Should Adults Take Bifidobacterium Infantis for Gut Health?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Research has consistently shown that an imbalanced gut microbiome can affect overall health, from digestion to immune function. While Bifidobacterium infantis is a cornerstone of the infant gut, its therapeutic potential for adults, particularly in managing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and inflammation, is a growing area of interest.

Quick Summary

This article explores the use of the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis in adults, detailing its specific benefits, comparison with other strains, potential side effects, and optimal sources for improving gut and overall health.

Key Points

IBS Symptom Relief: Specific strains of B. infantis, like 35624, are clinically proven to reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and gas in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Studies have shown that B. infantis can reduce systemic inflammatory markers in adults with conditions such as ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Gut Microbiome Modulation: B. infantis can help restore and modulate the adult gut microbiota, particularly after disruptions from factors like antibiotic use or aging.
Targeted vs. General Probiotics: Unlike broad-spectrum probiotics, B. infantis offers targeted, clinically-supported benefits for specific digestive issues, though it should be considered alongside other strains for comprehensive health.
Supplement vs. Food: For reliable, high-dose therapeutic benefits, a reputable supplement with a specific, clinically tested strain is often superior to fermented foods, where strain and potency can vary greatly.
Minor Side Effects: Healthy adults typically tolerate B. infantis well, with only minor, temporary side effects like gas or bloating being possible.

Understanding Bifidobacterium Infantis

Bifidobacterium infantis (B. infantis) is a 'friendly' bacterial strain that populates the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, playing a crucial role in gut health. While it dominates the gut flora of breastfed infants, helping to digest human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), its presence in the adult gut typically decreases with age. Despite this, specific strains, like B. infantis 35624, have been clinically studied for their effectiveness in adults.

The Role of Bifidobacterium in Adult Gut Health

As adults age, or due to factors like stress, diet, and antibiotic use, the balance of gut bacteria can shift, leading to various health issues. Bifidobacteria, in general, help maintain a healthy digestive tract by producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from fiber and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. For adults, supplementing with targeted strains can help restore this balance and address specific health concerns.

Key Benefits of Bifidobacterium Infantis for Adults

While this strain is famously associated with infant gut health, a number of studies support its use and effectiveness in adult populations, particularly in targeted therapeutic contexts.

Relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms: A significant body of research points to the efficacy of the B. infantis 35624 strain in alleviating key IBS symptoms. Studies have shown that this particular strain can significantly reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and gas in individuals with IBS.
Reduced Inflammation: Research published in Gut Microbes linked B. infantis 35624 supplementation to lower levels of inflammation. This benefit was observed in patients with inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and psoriasis, suggesting a potential systemic anti-inflammatory effect.
Modulation of the Gut Microbiota: A recent clinical study found that a combination of B. infantis and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) successfully modulated the gut microbiota of healthy adults, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and enhancing metabolic activity.
Immune System Support: By contributing to a balanced gut microbiome, B. infantis helps support the overall function of the immune system. A healthy gut barrier, maintained by beneficial bacteria, helps prevent pathogens from crossing into the bloodstream.

Comparing B. Infantis to Other Popular Adult Probiotic Strains

When considering probiotics, it is important to remember that different strains have different effects. Here is a comparison of B. infantis with other commonly used adult strains.


Feature	Bifidobacterium infantis (e.g., 35624)	Bifidobacterium lactis (e.g., BB-12®)	Lactobacillus rhamnosus (e.g., GG)
Primary Benefit	Targeted relief for IBS symptoms (bloating, pain), anti-inflammatory effects.	Strong evidence for promoting bowel regularity and reducing constipation.	Prevention of traveler's diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and immune support.
Best For	Adults with diagnosed IBS or inflammatory conditions looking for targeted symptomatic relief.	Individuals seeking to improve general bowel regularity and gut motility.	Preventing or treating diarrhea, particularly after antibiotic use or travel.
Optimal Use Case	Specific, symptom-driven therapy.	General daily digestive maintenance.	Protective use during antibiotic courses or travel.

How Adults Can Increase Their Bifidobacterium Infantis Levels

Increasing beneficial bacteria can be achieved through both diet and targeted supplementation.

Dietary Sources and Lifestyle Factors

Fermented Foods: Certain fermented foods contain Bifidobacterium species, though the specific strain and CFU count can vary significantly. Look for products like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut with 'live and active cultures' listed on the label.
Prebiotic-Rich Foods: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed probiotics. Consuming high-fiber foods like whole grains, bananas, onions, and asparagus can help nurture the existing beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to support a more diverse and healthy gut microbiome.

Probiotic Supplements

For targeted therapeutic benefits, particularly for conditions like IBS, a high-quality supplement containing a clinically studied strain like B. infantis 35624 is recommended. It is crucial to choose reputable brands that conduct third-party testing to ensure product purity and potency. When choosing a supplement, consider the following:

Strain Specificity: Look for supplements that list the specific strain, such as B. infantis 35624, to ensure you are getting the one with proven benefits for adults.
CFU Count: The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) should be clearly stated. The optimal dosage will vary, so follow product directions or consult a healthcare provider.
Shelf Stability: Some products require refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable. Both can be effective, but shelf-stable options can offer greater convenience.

Potential Risks and Precautions

For most healthy adults, B. infantis is considered safe, with side effects typically minor and transient. These can include:

Mild Digestive Discomfort: Some individuals may experience temporary gas or bloating as their system adjusts to the new bacteria.
Immunocompromised Individuals: In rare cases, individuals with severely weakened immune systems (e.g., due to chemotherapy or HIV) could be at risk for systemic infections. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before use if you have a compromised immune system.
Medication Interactions: B. infantis is sensitive to several common antibiotics, which can impact its effectiveness. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions if you are on antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

While famously associated with newborns, should adults take Bifidobacterium infantis? The answer is a clear yes for those seeking specific therapeutic benefits. Clinical evidence, particularly for the B. infantis 35624 strain, demonstrates its effectiveness in providing targeted relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and reducing systemic inflammation in adults. Though its presence naturally declines with age, purposeful supplementation and a diet rich in prebiotics can help re-establish this beneficial microbe. While generally safe, individuals with compromised immune systems or those on antibiotics should consult a healthcare professional. Ultimately, B. infantis offers a targeted probiotic strategy for enhancing adult gut and overall health.

For more detailed research on the clinical applications of B. infantis, particularly in inflammatory disorders, consider reviewing the study published in Gut Microbes.

Visit the study: Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 modulates host inflammatory responses

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bifidobacterium infantis is a subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum. It is uniquely adapted to thrive in the infant gut by digesting human milk oligosaccharides, although research supports its use in adults for targeted therapeutic effects.

While some yogurts contain probiotic cultures, the presence and concentration of specific strains like B. infantis can vary significantly. A supplement with a specified strain is often more reliable for targeted benefits.

For healthy adults, B. infantis is considered safe, with minor, temporary side effects like gas and bloating. However, those with severely compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare provider before use.

The most effective way to ensure a targeted dose of a specific strain like B. infantis 35624 is through a high-quality probiotic supplement. A diet rich in prebiotic fiber can also help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Research has shown that benefits for IBS symptoms, such as reduced abdominal pain and bloating, can be observed in as little as four to eight weeks of consistent supplementation with specific strains.

While probiotics are generally considered safe, there is not enough reliable data on the effects of B. infantis during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before use.

B. infantis primarily provides targeted benefits, particularly for individuals with IBS and inflammatory conditions. For general digestive maintenance, other Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus strains, or a multi-strain formula, might be more appropriate.