consistency, defecation frequency, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, volunteer compliance, and adverse events were extracted. A random-effects model was used to estimate the effect of probiotic treatment on these variables.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In total, 1551 studies were identified, of which 14 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 13 in the meta-analysis. Overall, probiotic supplementation increased defecation frequency (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.26; 95%CI, 0.13-0.39). Subgroup analysis revealed a decrease in CTT (SMD, -0.34; 95%CI, -0.62 to -0.07) in short-term treatment (≤14 d) and an improvement in stool consistency (SMD, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.44-1.08) in individuals without GIS. No improvement in abdominal pain and bloating was found.

CONCLUSIONS

B. animalis subspecies lactis supplementation may increase defecation frequency and, in short-term treatment, may reduce CTT in healthy adults and improve stool consistency in individuals without GIS. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to develop a clinical protocol for the use of this strain to improve these symptoms.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020154060.

Survival of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 81 in Fermented Milk Enriched with Green Banana Pulp Under Acid Stress and in the Presence of Bile Salts

This study evaluated the in vitro effect of 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0% of green banana pulp (GBP) incorporation in fermented milk on the survival of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 81 subjected to acid stress conditions and in the presence of bile salts. Tolerance to acid stress in pH 2.0 and in the presence of 0.30% of bile salts was evaluated right after the incorporation of the fermented milk in each of these conditions, and also during 3 and 4 h of exposure, respectively. The addition of GBP (3.0%) gives a protective effect on L. paracasei LBC 81 when exposed to stress conditions evaluated, while of 9.0% there is a marked decrease of L. paracasei LBC 81. In the absence of GBP, a decrease of L. paracasei LBC 81 is observed, but lower in the presence of GBP (9.0%).