Bifidobacterium longum BB536
Also known as: B. longum BB536, Morinaga BB536
A Gram-positive, anaerobic, non-spore-forming species native to the human colon. BB536 produces acetate and lactate, lowering luminal pH and inhibiting pathogen growth, while modulating Th1/Th2 immune balance toward reduced allergic response.
Last reviewed: 2025-01-15 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
One of the world's most-studied Bifidobacterium strains, originally isolated from a healthy infant in 1969 by Morinaga. Over 170 published studies covering gut function, immune modulation, allergy, and respiratory infections in the elderly.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Ferments dietary fibre into short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate via cross-feeding) that nourish colonocytes and strengthen the gut barrier. Stimulates dendritic cell maturation and shifts cytokine balance away from Th2-mediated allergic responses.
Physiological Role
Restores age-associated decline in Bifidobacterium populations; supports mucosal immunity, bowel regularity, and respiratory defence.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Supports upper-respiratory tract resilience in athletes during heavy training blocks; reduces sick-day incidence that disrupts training consistency.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 2 billion CFU/day
- Optimal Range
- 5–10 billion CFU/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- Well tolerated to 50+ billion CFU
- Timing
- Daily, with or without food
- Best Format
- Refrigerated capsule or stable lyophilised sachet
- Bioavailability
- Survives gastric transit when delivered in protective matrix; colonisation is transient.
- Absorption Considerations
- Effects accumulate over 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Initial gas/bloating (mild, self-limiting)
Contraindications
- Severe immunocompromise
Drug Interactions
- •None clinically significant
Who Should Avoid
- •Critically ill ICU patients
Monitoring
None required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Bifidobacterium longum BB536 typically used or indicated?
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is most commonly used for: IBS symptoms, Immune support, Allergy modulation, Healthy ageing. Restores age-associated decline in Bifidobacterium populations; supports mucosal immunity, bowel regularity, and respiratory defence.
How does Bifidobacterium longum BB536 work?
Ferments dietary fibre into short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate via cross-feeding) that nourish colonocytes and strengthen the gut barrier. Stimulates dendritic cell maturation and shifts cytokine balance away from Th2-mediated allergic responses.
What is the recommended dose of Bifidobacterium longum BB536?
The optimal range is 5–10 billion CFU/day. with a minimum effective dose of 2 billion CFU/day. Best taken: Daily, with or without food. Upper / caution level: Well tolerated to 50+ billion CFU.
What are the side effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536?
Reported side effects include: Initial gas/bloating (mild, self-limiting). Monitoring: None required.
Does Bifidobacterium longum BB536 interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: None clinically significant. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Bifidobacterium longum BB536?
Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is generally not recommended for: Critically ill ICU patients; and Severe immunocompromise.
How strong is the evidence for Bifidobacterium longum BB536?
Evidence level: Strong (overall score 75/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
Preventive effect of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 on influenza infection in elderly
Morita H et al. 14-week RCT in elderly nursing home residents — BB536 reduced influenza incidence and fever days.
Effects of B. longum BB536 on the immune system and intestinal microbiota in elderly
Akatsu H et al. 12-week supplementation increased Bifidobacterium counts and improved bowel function in elderly residents.
Related Ingredients
Other top-rated ingredients in Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics & Fibers.
Psyllium Husk
88/100Psyllium is composed of highly branched arabinoxylan that hydrates into a viscous gel in the small intestine. Unlike most viscous fibres it is only partially fermented in the colon, retaining water-holding capacity throughout the GI tract.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
85/100Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii strain CNCM I-745 is a transient yeast that survives gastric transit, reaches steady-state colonic concentrations within 3 days, and is cleared 3–5 days after stopping. It works via secreted proteases, anti-inflammatory signalling, and pathogen binding rather than colonisation.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG
80/100A Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium that adheres to intestinal mucosa, modulates innate/adaptive immune responses, and strengthens tight junction protein expression.
Research Overview
Strong EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/bifidobacterium-longum-bb536
SuppIndex. (2026). Bifidobacterium longum BB536: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/bifidobacterium-longum-bb536
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Synergistic with prebiotic fibres (inulin, GOS) for synbiotic effect.