Overview
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis B420 is a probiotic strain studied for its potential to support gut health and metabolic function. While direct studies on B420 are limited, research on closely related strains such as B. lactis HN019 and BB-12 provides insight into its potential mechanisms and benefits. These strains have demonstrated the ability to modulate gut microbiota composition, improve intestinal transit time, and support immune and metabolic health [6][7]. B. lactis HN019 significantly reduced whole gut transit time at doses of 1.8 and 17.2 billion CFU/day in adults with functional GI symptoms, with greater efficacy at the higher dose [6]. In elderly subjects, supplementation with B. lactis HN019 at doses as low as 6.5 x 10^7 CFU/day increased fecal bifidobacteria counts, indicating a dose-responsive colonization effect [7]. Although B420 specifically has not been studied in these trials, it shares taxonomic and functional similarities with these well-characterized strains. Preclinical and in vitro studies suggest bifidobacteria can enhance gut barrier function, compete with pathogens, and influence host metabolism through short-chain fatty acid production and immune modulation [4]. However, clinical efficacy remains strain-specific, and benefits cannot be extrapolated across different probiotics [3].
Dosage Guide
Recommended Daily Allowance
For generally healthy individuals
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Upper Intake Limit
Maximum safe daily intake
17.2 billion CFU— No adverse events reported at this dose for HN019; safety of B420 not specifically established
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Well-studied strain for immune and gut health, often used in combination with other probiotics
Dose-responsive effects on transit time and microbiota; used as a reference for B420 due to taxonomic similarity
Clinical Notes
- Probiotic effects are strain-specific; do not extrapolate benefits from BB-12 or HN019 to B420 without direct evidence.
- Immunocompromised individuals and critically ill patients should use probiotics with caution due to risk of bacteremia.
- Ensure product viability and proper storage (refrigeration if required) to maintain CFU count through expiration.
Research
Bifidobacterium animalis added to infant formula modulates intestinal microflora, though comparative data with prebiotics were inconclusive.
Probiotics, including bifidobacteria, may help normalize stress-induced gut flora abnormalities and regulate the HPA axis.
Probiotic benefits are inconsistent and strain-specific; most commercial formulations lack robust evidence for efficacy.
Bifidobacteria exhibit host health benefits via colonization, immune modulation, and metabolic activity, supporting their use as probiotics.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 used with L. acidophilus La-5 did not significantly maintain remission in ulcerative colitis over placebo.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 at 1.8 and 17.2 billion CFU/day significantly improved whole gut transit time in adults with functional GI symptoms.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 increased fecal bifidobacteria in elderly subjects at doses from 6.5 x 10^7 to 5 x 10^9 CFU/day, showing dose-dependent effects.
Probiotic effects are highly variable in children; some strains show benefit for specific conditions, but evidence is lacking for broad use.
