CLINICAL-TRIALS PROVE THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THE PROBIOTIC STRAINBIFIDOBACTERIUM BB12 IN FOLLOW-UP FORMULA AND GROWING-UP MILKS

Clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of follow-up formulas and growing-up milks fortified with Bifidobacterium strain Bb12 (10(7 )-10(8)/g formula powder) are summarized in this report. The strain Bb 12 was selected because of its excellent survival during intestinal tr ansit and adhesion to enterocytes. Double-blind, randomized, controlle d feeding studies with Bb12 in the U.S., China, and Thailand demonstra ted normal growth of healthy children between 4 and 36 months of age a nd catch-up growth in malnourished children. ''Colonizatian'' with Bb1 2, which indicates survival during intestinal transit, was confirmed w hen Bb12 was given with milk-based formulas, but was not satisfactory with soy-based formulas. Feeding the milk-based formula with Bb12 resu lted in protection from rotavirus infection,fewer periods with hard bo wel movements and a lower incidence of diaper rash. Therefore, using f ollow-up formulas and growing-up milks with Bifidobacterium strain Bb1 2 is safe and can prevent diseases frequently seen in both industriali zed and developing countries.