What Is Bifidobacterium?
Bifidobacterium is a genus of gram-positive bacteria that colonise primarily the large intestine. They are the first inhabitants of the human gut — in infants they can make up 90% of colonic microflora. As we age their numbers decline, particularly under the influence of stress, antibiotics, and poor diet (Turroni et al., 2014).
Bifidobacterium bacteria are important for several reasons:
- They produce short-chain fatty acids (including butyrate) that feed colon cells
- They suppress the growth of harmful bacteria
- They synthesise B-group vitamins (folate, B12)
- They strengthen the intestinal barrier function
Key Bifidobacterium Species
B. longum — Versatile Adult Probiotic
Bifidobacterium longum is the most studied adult strain. It helps reduce anxiety via the gut-brain axis, alleviates IBS symptoms, and reduces allergic reactions. Research has shown that B. longum NCC3001 significantly reduced depression scores in IBS patients (Pinto-Sanchez et al., 2017).
ICONFIT Superfoods Inulin Powder 250g is a prebiotic that supports Bifidobacterium growth in the gut — inulin is their preferred food source.
B. breve — Infant and Immune Probiotic
B. breve is primarily found in infants but research shows benefits for adult immune modulation too. It reduces inflammatory markers and supports children with atopic dermatitis (Moro et al., 2006).
B. animalis subsp. lactis — Digestion Enhancer
B. animalis subspecies lactis (also known as Bb-12) is one of the most clinically documented strains. It accelerates intestinal transit, reduces constipation, and increases protective secretory IgA antibody levels in the gut mucosa (Chouraqui et al., 2004).
ICONFIT Boulardii 60caps is not a Bifidobacterium, but Saccharomyces boulardii is an effective fungal probiotic that helps Bifidobacterium strains re-establish after antibiotic courses.
B. infantis — Intestinal Barrier Strengthener
B. infantis 35624 showed remarkable results in IBS patients — 57% of trial participants experienced symptomatic improvement beyond placebo (Whorwell et al., 2006).
Bifidobacterium Strain Comparison
| Strain | Main Application | Best Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| B. longum | Anxiety, IBS, allergy | Adults |
| B. breve | Immunity, eczema | Children, adults |
| B. animalis lactis | Constipation, mucosal health | All ages |
| B. infantis | IBS, intestinal permeability | Adults |
| B. bifidum | Post-antibiotic recovery | Adults |
Why Do Bifidobacterium Numbers Decline With Age?
Several factors deplete Bifidobacterium populations:
- Antibiotics — kill beneficial bacteria alongside pathogens
- High-sugar, low-fibre diet — deprives Bifidobacterium of their food source
- Chronic stress — activates the sympathetic nervous system, altering gut environment
- Ageing process — changes in gut mucosa composition reduce the Bifidobacterium niche
Explore Bifidobacterium-containing products at maxfit.ee's probiotic category.
Bifidobacterium and Mental Health
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication channel between the gut microbiome and the brain. Bifidobacterium bacteria influence serotonin production — approximately 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. B. longum research has linked this strain to improved stress coping (Allen et al., 2016).
FAQ
How much Bifidobacterium should I take per day?
Most research uses 1–10 billion CFU daily. For some strains (e.g. B. infantis), even lower doses of 1 billion CFU are effective. Bigger is not always better; strain specificity matters more than sheer dose.
Does Bifidobacterium work better with prebiotics?
Yes. Prebiotics like inulin and FOS are Bifidobacterium's primary food sources. Combining them is the synbiotic principle, which has proven superior to either alone (Marteau & Seksik, 2004).
Is Bifidobacterium safe during pregnancy?
Bifidobacterium strains are generally regarded as safe, including during pregnancy. However, always consult your doctor before starting new supplements during pregnancy.
References
- Turroni, F. et al. (2014). Molecular dialogue between the human gut microbiota and the host. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 71(2), 183–203.
- Pinto-Sanchez, M. I. et al. (2017). Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 reduces depression scores and alters brain activity. Gastroenterology, 153(2), 448–459.
- Whorwell, P. J. et al. (2006). Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with irritable bowel syndrome. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 101(7), 1581–1590.
- Allen, A. P. et al. (2016). Bifidobacterium longum 1714 as a translational psychobiotic. Translational Psychiatry, 6(11), e939.
- Marteau, P., & Seksik, P. (2004). Tolerance of probiotics and prebiotics. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 38(6 Suppl), S67–S69.
