Meet the Bifidobacterium Genus

December 2021

CAPTION: December 2021

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria or yeast which help to keep the digestive system healthy and benefit the whole body. Some of the most common probiotic microbes for humans come from the Bifidobacterium genus.

Naturally occurring in the human body, Bifidobacterium are one of the major groups of bacteria that make up the gastrointestinal tract and are also ubiquitous inhabitants of the vagina and mouth. Bifidobacterium are one of the most abundant types of bacteria in the intestinal microbiota of infants, particularly when breastfed. The bacteria carry out key functions in the developing child (e.g. immune development) and lay a foundation for good health through all life stages.[1]

Bifidobacterium species used as probiotics include the strains, Bifidobacterium infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium breve R0070, and Bifidobacterium longum R0175.

In a multi-strain probiotic formula, Bifidobacterium are commonly combined with bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus. Together, these probiotics can benefit the microbiome, support gastrointestinal health, immune system function, vaginal health and help maintain general health and wellbeing.[2]

References:

[1] Saturio S, et al. Early-life development of the Bifidobacterial community in the infant gut. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 25;22(7):3382.
[2] Eagle Natural Health. Clinical applications of Multi-strain probiotics. 2020. Available from: https://eaglenaturalhealth.com.au/clinical-resources/technical-sheets/clinical-applications-of-multi-strain-probiotics-the-role-in-the-gut-microbiota-and-beyond/ (Practitioner access)