One of the world's largest clinical studies on probiotics reinforces significant gastrointestinal benefits of the probiotic strain named BB-12®

The study, recently published in British Journal of Nutrition, was initiated by Chr. Hansen in 2011. It included more than 1,200 subjects in France, UK and Germany; all healthy but experiencing low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort. Officials believe the study has produced the largest dataset ever published involving a randomized, placebo-controlled study on the effect of probiotics on bowel function.

Results from the study show that the odds for having more regular bowel movements were significantly higher when consuming the BB-12® probiotic strain for four weeks, compared to the placebo group. This verifies results from previous studies, and shows a clinically relevant effect of the probiotic strain on bowel regularity.

“Once again, it is confirmed that the BB-12® probiotic strain can bring significant gastrointestinal benefits to those who experience digestive issues,” says Mikkel Jungersen, scientific advisor, Human Health & Nutrition, Chr. Hansen. “What is truly unique about this study is its size, of more than 1,200 subjects varying in age from 18 to 70, which has resulted in the largest dataset available on the effect of probiotics on bowel function.”

The world’s best documented Bifidobacterium

The BB-12® probiotic strain originates from Chr. Hansen’s culture collection, and has been used as an ingredient in food and dietary supplements since 1985. During the last 30 years, more than 170 clinical studies have shown that this probiotic strain has a positive effect on the immune and gastrointestinal system. Today, it is consumed every day by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

“We are committed to delivering the best documented probiotics and the BB-12® probiotic strain is the best documented Bifidobacterium in the world,” Jungersen adds. “With these new results, it now truly stands out as a strong probiotics within bowel function.”

For more information on the study or on the probiotic strain named BB-12®, contact Mikkel Jungersen, Dkmkj@chr-hansen.com or visit the product website.

The Study

• Eskesen et al. Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial.

E-published ahead of print online September 21, 2015 in British Journal of Nutrition.

Chr. Hansen is a global bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. The products include cultures, enzymes, probiotics and natural colors, and all solutions are based on strong research and development competencies coupled with significant technology investments. Revenue in the 2013/14 financial year was EUR 756 million. The company holds a leading market position in all its divisions: Cultures & Enzymes, Health & Nutrition and Natural Colors. It has more than 2,500 dedicated employees in over 30 countries and main production facilities in Denmark, France, USA and Germany. Chr. Hansen was founded in 1874 and is listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen.