Learn the Benefits of Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium is among the friendly microorganisms that have been shown to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Antibiotics disrupt the balance of natural intestinal flora. The use of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium restores the population of beneficial bacteria. At birth a baby's gastrointestinal tract is sterile. The baby gets its first taste of bacteria while moving through the birthing canal and through breast milk.

Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds. These organic compounds include lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid that increase the acidity of the intestine and curb the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Dietary supplementation of Bifidobacterium bifidum encourages resistance to intestinal infections. It has resulted in synthesis of B-complex vitamins and absorption of calcium. Bifidobacterium bifidum also helps improve symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

Bifidobacterium infantis is found in the intestines of infants and adults. It is also present in the vaginal tract. This probiotic bacterium is a specific inhabitant of the large intestine where it can be found in high concentration among infants. This species of Bifidobacterium is predominant in the feces of breast-fed infants. Like other Bifidobacteria species, this organism can produce acids that may retard the colonization of certain foreign or harmful bacteria in the colon. Research suggests that the presence of Bifidobacterium infantis in the colon helps reduce the incidence of infantile diarrhea. Common synonyms for this species are Bifidobacterium lactentis, Bifidobacterium liberorum, and Actinomyces parabifidus.