Lactobacillus Bifidus is a probiotic supplement that can improve the digestive function of the body while also enhancing the immune system and restoring gut flora following the use of probiotics.
An average human adult has about 3.3 pounds of microorganisms living within the microflora of the intestines. Lactobacillus bifidus, or L. bifidus, is a group of these bacteria composed of 32 different species.
These bacterial agents are commonly referred to, simply, as bifidus. Their official scientific name is Bifidobacterium, though prior to 1960, they went by the name lactobacillus bifidus.
Lactobacillus bifidus is found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract and vaginal canal of humans and other mammals.
These are tough bacteria which are able to survive passage through the early stages of the digestive tract and eventually colonize within the large intestine and the colon.
They also modulate the balance of bacteria in the mucosal membranes of the vagina.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
What is Lactobacillus Bifidus?
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
Lactobacillus bifidus possess a unique fermentation process as compared to other gut flora bacteria. Because of this, they are able to ferment and convert some food compounds which other helpful bacteria are unable to process.
In the colon, this is especially beneficial because they can prevent putrefaction of food matter which is detrimental to our wellbeing.
Lactobacillus bifidus include probiotic agents such as B. animalis, B. infantis, B. longum, and B. breve.
Each of these beneficent organisms work independently and in concert with one another to establish dominance over pathogenic bacteria which find their way into our gut through foods we eat, or through transmigration from other areas of the body.
Some strains of lactobacillus bifidus are thought to help prevent E. coli and Salmonella poisoning.
Effects of Lactobacillus Bifidus
Lactobacillus bifidus works to keep the acidity level of the GI tract high, making it an unfriendly environment for deleterious microorganism to proliferate.
Pathogenic organisms typically thrive in surroundings with low acidity levels, so as lactobacillus bifidus and other probiotic bacteria work to keep the pH level low, the unhealthy bacteria are unable to reproduce or to colonize.
Taking L. Bifidus after Antibiotics
Any change in the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract can cause disruption in the pH levels, creating an opening for harmful bacteria to take hold. When this occurs, overgrowth can result in diarrhea, infection and disease.
Use of antibiotics is a common cause of disruption in the normal gut flora. Antibiotics are used to kill harmful bacteria, but in so doing, they also wipe out large numbers of our healthy bacteria, including lactobacillus bifidus.
When this happens, the body loses protection in fighting off illness and disease. A healthy individual will usually replenish their microflora over a period of 2-6 months.
Supplementing with probiotics during and following a disruption can speed the restoration process, sometimes re-establishing the balance of the flora within 2-4 weeks.
Lactobacillus Bifidus for Babies and Infants
Babies receive lactobacillus bifidus directly through breast milk, typically from their mothers. A few studies indicate breast-fed infants are less susceptible to foodborne illness and allergies, and may be less susceptible to certain illnesses throughout life when compared with infants not fed breast milk.
Some manufacturers of baby formula now include some of the compounds which can stimulate lactobacillus bifidus colonization within the digestive tract.
Buy Lactobacillus Bifidus
Lactobacillus bifidus, or bifidobacterium, are best when taken in supplement form. These can be found at better health food stores and online. Prepared formulas will contain ratios of the desired species.
These special formulas are designed to treat specific symptoms, while other more general probiotic supplements are designed simply to supplement and maintain the healthy flora already in the gut and vagina.
Some dairy products, particularly yogurts, are enriched with lactobacillus bifidus bacteria. If supplementing with these products, follow the recommended regimen provided by the manufacturer.
For example, with Dannon’s Activia yogurt line, it is important to eat at least three servings daily in order to garner the beneficial results.
Side Effects and Safety
Lactobacillus bifidus is found naturally in our bodies and in some food products. It is considered to be generally safe to use for most people. Health conscious individuals value probiotics over prescription medications because side effects, if any, are usually mild and short-term.
A small segment of the population should not use lactobacillus bifidus supplements. Individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems should not use probiotics unless under the express direction of your doctor.
Those with Short Bowel Syndrome are cautioned to speak with their doctor before starting any probiotic regimen.
Lactobacillus Bifidus in Review
Lactobacillus bifidus is the name once used for what is currently known as Bifidobacterium. Often, this grouping of bacteria s referred to simply as bifidus. Some bacteria in this genus are known to be probiotic, meaning they confer beneficial effects on their human host.
Lactobacillus bifidus can be supplemented in capsule, chewable tablets or pill form.
Article last updated on: April 28th, 2018 by Nootriment