For those struggling with chronic or occasional constipation, supplementing with probiotic strains from the Bifidobacterium family may provide an effective form of relief. Bifidobacteria are among the most abundant and important beneficial bacteria residing in healthy human colons, playing vital roles in digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining regular bowel movements.
However, factors like aging, diet, illness, and medications can deplete levels of these critical microbes, compromising intestinal functions like stool bulking and motility. This has driven increasing scientific interest in using certain Bifidobacterium probiotic strains to help recolonize depleted guts and alleviate constipation.
One species showing particular promise is Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis). We examine the latest research on how B. lactis probiotics may combat constipation.
Understanding Bifido Constipation Benefits
So how exactly do B. lactis and other Bifidobacterium probiotics help keep you regular? These keystone strains rely on multiple mechanisms:
✅ Producing Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Through dietary fiber fermentation, B. lactis genera create helpful by-products like butyrate and acetate that stimulate smoother colonic contractions, propelling waste matter.
✅ Enhancing Intestinal Motility: Bifidobacteria probiotics have displayed abilities to increase gastric emptying rates and accelerate overall intestinal transit times in chronic constipation sufferers.
✅ Softening Stool Consistency: The probiotic metabolites released by B. lactis and relatives increase hydration and bulk within stools, making them softer and easier to pass regularly.
✅ Restoring Microbiome Balance: Replenishing Gut Bifidobacteria levels help reestablish a diverse, symbiotically-functional microbiome, better regulating healthy defecation.
Additionally, unique strains like B. lactis may provide wider benefits by alleviating constipation’s uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, straining, and excessive gas.
Examining B. lactis Clinical Research
Many of the promising constipation-fighting capabilities of B. lactis have been demonstrated in published clinical trials, including:
►A randomized double-blind study in the Nutrition Journal gave adults with functional constipation either B. lactis HN019 probiotic, lactitol fiber, or placebo for 14 days. B. lactis increased defecation frequency 45–50% better than placebo and helped form softer, easier-to-pass stools.
►In a placebo-controlled Gastroenterology Research trial, women with constipation were supplemented with B. lactis BL 04 for 30 days. This single probiotic led to reductions in intestinal transit times, improved stool consistency and frequency, and less strain and discomfort.
►Researchers in Applied and Environmental Microbiology administered B. lactis CECT 8145 to participants with constipation for 3 weeks. The probiotic increased colonic motility as measured, as well as raising the presence of gas-clearing bacterial metabolites.
►A Journal of Nutrition study looked at elderly nursing home residents who provided B. lactis GCL1718 probiotics. After only 4 weeks, defecation frequency rose by 34.3% compared to placebo.
These and other trials indicate B. lactis strains show considerable potential for alleviating chronic idiopathic, age-related, and medication-overuse constipation when used at proper dosages for extended periods.
Distinguishing Key B. lactisstrainss
While Bifidobacterium lactis clearly shows advantages for constipation sufferers, it’s important to note that not all strains under this species designation are alike in potent effects and benefits. Strain characteristics like:
🔹Adherence Abilitie:– More gut-adhesive strains resist transit elimination to better colonizethe bowelss
🔹Metabolic Activitie:– Strains vary inthe productionn of helpful fatty acids,enzymes,s and metabolicbehaviors.s
🔹Tolerances:– Harderr strains withstand harsh gastricconditions,s andantibiotics ares better for effective deliver.
🔹Colony Forming Potencie:– Measured by strain CFU counts per dose, potency impactsefficacy.y
For constipation, some of the most widely-researched effective strains to look for include:
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019
Bifidobacterium lactis BL-04
Bifidobacterium lactis, CECT 8145
Bifidobacterium lactis GCL1718
However, multi-strain blends that incorporate a diversity of probiotic species alongside B. lactis strains may be ideal for reestablishing comprehensive microbial constipation defenses long-term.
Conclusion
Bifidobacterium probiotics and the distinct B. lactis family clearly demonstrate viable abilities to help relieve constipation through multiple mechanisms targeting the root microbial causes. As more potent, validated B. lactis strains become available in supplements, they represent a naturally-sourced complementary approach worth considering by those seeking reprieve from chronic irregularity, uncomfortable straining, and incomplete evacuation. Of course, appropriate water, fiber, and lifestyle adjustments should accompany any new probiotic regimen for optimal results.