Introduction of new and unique strain: B. adolescentis SH001
There are several Bifidobacterium species on the market as probiotics, for example B. lactis, B. longum, or B. breve. A less well-known bacterial species of the Bifidobacterium genus is Bifidobacterium adolescentis. This species, however, is one of the most prominent Bifidobacterium species in the adult gut microbiome (1). It is associated with healthy ageing and found in higher abundance in healthy centenarians (>100-year-old) compared to typical elderly (1). Interestingly, B. adolescentis is known to be an important cross-feeder for Fecalibacterium prausnitzii, the most abundant butyrate-producing species in the gut microbiome (2). Thus, it plays an important role in the capability of the gut ecology to produce butyrate.
A couple of weeks ago, Microbiome Center has made available B. adolescentis strain SH001. This strain is genetically identical to the best studied strain, iVS-1. It has been isolated from a healthy individual that was fed on a diet with increasing amounts of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) (3). Interestingly, GOS is hydrolyzed by β-galactosidase, also known as lactase. By isolating this strain from a GOS-enriched situation, the researchers have found it to have more lactase genes than any other tested probiotic strain.
Lactase can also digest lactose, and indeed in vitro studies show that this strain is an excellent metabolizer of lactose (4). Importantly, it does so with the least amount of gas production compared to dozens of other probiotic strains and a small RCT confirmed it significantly reduces symptoms of lactose intolerance (4). The same study also provides evidence that it reduces abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence. Moreover, another RCT showed that this strain improves gut barrier function (5).
Summarizing, this unique new probiotic strain can act as an important cross-feeder for butyrate-producers, aid digestion of lactose and reduce lactose intolerance symptoms, and improve leaky gut. As always, the evidence has been incorporated into the Advice aid and more information can be found behind the (i)-button on our platform.
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