Bifidobacterium infantis

What is Bifidobacterium infantis?

Bifidobacterium infantis is a type of healthy live bacteria that can provide benefits when consumed as a probiotic supplement ingredient. This common probiotic strain is important for digestive and immune health in people of all ages.

Key features of Bifidobacterium infantis

Some key features of Bifidobacterium infantis probiotic supplements include:

• Naturally occurs in the gut – B. infantis is a strain of bacteria that healthy infants naturally develop and harbour in their gastrointestinal tracts. It is considered an important “good” bacteria for digestive health.
• Supports immunity – This probiotic may strengthen immunity by interacting with gut-associated lymphoid tissue and regulating levels of cytokines and antibodies. Some studies have shown benefits for immune health in infants and adults.
• Aids digestion – B. infantis helps digest lactose, reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and abdominal discomfort, and enhances overall digestive function through interactions with gut microflora.
• Antimicrobial activity – This probiotic helps crowd out and inhibit pathogens and “bad” bacteria that can cause illness. B. infantis produces natural antimicrobial compounds.

What are the benefits of taking Bifidobacterium infantis supplements?

There are many evidence-based benefits associated with taking probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium infantis as one of the live microorganism strains. Potential benefits include:

• Enhanced immune response
• Relief of constipation
• Reduction in IBS symptoms
• Protection against gastrointestinal infections
• Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
• Prevention of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants
• Alleviation of depression and anxiety symptoms
• Improvement in symptoms of lactose intolerance

While more research is still needed, current findings on B. infantis probiotics are overall quite positive. The safe use of these supplements shows promise for improved health and well-being.

What foods contain Bifidobacterium infantis naturally?

Bifidobacterium infantis occurs most abundantly in the guts and breastmilk of infants. As babies grow older and are weaned onto solid foods, levels of this bacterium decrease substantially by age 4 years.

For this reason, B. infantis is not highly common in any normal adult foods. Probiotic supplements provide the most reliable source for restoring healthy B. infantis levels to support digestive and immune function.

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi can contain various probiotic strains. However quantities can vary widely and most do not list the specific strains.

Is it safe to take Bifidobacterium infantis supplements?

Multiple clinical studies have found probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium infantis to be very safe for most people. No major side effects have been reported.

Minor digestive symptoms are occasionally seen when starting a probiotic, including mild flatulence, stomach rumbling or soft stools. These mild effects usually resolve within a few days.

B. infantis probiotics can generally be taken safely by adults, children and infants older than one week. Those with compromised immune systems should exercise more caution and consult a healthcare professional first.

As with any supplement, check with your doctor before taking B. infantis probiotics if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or if you have a serious underlying medical condition.

What is the recommended dosage?

Effective dosages of Bifidobacterium infantis probiotics can vary depending on the intended benefit. Doses studied in clinical research generally range from 1 billion to 10 billion colony forming units (CFUs) taken once or twice per day.

Follow the dosage directions on your specific B. infantis supplement product. Most experts recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing over 2-4 weeks which allows your body to adjust.

Take your B. infantis probiotic supplement consistently, as the benefits are cumulative over time. Refrigerating the capsules can help maintain the viability of the live cultures.

Are there any side effects or precautions?

Bifidobacterium infantis supplements are considered very safe for most people and serious side effects are rare. Some general precautions include:

• Minor digestive symptoms may occur initially in some people as the gut microbiome adjusts. These usually subside within a few days.
• Those with compromised immunity should exercise caution and seek medical supervision before taking probiotics.
• Do not take B. infantis supplements within two hours of taking an antibiotic medication, as the antibiotic can kill off the live bacteria before they reach the intestines.
• Consult your doctor before taking any supplements in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Check whether probiotic supplements are contraindicated with any medical conditions you may have or any other medications you are taking.

If any persistent or concerning side effects develop while taking Bifidobacterium infantis supplements, stop taking them and see your healthcare professional for diagnosis and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Bifidobacterium infantis supplements to work?

Most people notice some benefits within 2-4 weeks, however the improvements accumulate over 3-6 months of consistent daily use before the full effects are experienced. Give your B. infantis probiotics at least a couple of months before assessing effectiveness.

When is the best time to take Bifidobacterium infantis - morning or night?

Research has not conclusively shown a major difference in benefits between morning or night. However, taking B. infantis probiotics in the morning seems to work well for most people, as it allows the live microbes to interact and digest food throughout the day.

Can Bifidobacterium infantis be taken together with other probiotics?

Yes, B. infantis can safely be taken together with other probiotic strains or supplements. Each strain offers unique health properties and taking a combination of different probiotics can provide enhanced overall effects.

Just be sure not to exceed any individual probiotic’s recommended dosage when combining multiple products. Gradually introduce added strains over time rather than immediately.

Are there any food or drink restrictions when taking Bifidobacterium infantis?

Avoid taking your B. infantis probiotic supplement within two hours of having antibiotics or sulphur-based products like eggs. Antibiotics can kill off the probiotics before they reach your intestines.

There are no specific everyday food or drink restrictions. Fiber, prebiotics and fermented foods can help support the growth of your B. infantis probiotics. Limit sugar intake which can diminish probiotic function.

Can Bifidobacterium infantis supplements be taken long term?

Yes, Bifidobacterium infantis supplements can safely be taken continuously long term without any significant side effects or downsides.

Since probiotics are live microbes that naturally occur in the gut, maintaining healthy B. infantis levels over months and years can help support ongoing digestive and immune function.