probiotics institute genom logo

Bifidobacterium, BB-12®

- the world’s most documented probiotic Bifidobacterium

BB-12 probiotic strain for babies
6 Min read

Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (hereafter referred to by the trademark BB-12®) has been extensively studied and published in scientific publications. It has been used worldwide since 1986 with no safety concerns. BB-12® has been associated with supporting the immune system and the digestive health of children and adults (alone, and in combination with other probiotic strains).

Fact

Bifidobacterium, BB-12® has been scientifically studied and associated with digestive and immune system support.

Chr. Hansen’s Bifidobacterium, BB-12®

Bifidobacteria were discovered and isolated from the stool sample of a breastfed baby in 1899.1 The Chr. Hansen Bifidobacterium, BB-12® originates from our collection of dairy cultures and is used in baby formula, dietary supplements, and fermented milk products (such as yogurt) worldwide.
The BB-12® strain has been described in more than 300 scientific publications, making the BB-12® strain the world’s most documented probiotic Bifidobacterium. More than 200 of these publications are from human scientific studies that investigated the impact of BB-12® across various areas of health, ranging from preterm and newborn babies to the elderly.

 
The world's most documented
Bifidobacterium
Centered White BB12 logo
More than
200 counter gif
clinical study
publications
Fact

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding together with complementary foods.2

Happy healthy baby BB-12 probiotic strain

Bifidobacterium, BB-12® has been associated with numerous health benefits

In babies and children:


Digestive health†

Associated with softer and more frequent bowel movements,3 and shorter and fewer episodes of loose stools.4,5

Excessive crying and fussing*

Associated with significantly less excessive crying and fussing in babies.6

Respiratory health†

Associated with fewer episodes of respiratory discomfort.7, 8, 9

Skin health*

Associated with fewer instances of red, dry, and scaly skin in babies.11

In adults:

 
Oral health*

Associated with lower salivary levels of specific bacteria that contribute to poor oral health.12

Frequency of bowel movements†

Associated with more regular bowel movements in adults13, 14 and the elderly.15 

Immune health*

Associated with benefits for immune system function.16

Cholesterol levels#

Associated with supporting healthy levels of cholesterol.17

 
* studied alone, # studied in combination with other strains, † studied alone and in combination with other strains
Scientist analyzing the BB-12 probiotic strain

Safety

BB-12® is safe for human consumption; it has been granted QPS18 (Qualified Presumption of Safety) status in Europe and has been the subject of a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice to the US Food And Drug Administration.19 It has been tested in human scientific studies at levels up to at least 100 billion CFU/day (colony forming units), with no safety issues.


BB-12® is a registered trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S 

The article is provided for informational purposes regarding probiotics and is not meant to suggest that any substance referenced in the article is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.

 
Our Chr. Hansen probiotic strains

At Chr. Hansen, our strains are backed by science. All of our probiotic strains are supported by clinical documentation. Learn more about the beneficial effects our strains have on different health areas.

See our other strains
logo

References Open Close

  1. Jungersen, et al. Microorganisms. 2014;2:92-110. (PubMed)
  2. World Health Organisation. Accessed 12th November 2021. (Source)
  3. Vlieger AM, et al. Br J Nutr. 2009;102(6):869-75. (PubMed)
  4. Weizman Z, et al. Pediatrics. 2005;115(1):5-9. (PubMed)
  5. Saavedra JM, et al. Lancet. 1994;344(8929):1046-9. (PubMed)
  6. Nocerino R, et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2019. (PubMed)
  7. Taipale TJ, et al. Br J Nutr. 2011;105(3):409-16. (PubMed)
  8. Taipale TJ, et al. Pediatr Res. 2016;79(1-1):65-9. (PubMed)
  9. Rautava S, et al. Br J Nutr. 2009;101(11):1722-6. (PubMed)
  10. Removed 
  11. Isolauri E, et al. Clin Exp Allergy. 2000;30(11):1604-10. (PubMed)
  12. Caglar E, et al. Acta Odontol Scand. 2008;66(3):154-8. (PubMed)
  13. Eskesen D, et al.Br J Nutr. 2015;114(10):1638-46. (PubMed)
  14. Uchida K, et al. Journal of Nutritional Food. 2005;8:39-51.
  15. Pitkala KH, et al. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007;11(4):305-11. (PubMed)
  16. Rizzardini G, et al. Br J Nutr. 2012;107(6):876-84. (PubMed)
  17. Ejtahed HS, et al. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(7):3288-94. (PubMed)
  18. EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ). EFSA Journal. 2015;13:4331.
  19. Food and Drug Administration. GRAS Notice Inventory > Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No GRN 000049. 2002.
Left Strain icon

What are

probiotics?

Learn more about what probiotics are and how they are associated with health benefits

LEARN MORE

What to

look for

See key tips on how to choose a high-quality probiotic product

LEARN MORE

Our
strains

Read more about some of the world’s most documented probiotic strains and their diverse health benefits

LEARN MORE
Right Strain icon

Related Articles

Pharmacist and customer what are probiotics Probiotics definition About probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria with associated health benefits.

Read More
Healthy family and probiotics Myths About probiotics

As the probiotic market grows, so do the number of misconceptions.

Read More
Baby crying and fussing Crying & fussing Infant health

The BB-12® strain and symptoms of excessive crying and fussing.

Read More
Yoga class, men and women, probiotics Irregular bowel movements Gut health

The BB-12® probiotic strain is associated with more regular bowel movements.

Read More