Bifidobacterium lactis for Chronic Constipation
BDose-dependently reduces whole gut transit time (WGTT). Higher dose (17.2 billion CFU) showed 31% reduction in WGTT. Also reduces functional GI symptoms.
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B
The Bottom Line
Dose-dependently reduces whole gut transit time (WGTT). Higher dose (17.2 billion CFU) showed 31% reduction in WGTT. Also reduces functional GI symptoms.
Key Study Findings
Randomized Controlled Trial
8 weeks
Double-blind
Effect of an 8-Week Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 Supplementation on Functional Constipation: A Multi-Center, Triple-Blind, Randomized, …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Outcome: Complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs)
Effect: None
None
Population: Adults with functional constipation (Rome III)
Randomized Controlled Trial
n=67
4 weeks
Double-blind
Effects and Persistence of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 and Fructooligosaccharides on Older Adults with …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Outcome: Weekly spontaneous bowel movements
Effect: 4.94 vs 3.00 (P<0.001)
P<0.001
Population: Older adults >=60 with functional constipation (Rome IV)
Randomized Controlled Trial
n=35
12 weeks
Double-blind
Multistrain Probiotics Plus Vitamin D Improve Gut Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota Composition in Irritable …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Outcome: Gut barrier function (zonulin levels)
Effect: Zonulin -19.5 ng/mL at week 16
p=0.0002 wk16; p=0.0053 grp
Population: IBS without constipation patients
Review
An update on probiotics in paediatrics.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: GI disorder outcomes in paediatrics
Effect: None
None
Population: Paediatric patients with GI disorders
In Vitro
n=35
A Probiotic Mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR 32, Bifidobacterium lactis BL 04, and Bifidobacterium longum …
Dose: 1e6 CFU/mL
vs: IBS supernatants without probiotic
Outcome: Caco-2 paracellular permeability
Effect: None
<0.001
Population: IBS patients (28) and asymptomatic controls (7)
Randomized Controlled Trial
n=128
2 weeks
Double-blind
Probiotics and Fever Duration in Children With Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Dose: 0.5 mL daily for 14 days
vs: Placebo
Outcome: Fever duration (days)
Effect: RR 0.64 (95% CI 0.51-0.80)
None
Population: Children 28 days-4 years with fever and URTI
Key Statistics
4
Studies
600
Participants
↑
Positive
B
Grade
Referenced Papers
JAMA network open
2025
13 citations
Nutrients
2025
7 citations
International journal of …
2025
4 citations
Molecular nutrition & …
2025
2 citations
The journal of …
2025
Current opinion in …
2025
JAMA network open
2024
9 citations
European journal of …
2024
9 citations
Gut microbes
2023
143 citations
Journal of clinical …
2023
9 citations
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, …
2022
42 citations
Frontiers in nutrition
2022
24 citations
Frontiers in nutrition
2022
22 citations
Bifidobacterium lactis BL-99 modulates intestinal inflammation and functions in zebrafish models.
Other
PloS one
2022
21 citations
Medicine
2022
14 citations
Frontiers in microbiology
2022
4 citations
Medicine
2021
8 citations
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults.
Meta-Analysis
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, …
2020
94 citations
Beneficial microbes
2020
22 citations
Arquivos de gastroenterologia
2020
7 citations
Alimentary pharmacology & …
2019
59 citations
Probiotics and antimicrobial …
2019
43 citations
Effectiveness of Probiotics in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review.
Systematic Review
Journal of clinical …
2018
34 citations
Nutrients
2018
28 citations
The Turkish journal …
2017
29 citations
Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology …
2017
27 citations
Frontiers in neuroscience
2017
14 citations
Korean journal for …
2017
7 citations
The Turkish journal …
2016
63 citations
The use of probiotics in pediatric gastroenterology: a review of the literature and recommendations by Latin-American experts.
Systematic Review
Paediatric drugs
2015
122 citations
The American journal …
2014
284 citations
Nutrition journal
2014
75 citations
Probiotic supplementation decreases intestinal transit time: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Meta-Analysis
World journal of …
2013
111 citations
Arquivos de gastroenterologia
2013
49 citations
Georgian medical news
2013
World journal of …
2012
55 citations
Is a multispecies probiotic mixture effective in constipation during pregnancy? 'A pilot study'.
Other
Nutrition journal
2012
51 citations
Scandinavian journal of …
2011
187 citations
Journal of clinical …
2011
163 citations
Pediatrics
2011
101 citations
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials: probiotics for functional constipation.
Systematic Review
World journal of …
2010
276 citations
Alimentary pharmacology & …
2009
333 citations
BMC pediatrics
2009
46 citations
Effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 on Chinese constipated women.
RCT
World journal of …
2008
163 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 1-10 billion CFU/day
- immunesupport:
- 5-10 billion CFU/day
- constipationsupport:
- 17.2 billion CFU/day (HN019 strain, optimal dose)
Upper limit: Well-tolerated up to 17.2 billion CFU/day in clinical trials
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | 8 weeks | Neutral | -- |
| None | 4 weeks | Positive | 67 |
| None | 12 weeks | Positive | 35 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| 1e6 CFU/mL | -- | Positive | 35 |
| 0.5 mL daily for 14 days | 2 weeks | Positive | 128 |
| None | 2 weeks | Negative | 117 |
| 10 g | 4 weeks | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With or without food; morning dosing may be optimal for transit effects
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Mild gas and bloating during initial use
- ⚠ Occasional abdominal discomfort
- ⚠ Rare loose stools
- ⚠ Very rare: bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals
Known Interactions
- ● Antibiotics (may reduce probiotic viability; space dosing 2 hours apart)
- ● Immunosuppressants (use with caution in immunocompromised patients)
Tolerable upper intake: Well-tolerated up to 17.2 billion CFU/day in clinical trials
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bifidobacterium lactis help with Chronic Constipation?
Based on 4 studies with 600 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Bifidobacterium lactis may support Chronic Constipation management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Bifidobacterium lactis should I take for Chronic Constipation?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1-10 billion CFU/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Bifidobacterium lactis?
Reported side effects may include Mild gas and bloating during initial use, Occasional abdominal discomfort, Rare loose stools, Very rare: bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Bifidobacterium lactis and Chronic Constipation?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 4 peer-reviewed studies with 600 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Chronic Constipation
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.