Overview

Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) that lives in the intestines. It produces lactic and acetic acid in the gut.

"Good" bacteria such as B. breve can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. B. breve is commonly found in the gut of breastfed infants and in the vagina.

People use B. breve for age-related decline in memory and thinking, blood infections, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using B. breve for COVID-19.

Don't confuse B. breve with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Decline in memory and thinking skills that occurs normally with age. Taking B. breve by mouth doesn't seem to improve memory and thinking skills in older adults.
  • Blood infection (sepsis). Adding B. breve to infant formula doesn't prevent sepsis in premature babies.

There is interest in using B. breve for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: B. breve is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one year. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. breve seems to be well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: B. breve is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one year. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. breve seems to be well-tolerated.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if B. breve is safe to use while pregnant or breast-feeding. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Children: B. breve is likely safe for most children when taken by mouth for up to one year. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if B. breve is safe for very small premature infants. There have been cases of blood infection with B. breve in critically ill babies.

Weakened immune system: B breve has caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking B. breve.

Blockage in the intestines: B. breve has caused blood infections in a small number of infants who have had stomach surgery. Because the intestines became blocked, the bacteria might have crossed into the blood stream. Use cautiously or avoid in infants with blockages in the intestines.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotic drugs interacts with Bifidobacterium breve

    B. breve is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with B. breve might reduce the effects of B. breve. To avoid this interaction, take B. breve products at least two hours before or after antibiotics.

Dosing

In adults, B. breve has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics in doses of up to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 6 weeks. In children, B. breve has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics in doses of 200 million-2 billion CFUs daily for up to 8 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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