Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Align)
Strain-specific probiotic with the cleanest RCT signal for global IBS symptom improvement.
Why
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (sold as Align in the US and as Symprove and others in Europe) is the bacterial probiotic with the most consistent RCT signal for irritable bowel syndrome. The Whorwell 2006 RCT demonstrated significant improvements in pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction and global IBS symptoms over 4 weeks. Subsequent trials and a strain-specific meta-analysis confirmed the signal at the 10⁸ CFU/day dose.
How it works
Modulates intestinal cytokine balance, restores the IL-10:IL-12 ratio that is reduced in IBS. Surface exopolysaccharides inhibit pathogen adhesion. Bile-acid metabolism modulation may underlie part of the bowel-function effect.
Expected onset · Symptom improvement typically over 4 weeks of continuous use
How to take
Dosage
1 × 10⁸ CFU/day (one Align capsule), continuous use for at least 4 weeks before assessing benefit.
Timing
Once daily, with or without food
On the label
Specifically B. infantis 35624 (also marketed as B. longum subsp. infantis 35624). Generic 'Bifidobacterium' products are not equivalent.
Ideal for
Adults with IBS (any subtype, including mixed) seeking a strain-specific probiotic with direct RCT evidence.
Safety
Evidence
Whorwell 2006 Am J Gastroenterol RCT (n=362 IBS women): B. infantis 35624 at 10⁸ CFU/day significantly improved global IBS symptom score, pain, bloating and bowel-function over 4 weeks. Yuan 2017 strain-specific meta-analysis confirmed signal. Effect modest but distinct in being one of the few probiotic indications with direct strain-level RCT evidence.
- Whorwell et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2006, efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with IBS (RCT, n=362)
- O'Mahony et al., Gastroenterology 2005, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in IBS: symptom responses and relationship to cytokine profiles
- Yuan et al., J Clin Gastroenterol 2017, meta-analysis of Bifidobacterium infantis for IBS
Where to get it
Shop Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (Align) on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.