Prodigest

• Restoration and maintenance of healthy gut microbiota, especially following antibiotic use.
• Prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).
• Management of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly IBS with diarrhea.
• Supportive therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (adjunctive).
• Prevention and reduction of symptoms of constipation, including chronic idiopathic constipation.
• Enhancement of immune function through modulation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
• Reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.
• Adjunct in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy to reduce treatment side effects.
• Supportive therapy for travelers’ diarrhea and infectious diarrhea.
• Clinically accepted off-label uses include modulation of the gut-brain axis in anxiety and depression, and potential benefits in metabolic syndrome management.

• Route: Oral
• Adults:
• 1 capsule or sachet daily containing 10 billion CFU of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019.
• For acute conditions such as diarrhea or IBS exacerbations, dosing may be increased to twice daily as per physician guidance.
• Pediatrics:
• Use with caution; pediatric-specific formulations and doses are recommended. Typically, doses are lower and adjusted by age/weight.
• Elderly:
• Same as adult dose; may benefit from immune support.
• Special Populations:
• No dose adjustment necessary for renal or hepatic impairment.
• Immunocompromised patients should use under medical supervision.

Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 acts by colonizing the gastrointestinal tract where it competitively inhibits pathogenic bacteria through production of lactic acid and other metabolites, lowering gut pH and enhancing mucosal barrier integrity. It stimulates local immune responses by activating gut-associated lymphoid tissue, increasing production of secretory IgA and modulating cytokine profiles, thereby reducing inflammation. This strain also enhances intestinal motility by modulating enteric nervous system function, contributing to relief from constipation and improved bowel regularity.

• Absorption: Not systemically absorbed; effects are local to the GI tract.
• Onset: Clinical effects typically manifest within 3–7 days of consistent use.
• Distribution: Transient colonization primarily in the colon and distal small intestine.
• Metabolism: Metabolized locally in the gut through fermentation of prebiotics and endogenous substrates.
• Excretion: Eliminated via feces; colonization persists temporarily after discontinuation.

• Considered safe during pregnancy based on current evidence; no teratogenic effects reported.
• Compatible with breastfeeding; probiotic strains may contribute to infant microbiota development.
• Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women with compromised immunity.

• Primary: Probiotic
• Subclass: Live microbial dietary supplement; Bifidobacterium lactis strain-specific preparation.

• Known hypersensitivity to Bifidobacterium lactis or any component of the formulation.
• Severe immunodeficiency or neutropenia.
• Presence of central venous catheters or prosthetic heart valves (risk of bacteremia).

• Use with caution in immunocompromised patients due to rare risk of systemic infection.
• Monitor for signs of probiotic-related sepsis in critically ill patients.
• Not recommended for use in neonates unless under strict medical supervision.
• Ensure product quality to confirm viability and absence of contaminants.

• Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort including bloating, flatulence, and mild abdominal cramping; usually transient.
• Rare: Systemic infections such as bacteremia or sepsis in immunocompromised individuals.
• Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria) are rare.

• Antibiotics may reduce probiotic viability; administer probiotics at least 2–3 hours apart from antibiotic doses.
• Immunosuppressive therapy may increase risk of opportunistic infections with live probiotics.
• No significant interactions with food or alcohol have been reported.

• Recent guidelines emphasize the importance of strain-specific evidence; Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 has demonstrated efficacy in improving constipation and immune function.
• The World Gastroenterology Organisation (2024) includes this strain among probiotics with proven clinical benefits.
• Emerging research (2025) supports HN019’s role in gut-brain axis modulation and metabolic health, pending further clinical validation.

• Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigeration recommended) to maintain viability.
• Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Keep in original sealed packaging until use.
• Avoid freezing; handle sachets or capsules gently to preserve CFU count.