Bifidobacterium Probiotic Supplements and Yogurt Sources

Bifidobacterium probiotics are among the most common and popular probiotic supplements.

They are used by people in nearly every culture around the world.

The bifidobacterium probiotic genus is composed of over thirty different species, of which four are commonly used as probiotics.

Bifidobacteria, often simply called Bifidus, are among the first species to colonize the gut of infants, being passed through breast milk from the mother. In fact, some studies suggest infants not receiving breast milk are more prone to food allergies and may even be more susceptible to certain illnesses throughout life.

It is thought the lactic acid bacteria (LABs), including bifidobacteria, colonize the infant gut mucosa, steadily converting carbohydrates into chemical compounds like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This creates an inhospitable place for pathogenic bacteria to survive or thrive.

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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Uses of Bifidobacterium Probiotics

The microbiome of the human gut is a complex ecosystem containing hundreds of bacterial species.

An average adult is thought to have about three pounds of these microorganisms living within their digestive tract.

These bacterial agents play an important role in the physiology of the individual. Bifidobacterium are key players in the probiotic family, being found in the GI tract, vagina and mouth of mammals, including humans.

Bifidus works as a probiotic in several ways; some bifidobacterium play significant roles in the balance between acidity and alkalinity (pH balance), inhibit harmful bacteria from colonizing and infecting the mucosa of the gut, modulate immune responses throughout the body, produce vitamins B and K, and convert a number of ingested foods into bioactive molecules.

Bifidobacteria possess a unique metabolic pathway enabling them to break down oligosaccharides which are often resistant to degradation.

Bifidus bacteria thrive not only in the intestines and stomach, but also in the colon where bifidobacterium make up a significant part of the flora.

Bifidobacterium Supplements

Bifidobacterium probiotics may be useful to: (1) decrease allergy symptoms; (2) reduce inflammation; (3) Inhibit harmful bacteria; and (4) prevent some types of tumors.

There is growing interest in using probiotics to promote weight loss as well, since studies show that obese individuals have significantly different gut microflora populations than non-obese individuals. The four most commonly used probiotic bifidobacterium species include:

Bifidobacterium Longum: This is species of bacteria is more versatile than most. This is because even though it requires an anaerobic environment for fermentation like most of the other bifidobacterium, it is also able to tolerate the presence of oxygen.

B. longum produces enzymes which break down foods to prevent them from putrefying in the colon which can be harmful to health. It is also able to break down and convert sugars from cruciferous vegetables, cereal grains and dried beans which are normally difficult for humans to digest.

This bifidobacterium probiotic strengthens the mucosal lining of the intestines, as well as protects immune cells, allowing them to grow into mature, more effective immune cells.

Bifidobacterium Breve: These bacteria are thought to be one of the most plentiful found in the GI tract of infants.

Unfortunately, as we age, these bacteria are found colonizing our digestive tracts less and less, finally reaching a point of less than 10% concentration of the gut microflora.

B. breve has a unique ability to out-compete other bacteria due to the large number of molecules it can digest, even breaking down certain plant fibers which are often considered indigestible.

Supplementation with Bifidus breve pills or capsules is reported to reduce symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, allergies and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Bifidobacterium Infantis: Studies show that the probiotic properties of this species of bacteria exhibit anti-inflammatory influence within the digestive tract.

Specifically, a four-week clinical study in 2006 demonstrated the utility of B. infantis for the reduction of abdominal pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction, straining and gas. The global symptoms, when assessed against the placebo group, exceeded the placebo by more than 20%.

Bifidobacterium Bifidum: These probiotic bacteria aid in the synthesis of Vitamin K and B-complex vitamins within the intestines.

Vitamin K chiefly regulates blood clotting processes, while B vitamins contribute to energy production, metabolization of proteins and carbohydrates, support red blood cell production, and contribute to normal growth and development of the human body.

Bifidobacterium Sources

Bifidobacterium probiotic supplements are available in food products like yogurts and sauerkraut, but for a standardized dose, consider capsules, tablets or pills which provide a consistent daily dose.

If treating specific symptoms, the ratio of bifidus probiotics to one another may vary significantly, making it important to read the ingredient labels before making a selection.

Bifidobacterium probiotics are considered generally safe, though individuals with weakened immune systems are cautioned to talk with their doctor before beginning any supplement regimen.

Bifidobacterium Probiotics in Review

Bifidobacterium probiotic supplements are included with any probiotic regimen, whether restoring the microflora after antibiotic treatment, or treating symptoms of diarrhea, bloating or inflammation.

These healthy microbes can be taken by themselves, but are often more effective when combined with other bifidobacterium probiotic agents.

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