Bifidobacterium Infantis Probiotic Supplements Review

The microflora of the human gut is composed of trillions of microscopic organisms competing for space and dominance.

Bifidobacterium infantis is a key probiotic player with a specialized ability to reduce certain inflammatory processes associated with autoimmune symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s Disease.

Bifidobacterium infantis was reclassified in 2002, along with B. longum and B. suis, into a single species due to their extensive DNA similarities. The unified species is known simply as Bifidobacterium Longum with biotypes infantis, longum and suis.

There is still much interest in the classification of these individual bacterial species, though, because of their different probiotic functions.

For the purpose of this article, Bifidobacterium infantis is referred to as a distinct probiotic bacterium possessing distinctive functions not typically found in B. longum or B. suis.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Bifidobacterium Infantis Effects

Clinical studies demonstrate the effectiveness bifidobacterium infantis can have with respect to autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In 2006, researchers conducted a 4-week clinical trial with 362 women diagnosed with IBS. After 4 weeks, those receiving bifidobacterium infantis in freeze-dried capsule form showed superior significance in reduction of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, bowel frequency, and flatulence.

Global symptom assessment exceeded the placebo group by more than 20%.

In another study, undertaken in 2008, researchers worked to determine the top five probiotic organisms able to exert a beneficial effect on inflammation in the GI tract. The five bacterial finalists were bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei, in that exact order.

Because bifidobacterium infantis was the clear leader at strengthening gut barrier function, it was selected, solely, as the subject of a lengthy study. What researchers found was that B. infantis increases gut barrier function after only six hours, and keeps working up to 24-hours after dosing.

Gut barrier function relates directly to the permeability of digestive tract walls which helps to boost immunity and digestive system function.

What does this mean, specifically, with regards to inflammatory disease like IBS, IBD, leaky gut and Crohn’s Disease? Bifidobacterium infantis dramatically reduces permeability of the intestinal walls.

This translates directly into a reduction of the symptoms caused by chronic immune activation, autoimmune diseases and cortisol release.

It can provide short and long-term relief from many of the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Additional Health Benefits

Besides contributing to better overall digestive health, bifidobacterium infantis stimulates appropriate immune function resulting in a reduction of symptoms commonly associated with autoimmune disorders of the GI tract.

For individuals with these autoimmune disorders, or food allergies, including B. infantis in a daily regimen may reduce many symptoms of intestinal disorders such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, urgency and abdominal discomfort.

Because of the reduction in permeability B. infantis imparts to the walls of the intestines, individuals with leaky gut syndrome may also benefit with regular supplementation. There may also be positive effects on weight loss and maintenance.

Bifidobacterium Infantis Dose Guide

In the GI tract of breast fed infants, B. infantis is found in exceedingly high numbers, but its numbers steadily begin to decline as we age. This strain of B. infantis has evolved to prefer the prebiotic human milk oligosaccharides (HMO’s) found in human breast milk over other sources of energy.

As humans age, this beneficial probiotic microbe decreases significantly which makes supplementation necessary. In a normal adult gastrointestinal tract, only 3-5% of the microbiota may be composed of this helpful bacteria.

Furthermore, the strain present in adult digestive systems is not the same beneficial strain, but a slightly different one which prefers plant matter as an energy source.

To reap the health benefits of Bifidobacterium Infantis, it is necessary to use a dietary supplement with a high live CFU count. A standard daily dose of B. infantis, if taken by itself, should contain 10-20 million live bacteria at the time of consumption.

It is important to note that bacteria are sensitive creatures and exposure to air, light and moisture is often deleterious to them.

Some supplements may contain as many as 1 billion live bacteria at the time of production; however, actual viability decreases over time. Therefore, the number of active living cells may be far fewer than at the time of production.

When taking B. infantis in combination with other probiotics, 10 million live bacteria is still a fair recommendation for daily dosing if treating specific symptoms.

Probiotics work on a more is better than less principle, meaning that if enough are not taken during the same period, they are unable to colonize the gut in any meaningful way, thus the effects they are designed to produce will not be experienced.

Side Effects

Individuals with weakened or compromised immune function should talk with their doctor before taking this, or any other, probiotic supplement.

Before giving to children, consult with their doctor regarding correct dose and length of administration.

Pregnant or nursing mothers are generally safe to take this probiotic, but should speak with their doctor to ensure there are no contraindications with other medications or any undue risk associated with allergies or personal sensitive.

Review of Bifidobacterium Infantis

Bifidobacterium Infantis is an important anti-inflammatory probiotic bacterium.

Scientific studies confirm the reduction of permeability in the lining of the intestines, which can result in a significant decrease in symptoms experienced by those with IBS, IBD, leaky gut and Crohn’s Disease.

Bifidobacterium Infantis can be taken by itself, or together with other probiotic supplements.

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