Health benefits of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in infants and children: a mini-review
3
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium first isolated from the feces of a breastfed infant, is non-spore-forming, non-motile and able to produce lactic acid (Jungersen et al., 2014; Saturio et al., 2021). Early dominance in the infant’s gut is considered protective (Saturio et al., 2021), as bifidobacteria exhibit many beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory effects, enhancement of gut barrier function, pathogen inhibition, nutrient absorption and immune modulation (Akagawa et al., 2021; Saturio et al., 2021; Fanning et al., 2012; Maslowski et al., 2009).
Several compounds that promote bifidobacteria growth have been identified in breast milk (Lawson et al., 2020). The introduction of complementary feeding at ∼6 months of life decreases the natural levels of Bifidobacterium (Bergström et al., 2014); however, the influence of early Bifidobacterium dominance on health persists, providing long-term health benefits, such as improved vaccine response (Huda et al., 2014), and reduced risks of obesity (Kalliomäki et al., 2008) and allergy (Sjögren et al., 2009). In comparison, formula-fed infants exhibit increased Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae and Clostridiaceae and greater microbial diversity (Chong et al., 2022).
The beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium are a consequence of multiple biological functions (Figure 1). The metabolism of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) by bifidobacteria produces substances, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (e.g., acetate, propionate and butyrate), that support the growth of other health-promoting microbes through cross-feeding (Lawson et al., 2020), inhibit the growth of pathogens and other bacterial species by reducing luminal pH (Pokusaeva et al., 2011; Taft et al., 2018; Ríos-Covián et al., 2016), improve intestinal barrier function (Yoo et al., 2020; Stuivenberg et al., 2022; Lin et al., 2022), and serve as an energy source for colonocytes (Rivière et al., 2016; Lin et al., 2022). SCFAs secreted by bifidobacteria are also implicated in host metabolism (Ríos-Covián et al., 2016) and early neurocognitive development, including brain development, neuronal firing and the expression of neurotransmitters and receptors (Rivière et al., 2016; Lin et al., 2022; Yang et al., 2016). For example, acetate has been shown to directly modulate hypothalamic neuron activation, implicating bifidobacteria in body weight regulation (Lin et al., 2022; Hernandez et al., 2019). Further, SCFAs influence the sympathetic and enteric nervous systems through the gut-brain axis (García-Santos et al., 2023; Han et al., 2021).
Overview of the influence of bifidobacteria on the development of the infant gut and clinical indications for BB-12®. SCFA, short-chain fatty acids.
Bifidobacteria may improve depressive-like symptoms and mood via serotonin production through tryptophan pathway modulation, as shown in pre-clinical studies (Tian et al., 2019), potentially categorizing Bifidobacteria as psychobiotics. Additionally, serotonin (5-HT)-enriched neonatal intestines promote regulatory T cell differentiation and tolerance to dietary antigens, improving immunity (Sanidad et al., 2024). Wang et al. (2025) also linked the BB-12 strain to reduced clinical food intolerance incidence. Bifidobacteria have the enhanced ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelium, and by competing for space and nutrients, they prevent the establishment of potentially pathogenic microbes and protect against intestinal infections (Walsh et al., 2023; Lawson et al., 2020; Stuivenberg et al., 2022; Taft et al., 2018).
Bifidobacteria influence neonatal immune system development directly or via metabolites (Lin et al., 2022), stimulating dendritic cells and immunoglobulin A (IgA), T lymphocyte development, and specific and non-specific antibody production (Ruiz et al., 2017; López et al., 2010; Lin et al., 2022, Lau et al., 2015). For example, butyrate exerts anti-inflammatory effects through the upregulation of interleukin (IL)-10, production of regulatory T cells, and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling (Saban Güler et al., 2025). Moreover, SCFA-mediated G-protein coupled receptor 43 signaling attenuates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α), essential in the prevention of colonic inflammation and related cancers (Singh et al., 2014; Vinolo et al., 2011; Yoo et al., 2020). Additionally, bifidobacteria may boost vaccine protection in infants by enhancing systemic and mucosal memory T-cell and antibody responses (Huda et al., 2014). Overall, with approximately 70%–80% of all immune cells located in the intestine, the interplay between intestinal function and immunity cannot be underestimated (Wiertsema et al., 2021).
3.1
Bifidobacterium in probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (Hill et al., 2014; Mao et al., 2021). Probiotics are considered safe for human consumption and represent one of the main strategies used to modulate gut microbiota, with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus widely used for their ability to prevent and treat multiple GI disorders (Holscher et al., 2012; Picard et al., 2005; Mao et al., 2021). Notably, supplementation of infant formula with probiotics (usually present in breast milk, specifically bifidobacteria) has been used to manage infant gut dysbiosis in premature infants and those delivered by cesarean section (Eor et al., 2023; Holscher et al., 2012). A few species of bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium longum) have been granted Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (Saturio et al., 2021).
3.2
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12
Bifidobacterium BB-12 (BB-12®), a catalase-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, classified as Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (Jungersen et al., 2014), has been widely used in baby formula, dietary supplements, and fermented milk products (Jungersen et al., 2014). It was granted QPS in 2007 and is recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Us Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2019; EFSA BIOHAZ Panel (EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards) et al., 2026). BB-12 was isolated based on several desirable probiotic characteristics (Jungersen et al., 2014).
It exhibits high gastric acid and bile tolerance, potentially via intracellular pH regulation through H+-ATPase induction, improving the chance of GI survival (Vernazza et al., 2006; Jungersen et al., 2014). BB-12 adapts to high bile salt concentrations in the small intestine via active bile salt hydrolase, ensuring its survival in the GI tract (Jungersen et al., 2014), with multiple studies confirming fecal recovery of BB-12 ≤ 2 weeks after supplementation (Jungersen et al., 2014; Vernazza et al., 2006).
BB-12 improves gut barrier function by regulating tight junctions, and preclinical studies have shown that its fermentation products increase trans-epithelial electrical resistance (Commane et al., 2005; Collins et al., 2025).
Although strong mucosal adherence is the primary characteristic of BB-12 responsible for pathogen inhibition, the exact mechanism remains unknown. BB-12 has been shown to produce inhibitory substances with antagonistic activity against pathogens like Bacillus cereus, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, and Salmonella typhimurium (Martins et al., 2009; Jungersen et al., 2014). Nutrient competition and depletion, and activation of the immune system by BB-12 supplementation may also contribute to pathogen inhibition.
Lastly, as BB-12 has been shown to interact with the immune system, primarily by inducing dendritic cell maturation and multiple anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ), supplementation may positively impact immune function (Jungersen et al., 2014; Collins et al., 2025). Due to the beneficial properties described above, BB-12 is one of the most widely studied probiotics, with clinical testing dating back to 1987 (Jungersen et al., 2014).
Mechanisms of action of BB-12 have been described in a recent review, including effect on gut-brain axis and SCFA (Collins et al., 2025).
3.3 Safety of BB-12
Bifidobacteria are generally considered non-pathogenic; nevertheless, the safety and tolerance of BB-12 have been extensively investigated in pediatric populations, with no safety concerns or adverse effects noted (Nocerino et al., 2020; Chouraqui et al., 2004; Taipale et al., 2016; Weizman et al., 2005; Mihatsch et al., 2010; Hojsak et al., 2016; Chen et al., 2021). BB-12 displays resistance to several antibiotics (e.g., cloxacillin and vancomycin), but the potential for transfer of antibiotic resistance is null as intrinsic resistance genes are devoid of mobile elements, confirming its safety (Mohan et al., 2006; Rozman et al., 2023).
3.4 Clinical efficacy of BB-12
A systematic review of studies implementing a randomized, blind, placebo-controlled design was performed to identify the efficacy of BB-12 for the management of digestive and immune disorders in pediatric populations (Table 1). The search was conducted on Medline in March 2025 using the keywords “blinded,” “randomized,” “human,” “BB-12,” “digestive,” “immune disorders,” and “children.” Though most studies focused on the treatment of infantile colic, the impact of BB-12 on other GI disorders and immunity has also been investigated.
| References | Treatment | Daily dose (CFU) | Participants (N) | Study design and population | Aim | Clinical results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wang et al., 2025 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 1 × 109 | 71 | A 1-month double-blind RCT in preterm infants | To evaluate intestinal metabolites and the levels of serum inflammatory markers | Infants receiving BB-12 had more amino acids, lower inflammatory markers and a lower incidence of feeding intolerance (P < 0.05) |
| Chen et al., 2021 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 1 × 109 | 192 | A 21-day double-blind RCT in breastfed Chinese infants aged < 12 weeks at enrollment | To assess the efficacy of BB-12 in the management of infantile colic and the rate of infants with a reduction of >50% of mean daily crying duration | A higher percentage of infants receiving BB-12 achieved a ≥ 50% reduction in daily crying/fussing after the 21-day (P < 0.001), with the mean number of crying episodes also reduced and the mean daily sleep duration increased |
| Nocerino et al., 2020 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 1 × 109 | 80 | A 28- day RCT in healthy infants, aged ≤ 7 weeks, with colic | To assess the rate of infants with a reduction of >50% of mean daily crying duration | A higher percentage of infants receiving BB-12 achieved a ≥ 50% reduction in daily crying duration, with the mean number of crying episodes also reduced and daily stool frequency decreased |
| Weizman et al., 2005 | BB-12+ L. reuteri vs. placebo | 1 × 107 | 201 | A 12-week double-blind RCT in healthy, full-term infants, aged 4–10 months, attending childcare centers | To compare the effect of two species of probiotic bacteria in preventing infection | Compared with control, BB-12 resulted in fewer febrile episodes, fewer and shorter episodes of diarrhea |
| Chouraqui et al., 2004 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 1.5 × 108 | 90 | A multicenter, double-blind RCT in infants aged < 8 months admitted to a residential center for at least 4 months | To assess the efficacy and tolerability of a milk formula supplemented with BB-12 in the prevention of acute diarrhea | Infants receiving BB-12 supplemented formula had fewer, shorter episodes of diarrhea compared with control. Overall, BB-12 reduced the risk of diarrhea by a factor of 1.9 (range, 1.33–2.6) |
| Saavedra et al., 2004 | BB-12+ S. thermophilus vs. placebo | 1 × 107 | 118 | A prospective, double-blind RCT in healthy infants aged 3–24 months; duration ranged between 17 and 565 days | To evaluate tolerance to formulas containing two species of probiotic supplementation and their effect on growth, general clinical status, and intestinal health | The supplemented formulas were Well-tolerated and associated with reduced frequency of colic or irritability (P < 0.001) and antibiotic use (P < 0.001) compared with control |
| Mohan et al., 2006 | BB-12 vs. placebo | D1–3: 1.6 × 109; >D4: 4.8 × 109 | 69 | A 21-day double-blind RCT in preterm infants with a gestational age < 37 weeks | To evaluate whether the supplementation of preterm infants with BB-12 results in the modification of gut microbiota to suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria | Compared with control, the number of bifidobacteria significantly increased (P < 0.001) with BB-12 supplementation, and lower viable counts of Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.015) and Clostridium spp. (P = 0.014) were observed; however, supplementation did not reduce colonization of antibiotic-resistant organisms |
| Taipale et al., 2016 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 1 × 1010 | 109 | Double-blind RCT in healthy infants aged 1 month until the age of 2 years | To investigate the impact of BB-12 on the risk of acute infectious diseases | Compared with control, infants receiving BB-12 experienced fewer respiratory tract infections (P = 0.033), but no significant difference in gastrointestinal symptoms, otitis media, or fever was observed |
| Holscher et al., 2012 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 1 × 106 | 172 | A 6-week double-blind RCT in healthy, full-term infants aged 6 weeks | To assess the effect of an infant starter formula containing BB-12 on intestinal immunity and inflammation | Among vaginally delivered infants, BB-12 increased fecal sIgA compared with control (P < 0.05). Anti-poliovirus-specific IgA concentration increased in all infants, regardless of the mode of delivery (P < 0.05), whereas antirotavirus-specific IgA increased in cesarean-delivered infants (P = 0.056) |
| Isolauri et al., 2000 | BB-12 vs. LGG vs. placebo | BB-12: 1 × 109; LGG: 3 × 108 | 27 | A 2-month, double-blind RCT in infants with early onset atopic eczema | To assess the potential of probiotics to control allergic inflammation at an early age | Compared with control, 2 months of supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in skin condition (P = 0.002), with the SCORAD score and the concentration of soluble CD4 in serum and eosinophilic protein X in urine decreased with both BB-12 and LGG |
| Kirjavainen et al., 2002 | BB-12 vs. placebo | 8 × 1010/kg body weight | 21 | A RCT in infants with early onset atopic eczema either highly sensitive or tolerant to extensively hydrolyzed whey formula | To characterize the relationship between gut microbes and the extent of allergic sensitization and to assess whether the efficacy of BB-12 supplementation could relate to modulation of the intestinal microbiota | Infants highly sensitized to EHF displayed greater numbers of lactobacilli/enterococci than tolerant infants. Serum total IgE concentration correlated with E. coli counts in all infants and with bacteroides counts in the highly sensitized infants, indicating the involvement of these bacteria in atopic sensitization. BB-12 supplementation reduced E. coli count and protected against an increase in bacteroides during weaning |
Summary of efficacy and safety Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® (BB-12) studies in infants and children.
CD4, cluster of differentiation 4; CFU, colony-forming units; EHF, extensively hydrolyzed whey formula; IgE, immunoglobulin E; LGG, L.rhamnosus; RCT, randomized controlled trial; SCORAD, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis; sIgA, secretory immunoglobulin A.
3.4.1 Colic symptoms
Infantile colic, characterized by recurrent and prolonged periods of crying, fussing or irritability without evidence of cause or other clinical signs, affects ∼20% of newborns in the first 5 months (García-Santos et al., 2023; Banks et al., 2023). Compared with healthy infants, the gut microbiota of infants with colic is characterized by high levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria and decreased levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, implicating gut dysbiosis in colic (García-Santos et al., 2023). This led to the investigation of probiotic supplementation as a potential therapeutic option.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study suggested that 21 days of supplementation with BB-12 [1 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU)] is an effective treatment for infantile colic (Chen et al., 2021). A significantly higher proportion of infants supplemented with BB-12 achieved ≥50% reduction in duration of crying and fussing (61.5% vs. 21.9%; p < 0.001), reduction in daily crying episodes (10.0 ± 3.0 to 5.0 ± 1.9 vs. 10.5 ± 2.6 to 7.5 ± 2.8; p < 0.001), and an increase in mean daily sleep duration (60.7 ± 104.0 vs. 31.9 ± 102.7 min/day; p < 0.001), compared with placebo, respectively (Chen et al., 2021). Furthermore, BB-12 supplementation increased health-related quality of life parameters for parents/caregivers with colicky infants, with higher scores for physical, emotional and social functioning noted compared with the placebo group (Chen et al., 2021). Another study found that 28 days of supplementation with BB-12 (1 × 109 CFU) significantly reduced daily crying duration by over half (80% of infants vs. 32.5%; p < 0.0001) and daily crying episodes (−4.7 ± 3.4 vs. −2.3 ± 2.2; p = 0.001) compared with placebo (Nocerino et al., 2020). Additionally, increased bifidobacteria correlated with a reduction in crying time in responder infants (Nocerino et al., 2020). Lastly, another study confirmed that long-term consumption of formula supplemented with BB-12 and Streptococcus thermophilus (Str thermophilus) was well-tolerated and reduced the incidence of colic and irritability in infants (Saavedra et al., 2004). Overall, these studies support the use of BB-12 in the management of colic-related symptoms in infants (World Gastroenterology Organisation, 2023).
3.4.2 Digestive health
BB-12 supports normal digestion (Jungersen et al., 2014), with studies showing that supplementation increases the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the gut whilst reducing the proportion of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Mättö et al., 2006; Hornef, 2015; Merenstein et al., 2021).
Studies have shown the benefit of BB-12 in reducing the incidence and severity of intestinal disorders in children (e.g., diarrhea, constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease) (Saturio et al., 2021). Infants fed a formula containing BB-12 and Lactobacillus reuteri (SD 2112) experienced significantly fewer episodes of diarrhea (0.13 vs. 0.31), with shorter duration (0.37 vs. 0.59 days), compared with infants fed a control formula, respectively (Weizman et al., 2005). The diarrhea risk in infants fed BB-12-enriched formula decreased by a factor of 1.9 (range, 1.33–2.6) compared with control, suggesting that BB-12 might exert a protective effect against acute gastroenteritis (Chouraqui et al., 2004). A systematic review found that BB-12 may reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) through the modulation of systemic NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses and reinforcement of gut barrier function and integrity (Beghetti et al., 2021; Morgan et al., 2020; García-Santos et al., 2023). The clinical effect of BB-12 in colic may also be due to a beneficial effect on the regulation of intestinal transit (Pitkala et al., 2007; World Gastroenterology Organisation, 2023). Additionally, a safety review of infants fed a symbiotic formula supplemented with BB-12 and fructo-oligosaccharides with lactose showed a significant decrease in episodes of functional constipation (3.2%), regurgitation (10.2%) and infantile crying and colic (10.5%) compared with historical prevalence (7.8%, 26.7%, and 17.7%, respectively) (Depoorter and Vandenplas, 2021).
3.4.3 Immunity
Multiple studies have assessed the impact of BB-12 on the neonatal immune system. For example, one study found that BB-12 supplementation significantly reduced the number and frequency of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) during the first 2 years of life, compared with placebo (Taipale et al., 2016). Of note, one study showed conflicting results, with BB-12 not impacting RTI incidence (Hojsak et al., 2016).
Furthermore, several studies have implicated BB-12 in the modulation of the immune response to vaccination (Holscher et al., 2012; Huda et al., 2014; Rizzardini et al., 2012), with an abundance of bifidobacteria in early infancy associated with improved vaccine responsiveness (Huda et al., 2014). One study found that cesarean-delivered infants fed with a formula containing BB-12 displayed an increased immune response to poliovirus and rotavirus vaccination, predominantly mediated by fecal secretory IgA (Holscher et al., 2012). A similar effect was also shown in adults (20–60 years), with an increased adaptive immune response following influenza vaccination after BB-12 supplementation, and a significant increase in vaccine-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 observed (Rizzardini et al., 2012).
BB-12 supplementation has also been shown to alleviate allergic inflammation in infants with early-onset atopic eczema (Isolauri et al., 2000; Kirjavainen et al., 2002). As the intestinal microbiota plays a role in the development of food allergies, the use of probiotic-based therapy has gained interest due to its immunomodulatory effects, including the production of T-helper (Th) 1 cells, development of tolerogenic dendritic cells and suppression of Th2 and IgE. Furthermore, enhanced gut barrier integrity leads to decreased accessibility of dietary antigens and, therefore, reduced allergen sensitization. Despite these benefits, the use of probiotics for the modulation of food allergies requires further investigation (García-Santos et al., 2023).
Lastly, BB-12 supplementation has been shown to alleviate inflammatory response in premature infants, thereby protecting the intestinal mucosa and promoting intestinal development. A study showed that 28 days of supplementation with BB-12 (1 × 109 CFU) significantly increased amino-acid content in intestinal metabolic products (especially those responsible for gluconeogenesis), significantly reduced levels of serum inflammatory markers, including toll-like receptor 2, nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α (p ≤ 0.05), and lowered incidence of feeding intolerance compared with placebo (18 [50%] vs. 27 [77.1%], respectively [p = 0.05]) (Wang et al., 2025).
link
