This single-site, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated among 75 healthy individuals given 300/g of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) during 6 weeks the effects of supplementation with 5×1010 CFU/d of Bifidobacterium breve or placebo during 8 weeks on small intestinal damage.

Results showed that area under the curve (AUC) for Lewis score was significantly lower in the Bifidobacterium group (3040 ± 1340 arbitrary units) than the placebo group (4351 ± 3195) (p = 0.0376). The AUC for ulcer number was significantly lower in the Bifidobacterium group (50.4 ± 53.1 arbitrary units) than in the placebo group (75.2 ± 85.3 arbitrary units) (p = 0.0258). Twelve adverse events were reported from the Bifidobacterium group and 20 from the placebo group. None of the events was determined to be related to Bifidobacterium intake.

In conclusion it appears that Bifidobacterium breve supplementation safely reduces the risk of small-intestinal enteropathy caused by ASA.

Mortensen B, Murphy C, O’Grady J, et al. Bifidobacteriumbreve Bif195 Protects Against Small-Intestinal Damage Caused by Acetylsalicylic Acid in Healthy Volunteers. Gastroenterology. 2019;157(3):637–646.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.05.008