Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Probiotic Supplement – User Guide & Research

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacterium are two types of probiotic bacteria that can have a positive effect on health when supplemented in large enough dosages.

Both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species are LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) that are found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract. There are a number of different strains within these families of bacteria.

Probiotic organisms like Bifidobacterium Bifidus and Lactobacillus Acidophilus play an important role in the digestive system and in the immune system. By producing lactic acid, these microorganisms lower the pH level in the intestines and in the colon, helping to prevent harmful bacterial growth.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus supplements are used to treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and ulcerative colitis. This probiotic combination is used to treat diarrhea caused by anti-biotic use, traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea caused by chemotherapy and radiation exposure.

It is also used by women to keep the vaginal tract healthy. These probiotics are also being studied for their anti-tumor activity in combination with chemotherapy treatments.

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 vs. Lactobacillus Benefits

What is the difference between Bifidobacterium probiotics and Lactobacillus probiotics? Most complex probiotic supplements will contain strains from both of these families of bacteria to enhance their effectiveness.

Lactobacillus strains include L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. Plantarum, L. Gasseri, L. Brevis and many others. These bacteria occur naturally in milk, yogurt, cheese and other fermented foods.

In the digestive system, they convert lactose into lactic acid or lactase. They play an important role in protecting the body against the spread of pathogenic bacteria and help lower the pH balance of the short intestine.

Bifidobacterium strains like B. lactis, B. longum, B. infantis, B. animalis and B. breve are often used to improve functional colon issues. 32 different species of Bifidobacterium have been identified.

These species are generally found in the large intestine or colon and also populate the female urogenital tract and vagina. Newborn infants tend to have higher levels of Bifidobacterium in their intestinal microflora compared to Lactobacillus.

The primary difference between Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotic organisms is that only Bifidobacteria produces acetic acid, a short-chain fatty acid.

Acetic acid is important for preventing the growth of yeasts and molds. As a fat source, it can also be used for energy metabolism.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Benefits

Probiotic supplements typically contain a combination of several different strains from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus because of the synergistic effects of combining these two.

Research shows that Bifidobacterium tend to have better survivability when supplemented orally with Lactobacillus products. Results may be further enhanced when combined with a source of prebiotic fiber.

In research studies, combining these two types of bacteria has resulted in better immune system function, improved digestive function (including bowel movement regularity), better regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as improved weight loss results.

Multiple clinical trials have looked at the effects of supplementing with Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus probiotics for constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Respiratory Tract Infections, Ulcerative Colitis, Eczema, Bacterial Vaginosis, Vaginal Candidiasis and more.

Effects of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus

One commonly used supplement with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus bacteria (VSL#3) has been shown to improve IBS symptoms. This supplement provides 450 billion lyophilized bacteria per day, which is a significantly higher dosage than most probiotic supplements on the market.

In the research study, patients with Rome II irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea were given VSL#3 powder or a placebo for 8 weeks. Those given the probiotic experienced improve abdominal bloating symptoms compared to those given the placebo.

A clinical study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in November 2015 showed the probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in yogurt modulates immune parameters and inflammatory outcomes.

he probiotic group candidates for the study were healthy adults aged 18 to 40 that were given probiotic smoothies for a four-week treatment.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and the functional and phenotypic marker expression was assessed at the beginning and after the four weeks. The study concluded the potential anti-inflammatory effect of BB-12 in healthy adults.

A clinical study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2008 showed Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 had a modulating unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults with increased phagocytic activity.

Half of the volunteers in the clinical study consumed 300 g a day of yoghurt supplement containing the probiotic strains L. acidophilus 74-2 and B. lactis 420 and the other group received the placebo product for a period of 5 weeks.

Those receiving the probiotic supplement also had lower serum concentrations of triacylglyceroles by 11.6% during the treatment period.

Negative Effects of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus

Like most probiotic supplements, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains are considered safe when used appropriately. Most side effects are mild and usually go away after the body adjusts to taking probiotics.

Stomach bloating, diarrhea, flatulence or gastrointestinal discomfort may be experienced when first using probiotics.

Certain individuals are recommended against using Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotics to prevent the bacteria from migrating to different parts of the body where infections could occur.

Individuals who have impaired immune systems or those taking immunosuppressive medication should not use probiotics. Those with open surgical wounds or using a catheter should avoid probiotics.

People with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) are also recommended to avoid probiotics, though the species Bacillus Coagulans is sometimes recommended to improve symptoms.

Be aware that probiotics will interact with antibiotics. Antibiotic drugs cannot distinguish between the good and bad bacteria in the body and will attack and kill both types. For this reason, you should leave at least two hours between using antibiotics and probiotics

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus supplements do have applications in treating diarrhea and have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve immune response. Check with a doctor to determine whether these supplements are right for you to use.

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