Targeted infant probiotics: AB-Biotics uncovers how AB-Kolicare addresses colic

The AB-Kolicare blend of the probiotic strains Bifidobacterium longum KABP-042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP-041 by AB-Biotics and Kaneka Probiotics has been shown to reduce crying and fussing time in colicky infants. Jordi Espadaler, the director of innovation at AB-Biotics, sits down with Nutrition Insight to detail how AB-Kolicare impacts the infant gut microbiome.

“Recent studies have emphasized that the combination of strains, B. longum KABP-042 and P. pentosaceus KABP-041, have protective effects on the intestinal epithelium, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits.” 

The intestinal epithelium is a single layer lining the small and the large intestine. Its main role is the absorption of nutrients and the secretion of pathogens. 

Infant gut lining impact

Further discussing AB-Kolicare’s beneficial properties, Espadaler points to a study conducted in Italy and Spain. The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, looked at how the probiotic may counteract Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID) in infants through an observational pilot trial.

“The strain inhibits a wide range of pathogens associated with colic and neonatal infections, produces acetate with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, as well as high amounts of polyphosphates, which reinforce the intestinal barrier,” explains Espadaler. 

FGIDs are recognized as a gut-brain axis disorder that is common in the first year of life. For this reason, probiotics are a common treatment for the condition. The findings of this in silico study suggest that B. longum KABP-042 and P. pentosaceus KABP-041 tolerate gastric and bile challenges and display a significant adhesion capacity to human intestinal cells. 

The two strains were shown to mediate adhesion by different mechanisms. When combined, they induce the expression of the Caco-2 tight junction proteins important for the immune system.

Growth inhibition experiments showed that the two strains — alone and in combination — antagonize bacterial pathogens.

AB-Kolicare can inhibit a wide range of pathogens associated with colic and neonatal infections.Healthy gut colonization

Also highlighting AB-Kolicare’s protective effects on the intestinal epithelium and its anti-inflammatory benefits, Espadaler points to another study. It looked at B. longum KABP-042 independently, determining how the polyphosphate found in it is involved in energy storage functions, and how it is biosynthesized.

The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, investigated the polyphosphate biosynthesis capacity of 18 strains belonging to 11 different probiotic species.

“B.longum KABP-042 has also been seen to present a specific enzyme that digests human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), supporting a healthy gut colonization, which in turn increases populations of beneficial bacteria,” he adds.

HMOs are an increasingly widespread ingredient in infant nutrition, which provide nutrients, such as fats, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins, while supporting infants’ immune system, acting as an anti-infective and promoting cognitive development.

Another recent study on AB-Kolicare compared the probiotic blend to the L. reuteri DSM17938 probiotic, also shown to support the well-being of colicky infants. The investigation, which measured their crying and fussing time after taking one of the two probiotic options, revealed that AB-Kolicare is more effective.

At Vitafoods Europe, earlier this year, Sergi Audivert, founder and executive director of AB-Biotics, told us that these positive effects on colicky infants can be highly sought after by parents looking to improve the quality of their sleep.

Espadaler explains that additional studies are currently ongoing to analyze AB-Kolicare’s ability to modulate the microbiota. 

“Preliminary evidence indicates that B. longum KABP-042 and P. pentosaceus KABP-041 can modulate infants’ microbiota by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria and reducing populations of pathogenic bacteria, helping to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.”