Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 Effects on Gut Health: A Review

Abstract

Optimal gut motility is central to bowel function and gut health. The link between the gut dysmotility related disorders and dysfunctional-intestinal barriers has led to a hypothesis that certain probiotics could help in normalizing gut motility and maintain gut health. This review investigates the roles of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019™) on gut health, and its mechanisms of action in various pre-clinical and clinical studies. Research supports the hypothesis that B. lactis HN019™ has a beneficial role in maintaining intestinal barrier function during gastrointestinal infections by competing and excluding potential pathogens via different mechanisms; maintaining normal tight junction function in vitro; and regulating host immune defense toward pathogens in both in vitro and human studies. This has been observed to lead to reduced incidence of diarrhea. Interestingly, B. lactis HN019™ also supports normal physiological function in immunosenescent elderly and competes and excludes potential pathogens. Furthermore, B. lactis HN019™ reduced intestinal transit time and increased bowel movement frequency in functional constipation, potentially by modulating gut–brain–microbiota axis, mainly via serotonin signaling pathway, through short chain fatty acids derived from microbial fermentation. B. lactis HN019™ is thus a probiotic that can contribute to relieving gut dysmotility related disorders.

Symbiont-mediated immune priming in animals through an evolutionary lens

“…Similarly, probiotics are live microbes aimed at improving host health, usually administered orally. Some probiotics prime host immunity and are derived from the natural microbiome of the host itself [44,99], while others are isolated from external sources such as diet or different host types [100,101]. Finally, physical components of symbionts can also evoke an immune response, such that live microbes are not necessary.…”

Use of the Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 in Oral Diseases

“…Of all the microbiomes in the human body, the gut microbiome contains the greatest number of microbes [ 1 ]. In a state of health, the interactions of the microorganisms with epithelial cells, nerve cells, the immune system, and endocrine cells of the intestine mediate the homeostasis of this site [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The healthy gut microbiome has the ability to produce vitamins, absorb nutrients and ferment fibers, in addition to improving immunity and bringing energy to the body, thus demonstrating its fundamental role in the overall health of the individual [ 5 ].…”

“…The intestine is one of the main targets for the use of probiotics [ 3 , 4 ], defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, improve the health of the host [ 6 , 7 ]. Thus, probiotics are used as preventive or therapeutic strategies in various conditions associated with disease, such as obesity, pre-diabetes and diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, functional abdominal pain, atopic dermatitis, and for oral applications) [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…lactis ( B. lactis ) HN019 is a LAB that was isolated from yogurt. Its complete genomic sequence was published in 2018, which allowed for strict control, quality, safety and purity of the B. lactis HN019 strain [ 3 , 27 , 28 ]. B. lactis HN019 has several gut health benefits, such as improving intestinal mobility and relieving constipation, providing defense against intestinal pathogens, and improving macronutrient absorption [ 3 , 29 ].…”

“…Its complete genomic sequence was published in 2018, which allowed for strict control, quality, safety and purity of the B. lactis HN019 strain [ 3 , 27 , 28 ]. B. lactis HN019 has several gut health benefits, such as improving intestinal mobility and relieving constipation, providing defense against intestinal pathogens, and improving macronutrient absorption [ 3 , 29 ]. It also has benefits in regulating the immune response, such as modulating inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in healthy subjects and also in patients with systemic diseases, including metabolic syndrome [ 30 , 31 ].…”