Bifidobacterium adolescentis

Bifidobacterium adolescentis has been studied for its health benefits, as strains have been shown to potentially protect against or improve recovery from several diseases, including liver-related,[4] metabolic,[5] allergic airway,[6] colitis,[7] arthritis,[8] and bacterial infections.[9] Strains have also been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory,[10] anxiolytic,[11] antioxidant,[12] antidepressant,[13] and/or antiviral[14] activity.

In addition, B. adolescentis strains have been of interest for their ability to metabolize prebiotics such as arabinoxylan,[15] XOS,[16] and GOS.[17] Bifidobacteria typically produce acetic acid and lactic acid, though the exact ratio depends on the bacterial strain, the carbohydrate being metabolized, and the growth conditions.[18] Production of short chain fatty acids and lactic acid in the colon is associated with health benefits.[19]

Bifidobacterium adolescentis contributes to the production of GABA,[20] a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reducing stress and anxiety. Some B. adolescentis strains can also synthesize B vitamins,[21] such as folic acid.[22] One strain has been shown to be bifidogenic in the GI tract. That is, the presence of one B. adolescentis strain enhances the growth of all bifidobacteria, a group that generally confers positive health benefits[23] and is important for healthy aging.[24]

Some B. adolescentis have been shown to strengthen the intestinal barrier[25] that is important in preventing pathogenic bacteria and toxins from traveling from the gut lumen into the body. Another study suggested the opposite effect: an undefined B. adolescentis strain was observed to disrupt gut barrier functions in colonic epithelial cell cultures.[26]

Multiple probiotics are marked as containing B. adolescentis, however there are few commercially available named strains (PRL2019,[20] SD-BA5-IT,[27] iVS-1[25]) with published scientific studies supporting their health claims.