Bifidobacterium breve
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Bifidobacterium breve is a dietary supplement with 24 published peer-reviewed studies involving 800 participants, researched for Weight Management & Body Fat, Allergy & Atopic Dermatitis, Gut Health & Inflammation and 3 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Weight Management & Body Fat
StrongAllergy & Atopic Dermatitis
WeakGut Health & Inflammation
WeakMental Wellness & Cognitive Function
StrongClinical trials
WeakSystematic reviews
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Weight Management & Body Fat
To evaluate the effects of B. breve B-3 on body fat reductions in pre-obese adults.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of B. breve B-3 on body fat reductions in pre-obese adults.
Dose
2 x 10^10 CFU/day B. breve B-3
Participants
80 pre-obese adults (BMI 25-30)
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Body fat mass and percent body fat were significantly lower in the B-3 group vs placebo at weeks 8 and 12. Visceral fat area significantly increased in placebo group only. Triglycerides slightly decreased and HDL improved in B-3 group. No serious adverse effects.
How They Measured It
Visceral fat area, body fat mass, percent body fat, blood parameters (triglycerides, HDL)
To evaluate body fat reduction effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3).
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate body fat reduction effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3).
Dose
B. breve B-3 capsules (specific dose not detailed)
Participants
Healthy individuals randomized 1:1 to BB-3 or placebo
Duration
12 weeks
Results
BB-3 group demonstrated significantly lower body fat vs placebo. Body weight was lower than before BB-3 ingestion. Waist and hip circumferences decreased at 12 weeks vs placebo. No severe adverse reactions.
How They Measured It
Body fat (DXA), body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio
To assess whether B. breve B-3 modifies metabolic functions in adults with obese tendencies.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To assess whether B. breve B-3 modifies metabolic functions in adults with obese tendencies.
Dose
~5 x 10^10 CFU/day B. breve B-3
Participants
Adults with obesity tendencies
Duration
12 weeks (after 4-week run-in)
Results
B-3 group showed significantly lowered fat mass vs placebo at week 12. Blood markers improved including gamma-GTP and hs-CRP. Correlations found between improved blood parameters and reduced fat mass.
How They Measured It
Body composition, blood parameters (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, hs-CRP), metabolic markers
To evaluate whether B. breve BBr60 improves obesity via gut microbiota-SCFA-IL-27/GLP-1 axis.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate whether B. breve BBr60 improves obesity via gut microbiota-SCFA-IL-27/GLP-1 axis.
Dose
10 billion CFU/day B. breve BBr60
Participants
75 individuals with obesity (BMI ≥28); 65 completed (BBr60 n=33, placebo n=32)
Duration
12 weeks
Results
BBr60 significantly reduced weight and BMI vs pretreatment and outperformed placebo. Significantly increased fecal butyrate, decreased IL-1beta, elevated IL-27. GLP-1, leptin, and adiponectin increased significantly. HOMA-IR decreased (p<0.05). Fasting blood glucose lower in BBr60 group.
How They Measured It
Weight, BMI, gut microbiota (16S sequencing), fecal SCFAs (GC-MS), serum inflammatory markers and metabolic hormones (ELISA)
Allergy & Atopic Dermatitis
To evaluate the effect of a synbiotic mixture containing B. breve M-16V on atopic dermatitis in infants.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial (multicenter)
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of a synbiotic mixture containing B. breve M-16V on atopic dermatitis in infants.
Dose
Extensively hydrolyzed formula with B. breve M-16V (1.3 x 10^9 CFU/100 mL) + galacto-/fructo-oligosaccharides
Participants
90 infants with atopic dermatitis (SCORAD ≥15), aged under 7 months, exclusively formula-fed
Duration
12 weeks
Results
No significant difference in overall SCORAD improvement between groups. Synbiotic group had significantly higher bifidobacteria (54.7% vs 30.1%). In IgE-associated AD subgroup (n=48), synbiotic showed greater improvement (-18.1 vs -13.5 points, P=0.04).
How They Measured It
SCORAD index, intestinal microbiota composition
To assess systemic immunomodulatory effects of B. breve M-16V synbiotic in infants with atopic dermatitis.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial (multicenter)
Purpose
To assess systemic immunomodulatory effects of B. breve M-16V synbiotic in infants with atopic dermatitis.
Dose
B. breve M-16V + oligosaccharide mixture in infant formula
Participants
90 infants under 7 months old with atopic dermatitis
Duration
12 weeks
Results
No significant differences in most systemic atopic markers vs placebo. Modest reductions in IL-12 production for egg and peanut allergens in the synbiotic group. Authors concluded no detectable beneficial systemic immunomodulatory effects.
How They Measured It
Plasma IL-5, IgG1, IgG4, CTACK, TARC, PBMC cytokine responses, regulatory T cell percentages
Gut Health & Inflammation
To investigate B. breve Bif195 effects on intestinal inflammation in small intestinal Crohn's disease.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To investigate B. breve Bif195 effects on intestinal inflammation in small intestinal Crohn's disease.
Dose
B. breve Bif195 (specific dosage not detailed)
Participants
33 patients with small intestinal Crohn's disease (1:1 randomization)
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Bif195 showed no significant effects on bowel wall thickness or secondary clinical outcomes vs placebo. Baseline microbiome variations correlated with treatment response differences.
How They Measured It
Bowel wall thickness (intestinal ultrasonography), symptom severity, quality of life, fecal calprotectin, fatigue, inflammatory parameters, shotgun metagenomics
To assess safety of B. breve Bif195 using a human exercise-induced intestinal permeability model.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial
Purpose
To assess safety of B. breve Bif195 using a human exercise-induced intestinal permeability model.
Dose
B. breve Bif195
Participants
126 healthy well-trained subjects (35.7% women, mean age 35) + 63 non-trained comparison subjects
Duration
6 weeks
Results
No differences between Bif195 and placebo groups on permeability markers, intestinal protein levels, or symptom scores. No safety concerns. Exercise successfully increased intestinal permeability ~100%.
How They Measured It
Urinary lactulose/rhamnose ratio, plasma I-FABP, gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire (GSRS)
Mental Wellness & Cognitive Function
To evaluate whether B. breve CCFM1025 attenuates major depression disorder via gut microbiome and tryptophan metabolism.
Study Type
Randomized controlled trial, double-blind
Purpose
To evaluate whether B. breve CCFM1025 attenuates major depression disorder via gut microbiome and tryptophan metabolism.
Dose
10^10 CFU viable B. breve CCFM1025 daily (freeze-dried)
Participants
45 patients with major depressive disorder (placebo n=25, treatment n=20)
Duration
4 weeks
Results
CCFM1025 showed superior antidepressant effects vs placebo on both HDRS-24 and MADRS measures. Significant reductions in serotonin turnover. Associated with alterations in gut microbiome diversity and tryptophan metabolism.
How They Measured It
HDRS-24, MADRS, BPRS, GSRS scales; serum cortisol, TNF-alpha, IL-beta, serotonin turnover; microbiome and tryptophan metabolites
To evaluate the effect of B. breve MCC1274 on cognitive function and brain atrophy in older patients with suspected mild cognitive impairment.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of B. breve MCC1274 on cognitive function and brain atrophy in older patients with suspected mild cognitive impairment.
Dose
2 x 10^10 CFU B. breve MCC1274 daily
Participants
130 older adults aged 65-88 with suspected MCI; 115 completed (probiotic n=55, placebo n=60)
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Probiotic group showed significantly improved orientation scores (ADAS-Jcog) and MMSE time-orientation and writing subscales in those with lower baseline scores. Brain atrophy progression appeared suppressed, particularly among those with advanced atrophy.
How They Measured It
ADAS-Jcog, MMSE, MRI brain atrophy (VSRAD), gut microbiota composition
To assess effects of B. breve 207-1 on lifestyle behaviors and mental wellness in healthy adults via the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To assess effects of B. breve 207-1 on lifestyle behaviors and mental wellness in healthy adults via the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
Dose
Low-dose and high-dose B. breve 207-1 vs placebo
Participants
120 healthy adults with high mental stress, overweight, insomnia, and constipation (40 per group)
Duration
28 days
Results
GABA increased significantly and HPA axis hormones were suppressed. Sleep quality improved (PSQI scores decreased). Short-chain fatty acids increased in low-dose group. No significant mood scale changes detected. Weight loss trend but not statistically significant.
How They Measured It
Neurotransmitters/hormones (ELISA), PSQI (sleep), gut microbiota (16S rRNA), short-chain fatty acids (GC-MS)
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in exploring the fecal metabolome in infants with cow's milk allergy: the distinct impacts of cow's milk protein tolerance acquisition and of synbiotic s
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in exploring the fecal metabolome in infants with cow's milk allergy: the distinct impacts of cow's milk protein tolerance acquisition and of synbiotic s
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
early childhood, often treated via elimination diets including standard amino acid-based formula or amino acid-based formula supplemented with synbiotics (AAF or AAF-S). This work aimed to assess the effect of cow's milk (CM) tolerance acquisition and synbiotic (inulin, oligofructose, Bifidobacterium breve M-16 V) supplementation on the fecal metabolome in infants with IgE-mediated CMA.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in modulation of serum metabolic profiles by bifidobacterium breve bbr60 in obesity: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in modulation of serum metabolic profiles by bifidobacterium breve bbr60 in obesity: a randomized controlled trial.
Dose
60 g
Participants
10 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
levels with key serum metabolites in cholesterol metabolism pathways further suggest BBr60's potential to improve liver function and overall metabolic health in overweight or obese individuals. These findings support BBr60's effectiveness in modulating serum metabolic profiles and suggest it may improve liver function and BMI in overweight or obese individuals by regulating key serum metabolites.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in restoration of gut microbiota with a specific synbiotic-containing infant formula in healthy chinese infants born by cesarean section.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in restoration of gut microbiota with a specific synbiotic-containing infant formula in healthy chinese infants born by cesarean section.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
lacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS [9:1]) and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V was found to restore the timely colonization of bifidobacteria in C-section born infants. In this study, we investigated the effect of this synbiotic mixture on gut microbiota development in C-section and vaginally-born infants participating in a growth equivalence trial (NCT03520764).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in a randomized controlled study protocol of the tobbi trial: the effect of a 6 weeks intervention with synbiotics on the recovery speed of the gut micro
Study Type
Clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in a randomized controlled study protocol of the tobbi trial: the effect of a 6 weeks intervention with synbiotics on the recovery speed of the gut micro
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
munity after it has been perturbed by antibiotics might be a promising strategy to reduce these risks. In this clinical study, the effect of a 6 weeks supplementation with synbiotics (Bifidobacterium breve M-16 V, short chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long chain fructo-oligosaccharides) after antibiotic treatment on the recovery speed of the gut microbiota of toddlers will be studied.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in multistrain probiotics and telomere length in type 2 diabetes: a 24-week randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in multistrain probiotics and telomere length in type 2 diabetes: a 24-week randomized controlled trial.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
This 24-week randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the impact of multistrain probiotic supplementation on telomere length in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The study also assessed secondary outcomes including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in pediatric diarrhea management with probiotics supplementation: results from a randomized controlled trial.
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in pediatric diarrhea management with probiotics supplementation: results from a randomized controlled trial.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
6 months
Results
ving antibiotics, microbiota changes were notable only in the probiotic groups. However, no significant differences were observed in diarrhea duration or clinical symptoms between groups. These results suggest that probiotic supplementation can enhance gut microbial recovery during pediatric diarrhea and antibiotic exposure, although the added clinical benefits beyond standard care remain limited.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in gut microbiome and metabolome alterations in overweight or obese adult population after weight-loss bifidobacterium breve bbr60 intervention: a random
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in gut microbiome and metabolome alterations in overweight or obese adult population after weight-loss bifidobacterium breve bbr60 intervention: a random
Dose
10 CFU/day
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
12 weeks
Results
with serum metabolites. These findings indicate that BBr60 can safely and effectively regulate BMI, body weight, serum glucose, lipids, and liver function markers, which may involve BBr60's impact on key gut bacteria, which influence metabolites related to the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in pre-sleep casein ingestion with probiotic strains improves anaerobic power and lower-body-specific strength and power performance in soccer players.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in pre-sleep casein ingestion with probiotic strains improves anaerobic power and lower-body-specific strength and power performance in soccer players.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ers have recently focused on the relationship between probiotic consumption and improved gut microbiota function, enhanced digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and enhanced sports performance. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of pre-sleep casein intake, coupled with probiotic strains, on soccer players' anaerobic power, lower-body-specific strength, and power performance.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in probiotics and fever duration in children with upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in probiotics and fever duration in children with upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized clinical trial.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are prevalent in children, prompting frequent health care consultations, especially among those with fever. Probiotics show potential as an adjuvant treatment for URTIs, but evidence in children is limited.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in imaging and microorganism analyses of the effects of oral bifidobacterium breve intake on facial skin in females: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in imaging and microorganism analyses of the effects of oral bifidobacterium breve intake on facial skin in females: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Oral probiotic intake is suggested to have positive effects on skin. We aimed to elucidate the effects of oral Bifidobacterium breve M-16V intake on skin by analyzing facial images, the skin myco/microbiota, and the gut microbiota.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in effects of a specific synbiotic blend on fecal short-chain fatty acids and gut inflammation in cow's milk-allergic children receiving amino acid-based
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in effects of a specific synbiotic blend on fecal short-chain fatty acids and gut inflammation in cow's milk-allergic children receiving amino acid-based
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
12 months
Results
f butyrate at 6 months, nor in SCFA or BCFA at baseline and after 12, 24 or 36 months. Intestinal inflammation and barrier markers did not differ between groups. Addition of synbiotics to AAF brings concentrations of key fecal microbial metabolites more in line with patterns observed in healthy breastfed infants. The effects on SCFA and BCFA concentrations were transient and only seen at 6 months.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Systematic reviews
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in an updated systematic review and appraisal of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of probiotics in alleviating depression.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in an updated systematic review and appraisal of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of probiotics in alleviating depression.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
show promising potential in alleviating depression through their anti-inflammatory effects, gut microbiota modulation, cognitive function enhancement, and possible influence on brain structure and neurotransmitter systems. Despite some variability in trial results, this review provides updated insights for medical practitioners, highlighting probiotics as a viable treatment option for depression.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in the effectiveness of probiotics as an adjunct therapy in patients under mechanical ventilation: an umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium breve in the effectiveness of probiotics as an adjunct therapy in patients under mechanical ventilation: an umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose
Bifidobacterium breve (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
, B. salivarius , Pediococcus pentosaceus , Lactococcus raffinolactis , B. infantis , B. bifidum , Streptococcus thermophilus , Ligilactobacillus salivarius , L. lactis , B. lactis , Saccharomyces boulardii , L. rhamnosus GG, L. johnsonii , L. casei , S. faecalis , Clostridium butyricum , Bacillus mesentericus , L. sporogenes , S. boulardii , L. paracasei , B. subtilis , and Enterococcus faecium .
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bifidobacterium breve research
There are currently 24 peer-reviewed studies on Bifidobacterium breve (Bifidobacterium breve), involving 800 total participants. Research covers Weight Management & Body Fat, Allergy & Atopic Dermatitis, Gut Health & Inflammation and 3 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (22 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Bifidobacterium breve has been researched for: Weight Management & Body Fat, Allergy & Atopic Dermatitis, Gut Health & Inflammation, Mental Wellness & Cognitive Function, Clinical trials, Systematic reviews. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 22 out of 24 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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