{"id":150302314268,"date":"2023-04-27T22:19:36","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T02:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/?p=150302314268"},"modified":"2025-12-01T13:17:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T18:17:06","slug":"what-are-bifidobacteria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/what-are-bifidobacteria\/","title":{"rendered":"Bifidobacteria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Are Bifidobacteria?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive bacteria that live in the gut of warm-blooded animals and most mammals, including humans. They are anaerobes, meaning that they live without oxygen<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-1\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount and the different species of Bifidobacteria changes with the age of the host. Bifidobacteria are most abundant in the gut of infants. Adults tend to have much less Bifidobacteria than infants and children, but the levels are relatively constant. Similarly, the species\u2019 composition changes, as some species are more dominant in adulthood than in infancy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Species that are dominant in infants include <em>B. longum<\/em>,<em> B. breve<\/em>, and <em>B. bifidum<\/em>. However, <em>B. longum<\/em> is also abundant in adults.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The application of <em>Bifidobacteria<\/em> as a probiotic shows to improve the health of different organ systems in humans.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-2\"><\/span> Let\u2019s see the roles of some Bifidobacterium species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-3-1-1024x684.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-150302314269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-3-1-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-3-1-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-3-1-1536x1026.png 1536w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-3-1.png 1612w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Bifidobacterium Longum<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. longum<\/em> is a Bifidobacterium species that lives in the gut. Specifically, <em>B. longum<\/em> lives in the lower gut, where you have less monosaccharides and disaccharides. That is why this bacterium has a lot of genes for oligosaccharide metabolism.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. longum<\/em> changes its gene readouts a lot, probably to respond and adapt faster to the changing nutrient levels in the gut.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-3\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. longum,<\/em> itself, includes 3 more subspecies: <em>longum<\/em>, <em>infantis<\/em>, and <em>suis<\/em><span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-4\"><\/span> We will focus on subspecies <em>longum<\/em> and <em>infantis<\/em> because they inhabit the human GI tract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits Of <em>B. Longum<\/em> Subspecies <em>Longum<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improves Gut Health And Regularity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bifidobacteria, as a part of normal gut microbiota, maintain gut health. Consumption of dairy products containing <em>B. longum<\/em> spp <em>longum<\/em> makes constipated people go more often while they are taking the probiotics.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-5\"><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 16-week study included 123 older adults, divided into 3 groups:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Placebo group<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower dose of <em>B. longum<\/em> (25 billion colony-forming units) group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Higher dose of <\/strong><strong><em>B. longum<\/em><\/strong><strong> (<\/strong><strong>50 billion colony-forming units)<\/strong><strong> group<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals that received either low or high doses of <em>B. longum<\/em> experienced gastrointestinal benefits. It seemed to have normalizing benefits. Those who pooped less often experienced increased bowel movements. Whereas those who pooped more often experienced less bowel movements. Therefore, <em>B. longum <\/em>balances the intestinal environment and bowel movements.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-6\"><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Antibiotic treatment should be accompanied by probiotics to support a healthy gut flora. In a study testing the ability of <em>B. longum<\/em> to support gut flora restoration after antibiotics, ten healthy adults received antibiotic treatment. One group also received a placebo, while the other group received a yogurt containing <em>B. longum<\/em>. The <em>B. longum<\/em> group experienced less abdominal discomfort and defecation frequency than in the placebo group.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-7\"><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High fecal pH might indicate a deficiency in healthy gut bacteria. High levels of \u03b2-glucuronidase can be a sign of negative changes within the colon. Five healthy participants received <em>B. longum<\/em> for 5 weeks. Fecal pH, ammonia concentration, and \u03b2-glucuronidase levels dropped during the <em>B. longum<\/em> supplementation.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-8\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, <em>B. longum<\/em> protects from DNA damage in the gut lining. In rat colon cells exposed to chemicals that damage DNA,&nbsp; pretreatment with<em> B. longum<\/em> inhibited some of this damage.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-9\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supports Healthy And Balanced Immune Function<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A study compared stool samples from 99 children with allergies (allergic dermatitis and asthma) with stools of 102 healthy children underwent analysis. They found that healthy children had more <em>B. longum<\/em> (30.3%) than allergic children (11.1%). This data is not enough to say that <em>B. longum<\/em> supplementation can help with allergies. However, having <em>B. longum<\/em> in the gut likely supports a healthy inflammatory response.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-10\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a mouse model of <a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/how-to-cure-leaky-gut?gl=634833813f5d60df588b4567\">leaky gut<\/a>, <em>B. longum<\/em> mitigated the gut lining damage due to bacteria toxins normally present in the gut. <em>B. longum<\/em> promoted a balanced, healthy inflammatory response to these bacterial toxins.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-11\"><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, an intact barrier between the intestinal epithelial cells is necessary for health. This barrier prevents the entry of harmful molecules and bacteria into the bloodstream. Tight junctions provide this great barrier, but mild inflammation from food or normal gut bacteria can disrupt the tight junctions. Supplementation with <em>B. longum<\/em> seems to strengthen the gut barrier and support a balanced inflammatory response<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-12\"><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mood And Mental Health<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Subspecies longum has positive effects on mood and promotes relaxation.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-13\"><\/span> <em>Bifidobacterium longum<\/em> supports mental health through the <a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/what-is-the-gut-brain-microbiota-axis\/?gl=634852c43f5d60855e8b456a\">gut-brain axis<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, this bacterium might modulate a healthy stress response. A study included 40 healthy participants to investigate the effects of <em>B. longum<\/em> on social stress. Participants received either 1 billion colony-forming units of <em>B. longum<\/em> or a placebo for 4 weeks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals that received <em>B. longum<\/em> had stronger theta <a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/what-are-brainwaves\/?gl=63484d703f5d60fd5d8b456b\">brain waves<\/a> in resting state. This indicates a healthy response to stress and calmness, as well as reduced mental fatigue.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-14\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another study demonstrated the effects of <em>B. longum<\/em> supplementation on cognition. 22 participants first received a placebo for 4 weeks, and then 1 billion colony-forming units of <em>B. longum<\/em> for another 4 weeks. Visuospatial memory slightly improved. Additionally, participants reported increased feelings of calmness.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-15\"><\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supports Healthy Cholesterol Levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A study demonstrated how <em>B. longum<\/em>-fermented milk affects cholesterol levels in rats, as well as human participants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the rat study, healthy rats received a diet high in cholesterol and supplementation (just milk or <em>B. longum<\/em>-fermented milk) for 3 weeks. Serum analysis showed that <em>B. longum<\/em> supplementation supports healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges. LDL levels dropped, while HDL levels remained the same.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In regards to the human study, 32 healthy participants received either a low-fat yogurt containing <em>B. longum,<\/em> or 2 different bacterial species. Similar outcomes occurred as in the rat study: <em>B. longum<\/em> promoted healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-16\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bone Strength<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A number of cell culture and animal studies presented the role of <em>B. longum<\/em> in bone health. A rat study showed that the <em>B. longum<\/em>-treated group had higher magnesium and calcium levels in their bones. The same group had 8.6% stronger and more durable bones compared to the control group.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-17\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, <em>B. longum<\/em> inhibited osteoclast formation in a mouse study. Osteoclasts are cells that naturally degrade bone tissues.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-18\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-3-1-1024x688.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-150302314270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-3-1-1024x688.png 1024w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-3-1-768x516.png 768w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-3-1-1536x1032.png 1536w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-3-1.png 1604w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits Of <em>B. longum<\/em> Subspecies <em>infantis<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bifidobacterium infantis<\/em> inhabits the gut of infants where it helps the digestion of human milk oligosaccharides. It exerts the majority of beneficial effects like <em>B. longum<\/em>. However, those are not the only ones. Let\u2019s see some other benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relieves Abdominal Discomfort<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A study included 275 individuals with abdominal discomfort and bloating more than twice a week. They received 1 billion colony-forming units of <em>B. infantis<\/em> for 4 weeks. Bloating and abdominal discomfort significantly dropped during the supplementation period.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-19\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the ways <em>B. infantis<\/em> relieves abdominal discomfort is by promoting a balanced inflammatory response.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-20\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. infantis<\/em> may also help with stress-related digestive issues. 53 participants with abdominal issues after a stressful event received either <em>B. infantis<\/em> or nothing for 3 months. As <em>B. infantis<\/em> restored the microbiota balance, it promoted relaxation and boosted the mood through the <a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/what-is-the-gut-brain-microbiota-axis?gl=634852c43f5d60855e8b456a\">gut-brain axis<\/a> <span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-21\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preserves Gastrointestinal Integrity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The entry of foreign organisms or substances into the GI tract disrupts the balance. <em>B. infantis<\/em> can preserve the integrity of the tract by boosting a healthy immune response and inhibiting suboptimal microbes.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-22\"><\/span><span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-23\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Bifidobacterium Adolescentis&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. adolescentis <\/em>bacteria normally live in the gut of adults. It is important for gastrointestinal health, but also exerts other beneficial effects. Keep in mind that most studies for this strain are in animals, and we need more clinical trials to confirm their benefits in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Occasionally Alleviates Constipation And Promotes Regularity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. adolescentis<\/em> can occasionally help with constipation. In one study, mice received 3 <em>B. adolescentis<\/em> strains for 17 days. Two of those strains relieved constipation at times. <em>B. adolescentis<\/em> bound to the gut wall and increased lactobacilli. The increase in lactobacilli alleviates constipation.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-24\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stimulates GABA Production<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain strains of <em>B. adolescentis<\/em> enhance GABA production. In an experiment, 79% of <em>B. adolescentis<\/em> strains efficiently converted monosodium <a href=\"https:\/\/nootopia.com\/blog\/glutamate-neurotransmitter\/\">glutamate<\/a> (GABA precursor) to GABA. Furthermore, 23% of the strains obtained the classification of high GABA producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one study, rats received these GABA-producing <em>B. adolescentis<\/em> strains for 5 days. Rats had an increase in the activity of genes coding for GABA synthesis. The increase was between 1.5 and 7-fold.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-25\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healthy Glucose Metabolism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In a mouse study, mice received a high-fat diet with different Bifidobacterium strains for 12 weeks. The <em>B. adolescentis<\/em>-group had lower fasting blood glucose levels and better glucose intolerance. Therefore, <em>B. adolescentis<\/em> strains also improved the insulin sensitivity in mice.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-26\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Bifidobacterium Bifidum<\/em><\/strong><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bifidobacterium bifidum<\/em>, first isolated more than 60 years ago, lives in infant and adult guts. As opposed to <em>B. longum<\/em>, <em>B. bifidum<\/em> has far fewer genes that produce carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. This bacterium can bind to GI lining using its pili, which are the basis of interaction with the human host. In addition, <em>B. bifidum<\/em> supports the growth of other Bifidobacteria within the infant gut.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-27\"><\/span><span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-28\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intestinal And Stomach Wellbeing&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A study enrolled healthy individuals with occasional stomach issues. In the first open trial of the study, 305 individuals with or without abdominal discomfort received <em>B. bifidum<\/em>-fermented milk for 2 weeks. Their stomach discomfort improved from 45% (baseline) to 28%. Tummy issues also improved from 58% to 40% after 2 weeks of supplementation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second placebo-controlled crossover trial included 27 participants with stomach issues. They received either <em>B. bifidum<\/em>-fermented milk or a placebo for 2 weeks. The<em> B. bifidum<\/em> group had significantly less stomach issues when compared to the placebo group.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-29\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Balanced Stress Response<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>581 students received 3 billion colony-forming units of <em>B. bifidum<\/em> for 6 weeks. Students taking <em>B. bifidum<\/em> reported more \u2018\u2019healthy days\u2019\u2019 when compared to the control group. Furthermore, participants also scored lower stress levels, suggesting the stress-balancing effect of <em>B. bifidum<\/em>.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-30\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Bifidobacterium Breve<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bifidobacterium breve<\/em> is another species associated with the gut microbiota as well as the urogenital system.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-31\"><\/span> Let\u2019s see how it affects our health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urogenital Health<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bifidobacteria species, including <em>B. breve<\/em>, also reside in the vaginal microbiota. There is a potential that Bifidobacteria support vaginal health.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-32\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the test tubes, <em>B. breve<\/em> isolated from a healthy woman\u2019s vaginal swab inhibited the growth of urogenital pathogens.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-33\"><\/span> However, we still need more studies in humans to confirm the health benefits of <em>B. breve<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healthy Weight And Metabolism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In one study, mice ate a high-fat diet with <em>B. breve<\/em> supplementation (100 million or 1 billion colony-forming units per dose) for 8 weeks. Supplementation mitigated some increase in body weight. Furthermore,<em> B. breve<\/em> supported healthy cholesterol levels and enhanced the expression of genes for fat metabolism. Higher dosage (1 billion colony-forming units) was more beneficial than the lower dose. This indicates that the effects could be dose-dependent.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-34\"><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another study included 80 healthy pre-obese adults. They received either a placebo or 20 billion colony-forming units of <em>B. breve<\/em> for 12 weeks. Body fat mass was significantly lower in the <em>B. breve<\/em> group, with slight improvement in HDL cholesterol levels. The placebo group experienced a significant increase in fat area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shows the role of <em>B. breve<\/em> in supporting healthy weight and metabolism. Although the results were statistically significant, the average difference in body fat was only ~0.6 kg between the groups when diet and exercise remained the same. This was a modest amount of fat loss in 12 weeks, which would\u2019ve been significantly improved along with diet and exercise.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-35\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protects DNA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like <em>B. longum<\/em>, <em>B. breve<\/em> protects the gut lining cell\u2019s DNA from damaging chemicals in test tube studies.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-9\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental Health Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. breve<\/em> can benefit your mental health in a variety of ways. Some strains produce neuromodulatory metabolites, like tryptophan and nicotinate. In addition, <em>B. breve<\/em> can reshape the gut microbiota to improve mood, mental stamina, and stress response.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-36\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>79 individuals participated in a study investigating <em>B. breve<\/em> effects on cognition. Participants received 20 billion colony-forming units of <em>B. breve<\/em> or a placebo for 16 weeks. The <em>B. breve<\/em> group experienced a significant improvement in memory, cognition, and executive function.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-37\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The follow-up study demonstrated that there is a correlation between enhanced cognition and lower plasma hemoglobin A1c in the <em>B. breve<\/em> participant group. <em>B. breve<\/em> possibly does this by promoting a balanced inflammatory response.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-38\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promoting Healthy Immune Response<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. breve<\/em> can benefit and support your immune system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>It stimulates the production of IgA antibodies associated with mucosal immunity.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>B. breve<\/em> improves the intestinal barrier, and thus preserves intestinal integrity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It enhances naive T cell homing into lymph nodes. This increases the probability of T cells meeting an intruder.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This bacterium can activate regulatory T cells, which promotes immune balance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It promotes a healthy inflammatory response (increases interferon gamma, decreases interleukin 1 and interleukin 6).&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A trial included 130 pregnant women who started to receive <em>B. breve<\/em> 1 month before delivery. Women then administered <em>B. breve<\/em> to their infants for 6 months. Infant health significantly improved in the <em>B. breve <\/em>group when compared to the control group.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-39\"><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, immune-supportive effects of <em>B. breve<\/em> can support our immune system\u2019s natural ability to inhibit uncontrolled and unhealthy cell growth.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-40\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gastrointestinal Tract Loves <em>B. Breve&nbsp;<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. breve<\/em>, an inhabitant of the human gut, promotes gastrointestinal regularity. A study included 971 infants who received standard infant formula or the formula fermented with <em>B. breve<\/em> for 5 months. The infant that received B. breve experienced less frequent diarrhea and dehydration (2.5%) than the control group (6.1%).<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-41\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A mouse study dealt with <em>B. breve<\/em> effects on intestinal homeostasis. <em>B. breve<\/em> inhibited the secretion of some intestinal chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study suggested that B. breve improved on intestinal homeostasis and promotes a balanced inflammatory response.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-42\"><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-3-1-1024x684.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-150302314271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-3-1-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-3-1-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-3-1-1536x1026.png 1536w, https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-3-1.png 1615w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Bifidobacterium Animalis <\/em><\/strong><strong>Subspecies<\/strong><strong><em> Lactis&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another member is <em>Bifidobacterium animalis<\/em>, and we will focus on subspecies <em>lactis<\/em>. It originates from commercial yogurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. lactis<\/em> has the ability to<strong> balance the gut microbiota<\/strong> and exert beneficial effects. For instance:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>With its stable presence in the adult microbiota, <em>B. lactis<\/em> supports intestinal metabolic processes, like lipid metabolism and vitamin production.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It promotes epithelial integrity in the intestines, thus enhancing the barrier against foreign particles.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>B. lactis<\/em> can occasionally relieve constipation.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-43\"><\/span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supports your cardiovascular health.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>This bacterium interacts with the immune system and optimizes the inflammatory response.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-44\"><\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <em>B. lactis<\/em> can help in weight management. 225 volunteers received a placebo, dietary fiber, <em>B. lactis<\/em>, or dietary fiber + <em>B. lactis<\/em> for 6 months. Dietary fiber + <em>B. lactis<\/em> group showed a 4.5% decrease in the body fat mass compared to the control. In addition, the <em>B. lactis<\/em> group only showed a reduction in energy intake compared to the placebo group.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-45\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bifidobacterium Dentium<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>B. dentium<\/em> is another member of the intestinal microbiome. However, it can also live in the oral cavity, where it acts as a cariogen (induces tooth decay).<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-46\"><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Benefits:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><em>B. dentium<\/em> can enhance GABA secretion.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It enhances the mucosal layer in intestines.<span class=\"custom-citation\" data-id=\"ref-47\"><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Foods Contain Bifidobacteria?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After seeing all the benefits, now you might be wondering how to ensure the intake of Bifidobacteria. Basically, all fermented foods contain Bifidobacteria, but specifically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yogurt (with added Bifidobacteria cultures)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kefir<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pickles<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kimchi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sourdough bread<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sauerkraut&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also try Bifidobacteria in the form of probiotics. For example, our <a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/shop\/products\/cognibiotics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cognibiotics<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/shop\/products\/biome-breakthrough-chocolate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microbiome Breakthrough<\/a> contain some of these mentioned Bifidobacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-builder-content fl-builder-content-150302315222 fl-builder-template fl-builder-module-template fl-builder-global-templates-locked\" data-post-id=\"150302315222\"><div class=\"fl-module fl-module-html fl-node-64abe2df23991\" data-node=\"64abe2df23991\">\n\t<div class=\"fl-module-content fl-node-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"fl-html\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/shop\/products\/the-ultimate-gut-health-stack-vanilla?gl=64939dc93f5d60ca438b4568\" title=\"The Ultimate Gut Health Stack\" style=\"outline:none;text-decoration:none;border:0;\" target=\"_blank\">\n<picture>\n    <source media=\"(max-width: 640px) and (min-width: 1px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cogni-Microbiome_banner_v1_Mobile.png\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cogni-Microbiome_banner_v1.png\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cogni-Microbiome_banner_v1.png\" load=\"lazy\" alt=\"BIOptimize My Gut Flora\">\n<\/picture>\n<\/a>\n<center>Ad<\/center>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bifidobacteria are a genus of good bacteria that live in normal human microbiota. They deliver many health benefits. This article will cover everything you need to know about Bifidobacteria, and how they positively affect your mental, gut, and overall health. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":150302314269,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[380],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-150302314268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-improved-digestion"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Bifidobacteria - BIOptimizers Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bioptimizers.com\/blog\/what-are-bifidobacteria\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bifidobacteria - BIOptimizers Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Bifidobacteria are a genus of good bacteria that live in normal human microbiota. 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