Nutrients and probiotics that may assist:

Bifidobacterium longum (ES1) Postbiotic
Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12^™)
Guar galactomannan 

Suggested use:

• Optimises digestive health    
  
  • Reduces bloating and abdominal pain
    
  • Offers gentle digestive support
• Supports beneficial gut flora 
  
• Enhances gut barrier integrity

The gut microbiome has emerged as a cornerstone of human health, with disruptions in gut microbial homeostasis, inflammation, and poor gut barrier integrity linked to various health conditions. Recognising its pivotal role, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics* have gained prominence for their ability to enhance health by modulating the microbiome.[1] Guar galactomannan (GG), also known as partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG), is a prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria. The extensively studied genus Bifidobacterium offers impressive health benefits, from pathogen protection to immune regulation and improved digestive health.[2] The combination of GG with the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12™) and the heat-treated postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum (ES1) provides a synergistic approach that addresses multiple facets of gut health, restoring microbiota balance and boosting overall well-being (Figure 1).

*Postbiotic - A preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.

Figure 1: A synergistic approach to promoting a healthy gut and gut barrier

Bifidobacterium longum (ES1) Postbiotic

Mechanism of action:

• Bifidobacterium longum (ES1), originally isolated from human breast milk, has been shown to offer significant benefits, including decreasing gut inflammation and intestinal permeability in humans when used as a probiotic.[3,4]  
  
• As a postbiotic, known in clinical trials as heat-treated ES1 (HT-ES1), it retains several beneficial functions. In humans, ES1 postbiotic modulated inflammation and reduced abdominal pain and bloating, while in an animal study, treatment enhanced gut barrier integrity.[2,4,5]    
  
• ES1 postbiotic significantly increases the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium and Anaerobutyricum, along with elevating stool butyrate levels, both of which aid in maintaining gut health and lowering inflammation.[2]
  
• ES1 postbiotic maintains normal levels of faecal calprotectin, indicating a protective effect in the gut against inflammation.[2]
  
• ES1 postbiotic lowers serum total cholesterol levels, possibly through positive modulation of the gut microbiome composition and lowering of gut inflammation.[2]  
  

Clinical evidence: 

Figure 2: IBS-SSS subdomain scores significantly reduced with ES1 postbiotic compared with placebo.[6]

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12™)

Mechanism of action:

• Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12™) shows strong adherence properties in healthy adults, children and infants,7 thereby allowing for colonisation, pathogen inhibition and immune modulation.
  
• BB-12™ possesses robustness and stability, expressing genes that bolster its resilience against oxidative and osmotic stress, considerably enhancing its survivability in the gastrointestinal tract.[8]   
  
• BB-12™ increases tight junction protein synthesis, thereby enhancing gut barrier integrity.[9]
• BB-12™ modulates the gut microbiome composition and works on the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis, positively impacting health outcomes, including gut motility.[10–12]  

Clinical evidence:

Guar galactomannan (GG)

Mechanisms of action:

• Guar galactomannan (GG) is a prebiotic dietary fibre that modulates the gut microbiome and improves gut health.
  
• GG has been observed to increase beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and butyrate-producing bacteria.[13,14] 
  
• GG has been reported to suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria.[14]  
  
• GG improves both constipation and diarrhoea as it promotes a healthy gut microbiome composition.[13] 
  
• GG promotes healthy intestinal barrier function and lowers systemic inflammation, thereby enhancing health beyond the gut.[15] 

Clinical evidence

Safety Data

Disclaimer: In the interest of supporting Healthcare Practitioners, the safety information provided at the time of publishing March/2025 has been checked against authoritative sources. Not all cautions, contraindications, and warnings are listed. For further information on interactions, refer to clinical support: 1800 777 648,  anz_clinicalsupport@metagenics.com or via Live Chat www.metagenics.com.au

Cautions:

• Guar gum may reduce the absorption of some oral drugs, potentially decreasing their effectiveness. Suggested to separate the dose by at least 2 hours.
  
• Theoretically, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum preparations might cause pathogenic colonisation in severely immunocompromised patients; use with caution in these patients.
  

Contraindications:

• Guar gum is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction and in patients anatomically predisposed to luminal obstruction.
  

Prescribing tips and notes

• Antibiotics: Theoretically, taking probiotics with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of the probiotic strains. It is advised to separate the administration of antibiotics and probiotic preparations by at least two hours.
  
• It is recommended to consume guar gum with an adequate intake of water/liquid.

Pregnancy: 

• Not recommended. Safety has not been conclusively established during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding:

• Not recommended. Safety has not been conclusively established during breastfeeding.
  

References

[1] Ji J, Jin W, Liu S, Jiao Z, Li X. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease. MedComm. 2023;4(6):e420. doi:10.1002/mco2.420
[2] Naghibi M, Pont-Beltran A, Lamelas A, Llobregat L, Martinez-Blanch JF, Rojas A, et al. Effect of postbiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 on gastrointestinal symptoms, serum biochemistry, and intestinal microbiota in healthy adults: A randomised, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrients. 2024;16(22):3952. doi:10.3390/nu16223952
[3] Caviglia GP, Tucci A, Pellicano R, Fagoonee S, Rosso C, Abate ML, et al. Clinical response and changes of cytokines and zonulin levels in patients with diarrhoea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome treated with Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 for 8 or 12 Weeks: A preliminary report. J Clin Med. 2020;9(8):2353. doi:10.3390/jcm9082353
[4] Srivastava S, Basak U, Naghibi M, Vijayakumar V, Parihar R, Patel J, et al. A randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1) and heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in participants with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Gut Microbes. 2024;16(1):2338322. doi:10.1080/19490976.2024.2338322
[5] Martorell P, Alvarez B, Llopis S, Navarro V, Ortiz P, Gonzalez N, et al. Heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347: A whole-cell postbiotic with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut-barrier protection properties. Antioxidants. 2021;10(4):536. doi:10.3390/antiox10040536
[6] ADM. Secondary Outcome - Change in IBS-SSS Domain Scores. Unpublished work; 2025.
[7] Jungersen M, Wind A, Johansen E, Christensen JE, Stuer-Lauridsen B, Eskesen D. The science behind the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12®. Microorg. 2014;2(2):92-110. doi:10.3390/microorganisms2020092
[8] Schöpping M, Goel A, Jensen K, Faria RA, Franzén CJ, Zeidan AA. Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying robustness and stability in probiotic Bifidobacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2023;89(3):e00082-23. doi:10.1128/aem.00082-23
[9] Krumbeck JA, Rasmussen HE, Hutkins RW, Clarke J, Shawron K, Keshavarzian A, et al. Probiotic Bifidobacterium strains and galactooligosaccharides improve intestinal barrier function in obese adults but show no synergism when used together as synbiotics. Microbiome. 2018;6(1):121. doi:10.1186/s40168-018-0494-4
[10] Eskesen D, Jespersen L, Michelsen B, Whorwell PJ, Müller-Lissner S, Morberg CM. 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 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(10):1638-1646. doi:10.1017/s0007114515003347
[11] Pitkala KH, Salminen S. Fermented cereal with specific bifidobacteria normalises bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomised controlled trial. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007 Jul-Aug;11(4):305-11. PMID: 17653486
[12] Zhu J, Zhu Y, Song G. Effect of probiotic yogurt supplementation (Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12) on gut microbiota of female Taekwondo athletes and its relationship with exercise-related psychological fatigue. Microorganisms. 2023;11(6):1403. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11061403
[13] Yoon *Seon-Joo, Chu *Djong-Chi, Juneja *Lekh Raj. Physiological functions of partially hydrolyzed guar gum. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2006;39(3):134-144. doi:10.3164/jcbn.39.134
[14] Polymeros D, Beintaris I, Gaglia A, Karamanolis G, Papanikolaou IS, Dimitriadis G, et al. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum accelerates colonic transit time and improves symptoms in adults with chronic constipation. Digest Dis Sci. 2014;59(9):2207-2214. doi:10.1007/s10620-014-3135-1
[15] Abe A, Morishima S, Kapoor MP, Inoue R, Tsukahara T, Naito Y, et al. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is associated with improvement in gut health, sleep, and motivation among healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2023;72(2):189-197. doi:10.3164/jcbn.22-75