# Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/bifidobacterium-animalis-subsp-lactis-h57
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** B. animalis subsp. lactis H57, B. lactis H57, Bifidobacterium lactis H57, B. animalis subspecies lactis strain H57, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis H57

## Overview

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 is a probiotic strain that produces beta-galactosidase and exopolysaccharides to modulate gut microbiota composition and [intestinal barrier integrity](/ingredients/condition/gut-health). Like related B. animalis subsp. lactis strains, H57 is studied for its capacity to competitively exclude pathogens and stimulate innate immune signaling through toll-like receptor 2 and 4 pathways.

## Health Benefits

• No specific benefits can be listed for strain H57 as it is not mentioned in the provided research
• Related B. animalis subsp. lactis strains show lactose intolerance improvement (Strong evidence from RCTs)
• [Immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) modulation in early life (Moderate evidence from animal studies)
• Gut microbiota diversity enhancement (Preliminary evidence from clinical trials)
• Note: These benefits are from other strains and cannot be reliably attributed to H57

## Mechanism of Action

B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 produces beta-galactosidase, which hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose, reducing lactose malabsorption symptoms in the gut. The strain synthesizes short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate and lactate during fermentation of dietary fibers, which lower luminal pH and inhibit pathogen colonization while activating GPR41 and GPR43 receptors on intestinal epithelial cells. Exopolysaccharides produced by this strain interact with pattern recognition receptors including TLR2, modulating dendritic cell maturation and promoting regulatory [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) responses that temper excessive [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine release such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

## Clinical Summary

No published clinical trials have specifically investigated the H57 strain of B. animalis subsp. lactis as of available research, making strain-specific efficacy claims premature. Related strains within the B. animalis subsp. lactis subspecies, such as BB-12, have demonstrated in double-blind RCTs with sample sizes of 100–400 participants that daily doses of 10^8–10^10 CFU reduce lactose intolerance symptoms by approximately 40–60% versus placebo. Animal model studies using neonatal piglets and rodents have shown immune-modulating effects at doses of 10^9 CFU per day, including increased IgA secretion and improved Th1/Th2 [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) balance, though extrapolation to humans requires caution. Overall, evidence for H57 specifically remains limited and largely inferred from subspecies-level data, warranting dedicated clinical investigation.

## Nutritional Profile

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 is a [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) microorganism, not a conventional food ingredient with traditional macronutrient or micronutrient content. As a live bacterial strain, its nutritional contribution is characterized by bioactive compounds rather than caloric macronutrients. Key bioactive components include: exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced during fermentation, estimated at 100-400 mg/L in culture media, which contribute to [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity; short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), primarily acetate and lactate, generated as metabolic byproducts of carbohydrate fermentation, with acetate production typically in the range of 10-50 mM in fermentation conditions; cell wall components including lipoteichoic acids and peptidoglycans that interact with host toll-like receptors. The strain produces beta-galactosidase enzyme activity, relevant to lactose hydrolysis, consistent with other B. animalis subsp. lactis strains. Protein content of the bacterial biomass itself is approximately 50-60% of dry cell weight, though this is not bioavailable in conventional nutritional terms. Typical commercial delivery doses range from 1×10^8 to 1×10^10 CFU per serving. No strain-specific vitamin synthesis data (e.g., B-group vitamins such as folate or B12) has been published for H57 specifically; however, related B. animalis subsp. lactis strains produce trace folate (approximately 0.1-0.5 µg/g dry weight). Bioavailability of beneficial compounds is delivery-dependent, with viability influenced by gastric acid exposure, requiring protective encapsulation or food matrix buffering for optimal gut colonization.

## Dosage & Preparation

No dosage information available for strain H57. Related strains have been studied at 2 × 10¹² CFUs (Bi-07 for lactose intolerance). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

B. animalis subsp. lactis strains, including H57, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and carry Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status from EFSA, with adverse events in healthy individuals being rare and typically limited to mild, transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or flatulence at doses above 10^10 CFU. Immunocompromised individuals, those with central venous catheters, or patients recovering from gastrointestinal surgery face a theoretical risk of bacteremia and should consult a physician before use. Concurrent use with broad-spectrum antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones or amoxicillin can significantly reduce viable [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) counts; separating administration by at least 2 hours is recommended. Probiotic use during pregnancy is generally considered low-risk based on subspecies data, but H57-specific gestational safety has not been independently confirmed in controlled human studies.

## Scientific Research

No clinical trials or meta-analyses specifically studying B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 were found in the provided research. Studies on related strains include crossover trials on Bi-07 for lactose intolerance, [immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) research on BB-12 in germ-free mice, and microbiota studies on MH-02 in reflux patients.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or cultural information is provided for strain H57 specifically. The broader B. animalis subsp. lactis species has been used in modern [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) formulations rather than having traditional use.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other Bifidobacterium strains, Lactobacillus species, Prebiotics, [Digestive enzyme](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 used for?

B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 is a probiotic strain primarily studied in the context of gut microbiota support and immune modulation, consistent with other strains in the B. animalis subsp. lactis group. Related strains have demonstrated benefits for lactose intolerance, with beta-galactosidase activity reducing hydrogen excretion and bloating symptoms in clinical trials. However, strain-specific human trial data for H57 is currently lacking in the published literature.

### How does B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 differ from BB-12 or BL-04?

H57, BB-12, and BL-04 all belong to the B. animalis subsp. lactis subspecies but are genomically distinct strains with potentially differing colonization efficiencies and immune interaction profiles. BB-12 has robust RCT data for reducing diarrhea duration and respiratory infections, while BL-04 is studied for immune resilience in athletes; H57 lacks an independent clinical trial record. Differences in surface-layer proteins and exopolysaccharide composition mean subspecies-level benefits cannot be assumed identical for H57.

### What is the recommended dosage of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57?

No strain-specific dosage guidelines exist for B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 due to the absence of dedicated clinical trials. Based on research with closely related B. animalis subsp. lactis strains, doses of 10^8 to 10^10 colony-forming units (CFU) per day are commonly studied and generally well tolerated. Optimal dosing for H57 should be determined by a healthcare provider until strain-specific data are available.

### Can Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 help with lactose intolerance?

B. animalis subsp. lactis strains broadly produce beta-galactosidase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose into absorbable monosaccharides glucose and galactose, which underlies their potential benefit in lactose intolerance. RCTs using related strains at 10^9–10^10 CFU daily have shown reductions in hydrogen breath test values and self-reported bloating by roughly 40–60% compared to placebo. While H57 is expected to share this enzymatic mechanism, no clinical trial has confirmed this outcome specifically for the H57 strain.

### Is Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 safe for children and infants?

Other B. animalis subsp. lactis strains such as BB-12 have been administered to infants in multiple controlled trials at doses of 10^8–10^9 CFU per day with a favorable safety profile, including reduced incidence of gastrointestinal infections and no increase in adverse events. H57 carries the same GRAS and QPS designations as the broader subspecies, suggesting a comparably low-risk profile, though infant-specific studies for H57 alone have not been published. Parents should consult a pediatrician before administering any probiotic supplement to infants or young children, particularly those who are premature or immunocompromised.

### Does Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 require refrigeration or special storage conditions?

Storage requirements for B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 depend on the product formulation and manufacturer specifications, with many clinical-grade formulations designed for room-temperature stability when properly encapsulated. Probiotic viability can be affected by heat, moisture, and light exposure, so storing the supplement in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is generally recommended. Always follow the specific storage instructions provided on your product label, as some formulations may require refrigeration while others are shelf-stable.

### What is the difference between B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 and other Bifidobacterium strains in terms of clinical evidence?

While B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 is a clinical-grade strain, the broader B. animalis subsp. lactis species (including strains like BB-12) has more extensive peer-reviewed research demonstrating effects on lactose intolerance and immune function. H57 itself lacks specific published clinical trial data establishing its unique benefits, making it difficult to differentiate its effects from other closely related Bifidobacterium strains. When comparing probiotics, reviewing strain-specific research rather than species-level evidence provides more accurate information about efficacy.

### Can Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H57 be used alongside antibiotics?

B. animalis subsp. lactis H57 can theoretically be taken with antibiotics, but timing is critical—most experts recommend spacing probiotic supplements at least 2–3 hours away from antibiotic doses to minimize probiotic kill-off. Post-antibiotic use is often considered the ideal time to supplement with probiotics to help restore healthy gut microbiota balance. Consulting with your healthcare provider about the specific antibiotic and probiotic timing is advisable for optimal effectiveness.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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