The efficacy of the probiotic bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis bb‐12 on regional gut transit times in a healthy population

Abstract

Some probiotics are hypothesized to modulate gut health, including GI transit time. A randomized crossover study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 (B. lactis) delivered in a yogurt smoothie or a supplement (capsule) on gut transit time (GTT) in 36 healthy adults (Age: 18‐40 years; BMI: 20‐35 kg/m2). Regional transit times, such as gastricemptying time (GET), small bowel transit time (SBTT) and colonic transit time (CTT) were measured by a wireless motility capsule (SmartPill®). After the 4 week intervention period, regional transit times were not influenced by either the yogurt smoothie or the supplement. Interestingly, regardless of the treatment, 35 % of the subjects (non‐responders) increased GET and 65 % of the subjects (responders) decreased GET compared to baseline. In subgroup analyses, higher levels of total cholesterol (172 mg/dl, 158 mg/dl, respectively) and LDL cholesterol (97 mg/dl, 85 mg/dl, respectively) were found in non‐responders compared to responders (p<0.001). Additionally, the level of the short chain fatty acid propionate was lower in non‐responders compared to responders (p=0.0043). In summary, probiotic bacterium added to a yogurt smoothie or supplement did not influence GTT in 36 healthy subjects. However, consistent with animal studies, individuals with higher levels of propionate had decreased GET. Collectively, in the present study we have shown that GTT may be influenced by individuals' cardiovascular risk factorsand gut short chain fatty acids.