Bifidobacterium Longum Probiotics Supplement Benefits and Side Effects

Bifidobacterium longum is considered one of the most important probiotic bacterium in the human body. It is one of the most prevalent healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract of breast-fed infants.

It colonizes mainly in the lower GI tract and in the colon, where it works in three ways to keep us healthy and energized. Taking Bifidobacterium Longum supplements can help to maintain a normal and healthy digestive tract, inhibit the growth of pathogenic (unhealthy) bacteria and promote better immune system function

Bifidobacterium longum has a symbiotic relationship with its human or animal host. These bacteria are known probiotics, meaning they are intended to benefit their host organism (body) and to protect their host from disease.

B. longum is commonly used for diarrhea prevention, cholesterol reduction and proper immune function.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance are often reduced and there is some evidence that it may aid in cancer prevention.

Food allergies are reported to be eased with the introduction of bifidobacterium longum supplementation.

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 Longum Effects

B. Longum works in the colon to ferment a wide variety of sugars into lactic acid. By creating an acidic environment with a low pH balance, harmful bacterial agents are unable to live or grow.

It is thought that bifidobacterium longum lives in such high quantities in the colon because it is able to break down and release energy from certain substrates which are not broken down by other probiotic bacteria in the intestines.

Because bifidobacterium longum is aerotolerant (able to grow in the presence of oxygen), it is considered to be more versatile than other Bifido species.

Bifidobacterium Longum works as a scavenger organism, finding and catabolizing pathogenic agents which make it through the upper GI tract. It scavenges free radicals and neutralizes them before they can contribute to a person’s chance for stroke or atherosclerosis.

Longevity may also be increased through supplementation of this helpful bacteria. Some strains of bifidobacterium longum have been demonstrated to have an antioxidative effect on radical oxidative agents known to contribute to ageing and age-related disease processes.

Bifidobacterium Longum makes up about 90% of an infant’s probiotic bacteria within its GI tract. As we grow older, this healthy organism decreases significantly, with adult humans sometimes having a ratio of no more than 3% with relation to the overall gut flora.

Benefits of Bifidobacterium Longum Supplementation

Studies confirm multiple benefits of bifidobacterium longum in humans.

Besides their health boosting effects within our digestive tract, B. longum have also been shown to lower cholesterol in two ways: first, by incorporating cholesterol into its own membrane; and second, by suppressing the resorption of bile acids which contribute to cholesterol within the body.

As a probiotic, bifidobacterium longum works to inhibit and decrease inflammation within the body.

In the colon, bifidobacterium longum produces enzymes to digest materials which would otherwise putrefy and cause inflammation or other disease processes.

Sources and Dosage

Bifidobacterium longum is often added to food products for its probiotic effects.

It will be listed on the ingredient panels of yogurts and other dairy products. Tests of several better-known products have shown lower numbers of colonies than stated, and sometimes they contain a different strain of bifidobacterium is found in the product altogether.

Because it can be difficult to ascertain the strain, quantity or viability of Bifidobacterium in food products, supplementation with standardized doses in tablet, capsule or powder form is recommended.

Your physician may prescribe an alternate dosage amount for you or your children, but a typical daily dose for an adult is between 10 million – 15 million active live cultures, or CFUs (colony forming units).

Bifidobacterium Longum Side Effects

Bifidobacterium longum is considered to be a probiotic (helpful) organism residing naturally within the human gastrointestinal tract.

Side effects, if any, are usually quite mild and often due to starting off with too large of a dose. Reports of intestinal discomfort, flatulence or bloating will usually subside with continued use or lowered dosing.

Individuals with compromised immune function should not take probiotics unless under the express advice of their physician.

B. longum does not contain any genetic material which could pass along antibiotic resistant traits to other organisms.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should consult with their doctor before taking this probiotic.

Children can usually take B. longum safely, but as with all supplements, consult with their doctor for dosing regimen.

Review

Bifidobacterium longum is a powerful probiotic which is most prevalent during infancy and then decreases in the human GI tract as we age.

It has been shown to be beneficial for digestive health and immune function, and may also aid with cholesterol reduction and colon cancer prevention.

While all the probiotic benefits have yet to be identified, a wealth of scientific data demonstrates that this healthy organism is beneficial to overall health and vitality.

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