Bifidobacterium bifidum

What is Bifidobacterium bifidum?

Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the main species of healthy bacteria that resides in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is considered an essential probiotic microorganism that provides many benefits related to digestive and overall health.

Key Features of B. bifidum

There are a few key features that characterise B. bifidum and contribute to its probiotic effects:

• Prevalent gut bacteria: B. bifidum is one of the most numerous microbes present in a healthy human digestive system, especially in breastfed infants. Its population levels tend to decline with age.
• Produces beneficial acids: B. bifidum produces acetic and lactic acid through the fermentation of carbohydrates. These acids lower gut pH, creating an environment that supports healthy digestion.
• Competitive exclusion of pathogens: B. bifidum is adept at sticking to intestinal wall tissues where it leaves little room for disease-causing microbes to accumulate and cause infection.
• Supports immune function: Some strains of B. bifidum may help stimulate certain immune responses and regulate inflammation within the gut.

What Are the Benefits of B. bifidum?

Supplementing with quality B. bifidum probiotic formulations can provide a spectrum of advantages. Some of the top clinically researched benefits include:

Supports Overall Digestive Health

By releasing helpful enzymes and acids, B. bifidum probiotics assist with multiple aspects of digestion. They may help promote regularity, reduce occurrences of diarrhoea, and ease uncomfortable gas and bloating.

Boosts Nutrient Absorption

The helpful environment created by B. bifidum supports mineral absorption capacities across the gut lining. In particular, probiotic supplementation may enhance uptake of key nutrients like iron, zinc and magnesium.

Promotes Immune Regulation

As a resident of the GI tract, B. bifidum interacts extensively with the gut-associated lymphoid immune tissues. Some strains demonstrate an ability to reduce inflammatory markers and offer helpful immunomodulation.

Fights Unwanted Pathogens

By competitive inhibition, B. bifidum probiotics restrict adhesion space available to undesirable pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella and Helicobacter pylori. This may prevent infection and overcolonisation by such microbes.