Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionHealth BenefitsSide EffectsDosageSources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Health Benefits
Side Effects
Dosage
Sources
Bifidobacteriumis a species of “goodbacteria.” It colonizes the intestinal tract in infants as they pass through the birth canal.
Research suggests that Bifidobacteria boosts overall immunity and treat gastrointestinal infections. They also improvedigestionand conditions such asdiarrhea,constipation, and eczema.
This article explains the benefits and safety of Bifidobacteria supplements.
Choosing a SupplementIn the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Choosing a Supplement
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Getty Images
What Are Bifidobacteria?
Bifidobacteria are good bacteria found in your intestinal tract. Around 82 species of Bifidobacteria exist.Bifidobacteria products include but aren’t limited toBifidobacterium longum, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. infantis,andB. lactic.Each type has different kinds of benefits.
Bifidobacteria help produce or synthesizeB vitamins, includingfolate.B vitamins help produce energy for your body.
Bifidobacteria also help digest nutrients, making them more available to your body.
Lastly, Bifidobacteria help produceshort-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Researchers have touted SCFAs as improving the gut lining, blood sugar levels, lipid metabolism, immune system and inflammatory response, and blood pressure.
Researchers suggest diets rich in fiber and omega-3 bolster SCFA production and SCFA-producing bacteria.
Bifidobacteria Health Benefits
Bifidobacteria offer many health benefits to the gut, brain, metabolism, and immune systems. In fact, the presence and abundance of this bacteria have been indicated as a marker for health.
They Boost Immunity
Numerous studies suggest that gut health during infancy can help prevent health issues later in life.
Changes ingut bacteriaare linked to autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndrome, allergies, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Healthy bacteria contribute to gut health, enhanced immune function, and possibly reduced disease risk.
Bifidobacteria’s protective role in early-life diseases may involve immune stimulation and changes in the intestinal environment through short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and lactate production.
They Decrease and Treat Gastrointestinal Infections
Probiotics are oftentaken with and after antibioticsto reduce gastrointestinal infection risk and maintain good bacteria. In addition, some studies suggest that treatment with a probiotic containing Bifidobacteria and other strains may help treat infections likeClostridioides difficile,decreasing diarrhea.
They Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk
Some studies have shown that fermented foods containing specific strains of Bifidobacteria may decrease the risk of recurrent colon cancer.However, more research is needed.
They Improve Diarrhea and Constipation
Research indicates that treatment with low or high doses of probiotics for a period shorter than 8 weeks significantly improves IBS symptoms and benefits quality of life. The literature review also concludedBifidobacterium infantiswas one of three bacteria with the most benefits in IBS patients.
Although it isn’t known exactly howprobiotics aid in the reduction of IBS symptoms, it is thought that Bifidobacteria may strengthen the intestinal barrier, assist the immune system in removing harmful bacteria, and break down nutrients.
What Are Prebiotics?
They Prevent Eczema
Studies have shown that using probiotics containing strains of Bifidobacteria during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in infants, can prevent eczema in infants and children. When it comes totreating eczema, the benefits of probiotics are mixed.More research is needed to determine the benefits.
Before using supplements during pregnancy or giving your child supplements, please consult with your healthcare provider first.
What to Eat When You Have Eczema
They May Increase the Bioavailability of Certain Minerals
Consuming products containing Bifidobacteria, also known as “functional foods,” may improve the bioavailability of certain minerals, such as calcium, zinc,selenium, and iron.
They Improve Mood
Studies suggest Bifidobacteria promote mental health and mood.Specifically, probiotics containingBifidobacterium bifidumBGN4 andBifidobacterium longumBORI for 12 weeks improved mood in older adults.
In another study people with major depressive disorder using 1010 CFUBifidobacterium breveCCFM1025 for four weeks experienced improved symptoms. The researchers suggested this may be due to changes in guttryptophanmetabolism.
They May Reduce Fat Accumulation
Animal studies suggest Bifidobacteria may reduce fat accumulation in the body, reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and other chronic health conditions.For example,B. animalissubsp. lactis CECT 8145 increasedAkkermansiain the gut.Akkermansia is a “good” bacteria thought to positively affect metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
However, studies need to be conducted in humans before Bifidobacteria can be recommended for this use.
Possible Side Effects
People who have underlying health conditions, particularly those that are immune-compromised or have digestive disorders, may be more sensitive to probiotics (increasing the risk of infection in some), and therefore should always discuss with their medical team before starting.
Taking large doses of probiotics can cause GI symptoms like gas, constipation, or diarrhea.
Dosage and Preparation
Probiotics are labeled based on the colony-forming units (CFUs). This indicates how dense or potent the live bacteria are. The higher number of CFUs in a probiotic can mean it has a higher impact on the growth of good bacteria within your gut flora.
Some companies will suggest that their probiotic is superior to others based on the number of CFUs, but specific dosages in terms of CFUs are less well-studied and likely less important. Rather, it’s more important to find a high-quality product that has been properly processed with a large proportion of viable, live bacteria.
Products that have not been prepared and stored properly may contain dead bacteria which defeats the purpose of taking a probiotic and can be a waste of money. To prevent this from happening, some companies encapsulate their products.
Characteristics of an Effective ProbioticFor a probiotic to be effective, it must:Not be toxic or pathogenicRetain characteristics that have been proven beneficial to the host (the person who is using it)Contain a sufficiently large number of viable microorganisms per unitBe capable of growing and surviving the manufacturing process as well as transit through the stomach and small intestineRemain alive (viable) during storage and use
Characteristics of an Effective Probiotic
For a probiotic to be effective, it must:Not be toxic or pathogenicRetain characteristics that have been proven beneficial to the host (the person who is using it)Contain a sufficiently large number of viable microorganisms per unitBe capable of growing and surviving the manufacturing process as well as transit through the stomach and small intestineRemain alive (viable) during storage and use
For a probiotic to be effective, it must:
If you do decide to start supplementing, start slowly and increase gradually. There is a wide range of dosages and starting too high may cause some stomach discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider or registered dietitian how to get started.
Probiotics vs. PrebioticsPrebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that serves as food for the probiotics. When the gut is colonized with healthy flora, the prebiotics keep those species healthy and reproducing.Examples of foods that contain prebiotics include asparagus, berries, mushrooms, bananas, garlic, artichokes, watermelon, grapefruit, barley, oats, seaweed, legumes, and onions.Some supplements are referred to as “symbiotic,” meaning they supply both prebiotics and probiotics.
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that serves as food for the probiotics. When the gut is colonized with healthy flora, the prebiotics keep those species healthy and reproducing.Examples of foods that contain prebiotics include asparagus, berries, mushrooms, bananas, garlic, artichokes, watermelon, grapefruit, barley, oats, seaweed, legumes, and onions.Some supplements are referred to as “symbiotic,” meaning they supply both prebiotics and probiotics.
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that serves as food for the probiotics. When the gut is colonized with healthy flora, the prebiotics keep those species healthy and reproducing.
Examples of foods that contain prebiotics include asparagus, berries, mushrooms, bananas, garlic, artichokes, watermelon, grapefruit, barley, oats, seaweed, legumes, and onions.
Some supplements are referred to as “symbiotic,” meaning they supply both prebiotics and probiotics.
How to Get More Bifidobacteria
There are several delicious and nutritious ways to increase your Bifidobacteria intake and improve your body’s use of it:
You can also try probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacteria. Addingprebioticslike fiber orglucomannancan boost your probiotic supplement.
Children can eat foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, sour cream, kefir, miso, and some cheeses. If you are thinking about giving your child a probiotic supplement, talk with your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider first.
If you are unsure what type of probiotic to purchase and how much to take, discuss it with your healthcare team.
What Should You Know About Probiotics?
Summary
Bifidobacteria are good bacteria found in your intestinal tract. Research suggests Bifidobacteria may boost immunity, reduce and treat gastrointestinal infections, and improve mood, digestion, and eczema.
You can consume Bifidobacteria from food sources, as well as supplements. Side effects tend to be short-term as your body adapts, but people with underlying health conditions may be more sensitive.
If you’re unsure which type of probiotic is best for you, talk with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Duranti S, Longhi G, Ventura M, et al.Exploring the Ecology of Bifidobacteria and Their Genetic Adaptation to the Mammalian Gut.Microorganisms. 2020;9(1):8. Published 2020 Dec 22. doi:10.3390/microorganisms9010008
Yoshii K, Hosomi K, Sawane K, et al.Metabolism of Dietary and Microbial Vitamin B Family in the Regulation of Host Immunity. Front Nutr. 2019 Apr 17;6:48. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00048
Nogal A, Valdes AM, Menni C.The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between gut microbiota and diet in cardio-metabolic health.Gut Microbes. 2021;13(1):1-24. doi:10.1080/19490976.2021.1897212
Harvard T,H, Chan School of Public Health.The microbiome.
Alcazar CG, Paes VM, Shao Y, et al.The association between early-life gut microbiota and childhood respiratory diseases: a systematic review.Lancet Microbe. 2022;3(11):e867-e880. doi:10.1016/S2666-5247(22)00184-7
Lukasik J, Dierikx T, Besseling-van der Vaart I, et al.Multispecies Probiotic in AAD Study Group. Multispecies Probiotic for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial[published correction appears in JAMA Pediatr. 2022 Jul 5;:null].JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(9):860-866. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.1973
Zhang K, Dai H, Liang W, et al.Fermented dairy foods intake and risk of cancer.Int J Cancer. 2019;144(9):2099-2108. doi:10.1002/ijc.31959
Galica AN, Galica R, Dumitrașcu DL.Diet, fibers, and probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome. J Med Life. 2022 Feb;15(2):174-179. doi: 10.25122/jml-2022-0028
Harvard Medical School.Probiotics - even inactive ones - may relieve IBS symptoms.
Mansfield JA, Bergin SW, Cooper JR, et al.Comparative probiotic strain efficacy in the prevention of eczema in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Mil Med. 2014;179(6):580-592. doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-13-00546
Bielik V, Kolisek M.Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Minerals in Relation to a Healthy Gut Microbiome. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun 24;22(13):6803. doi: 10.3390/ijms22136803
Chen J, Chen X, Ho CL.Recent Development of ProbioticBifidobacteriafor Treating Human Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021 Dec 22;9:770248. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.770248
Kim CS, Cha L, Sim M, et al.Probiotic supplementation improves cognitive function and mood with changes in gut microbiota in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2021;76(1):32-40. doi:10.1093/gerona/glaa090
Tian P, Chen Y, Zhu H, et al.Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 attenuates major depression disorder via regulating gut microbiome and tryptophan metabolism: A randomized clinical trial.Brain Behav Immun. 2022;100:233-241. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2021.11.023
Caimari A, del Bas JM, Boqué N, et al.Heat-killed Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis CECT 8145 increases lean mass and ameliorates metabolic syndrome in cafeteria-fed obese rats. Journal of Functional Foods. 2017;38:251-263. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2017.09.029
Pedret A, Valls RM, Calderón-Pérez L, et al.Effects of daily consumption of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 on anthropometric adiposity biomarkers in abdominally obese subjects: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Obes. 2019;43(9):1863-1868. doi: 10.1038/s41366-018-0220-0
UC Davis Department of Nutrition.Nutrition & health info sheets for health professionals - prebiotics and probiotics.
Harvard Medical School.Feed your gut.
Küçükgöz K, Trząskowska M.Nondairy probiotic products: Functional foods that require more attention.Nutrients. 2022;14(4):753. Published 2022 Feb 10. doi:10.3390/nu14040753
Fogliano V, Corollaro ML, Vitaglione P, et al.In vitro bioaccessibility and gut biotransformation of polyphenols present in the water-insoluble cocoa fraction.Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011;55 Suppl 1:S44-S55. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201000360
So D, Whelan K, Rossi M, et al.Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr.2018;107(6):965-983. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy041
A.L. McCartney. Bifidobacteria in foods.Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), 2003.Amy O’Callaghan and Douwe van Sinderen.Bifidobacteria and their role as members of the human gut microbiota. Front Microbiol. 2016; 7: 925. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00925Barker, AK et. al.A randomized controlled trial of probiotics for Clostridium difficile infection in adults (PICO). J Antimicrob Chemother. 2017 Nov 1;72(11):3177-3180. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkx254.Dai, C. et. al. Probiotics and irritable bowel syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Sep 28; 19(36): 5973–5980. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i36.5973Lidia Schettle, PA-C, and Peter A. Lio, M.D.Probiotics: The Search for Bacterial Balance.Despite their tiny size, bacteria play an important role in eczema and in the overall health of the skin.National Eczema Association.Milani, C. et. al.The first microbial colonizers of the human gut: composition, activities, and health implications of the infant gut microbiota. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev. 2017 Dec; 81(4): e00036-17. doi: 10.1128/MMBR.00036-17Rodino-Janerio, B, et. al.A review of microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome: future in therapies. Adv Ther. 2018; 35(3): 289–310. doi: 10.1007/s12325-018-0673-5Tuomola, E. et. al.Quality assurance criteria for probiotic bacteria.The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 73, Issue 2, February 2001, Pages 393s–398s.
A.L. McCartney. Bifidobacteria in foods.Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), 2003.
Amy O’Callaghan and Douwe van Sinderen.Bifidobacteria and their role as members of the human gut microbiota. Front Microbiol. 2016; 7: 925. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00925
Barker, AK et. al.A randomized controlled trial of probiotics for Clostridium difficile infection in adults (PICO). J Antimicrob Chemother. 2017 Nov 1;72(11):3177-3180. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkx254.
Dai, C. et. al. Probiotics and irritable bowel syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Sep 28; 19(36): 5973–5980. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i36.5973
Lidia Schettle, PA-C, and Peter A. Lio, M.D.Probiotics: The Search for Bacterial Balance.Despite their tiny size, bacteria play an important role in eczema and in the overall health of the skin.National Eczema Association.
Milani, C. et. al.The first microbial colonizers of the human gut: composition, activities, and health implications of the infant gut microbiota. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev. 2017 Dec; 81(4): e00036-17. doi: 10.1128/MMBR.00036-17
Rodino-Janerio, B, et. al.A review of microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome: future in therapies. Adv Ther. 2018; 35(3): 289–310. doi: 10.1007/s12325-018-0673-5
Tuomola, E. et. al.Quality assurance criteria for probiotic bacteria.The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 73, Issue 2, February 2001, Pages 393s–398s.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
