Probiotics Part 2

Bifidobacterium

Yogurt is the most common food source of probiotics. From the last discussion, yogurt contains Lactobacilli. But, it also contains probiotics from the genus Bifidobacterium.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/chomplearn

There are over fifty different species (and even more sub-species) of Bifidobacterium.  The most common food and beverage Bifidobacterium strains are B. bifidum, B. breve, B. infantis, B. lactis, and B. longum. Each one of these strains impose different benefits and functions. B. infantis (“infantis” because it is commonly found in infants) is one of the first good bacteria that populates an infant’s digestive track. It is transferred over from the mother’s breast milk and helps break down and metabolize milk (lactose).  Infants who feed on formula are not able to get this and are at a greater risk for diarrhea, colic, developing eczema and other infections, as well as other long term immune effects. As an infant gets introduced to solid foods, B. infantis decreases and gets replaced by other bacteria (including other strains of Bifidobacterium).  Despite the benefits of Bifidobacterium, the amount decreases as a person ages.

In general, Bifidobacterium are found in the colon (although some strains have been isolated in the mouth and, for women, in the vagina). Bifidobacterium help break down and metabolize carbohydrates and increases the bioavailability of calcium, zinc, and iron.  Specifically, B. lactis can produce folic acid and B. bifidum assists in producing Vitamins B & K.  In general, Bifidobacterium help digestion by preventing and decreasing diarrhea, improving constipation, and decreasing the chance of developing lactose intolerance. In addition, B. bifidum has shown to help lower symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). B. lactis, B. longum, and B. breve have been studied to decrease the risk of recurrent colon cancer. B. longum might be beneficial to reducing Crohn’s Disease in the colon. Outside of the digestive system, Bifidobacterium help increase acute immune system functionality, yet decrease chronic inflammation in the body.  For the nervous system, B. longum has been studied to help in the treatment of anxiety.

Like Lactobacillii, Bifidobacterium is a lactic acid producing bacteria.  This means that it usually found in foods that are sour like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, infant formulas, Kombucha, and pickles.  Lifeway produces a kefir product that contains three strains of Bifidobacterium plus many other strains of Lactobacilli.  This product is based on studies that show that a combination of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium are crucial to a healthy gut.  Phillip’s Colon Health contains two strains of Bifidobacterium.  On a personal note, I take this supplement every day and I credit it as one of the reasons why I got to and have stayed in remission for Crohn’s Disease.

What is your favorite brand of yogurt? Does it contain Bifidobacterium?

Any suggested products are purely the writer’s own opinion and does not imply affiliation with the brand.