Lactobacillus bifidus
Also known as: Lactobacillus bifidus, bifidus bacteria, Bifidobacterium bifidum
Overview
Bifidobacterium bifidum is a species of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria naturally found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly abundant in infants. It is widely utilized as a probiotic supplement to support and maintain gut health. Its primary applications include the prevention and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. It also plays a significant role in modulating the overall gut microbiota composition. While the general probiotic effects of bifidobacteria are well-researched, the specific evidence for *B. bifidum* alone can be less abundant compared to other bifidobacteria strains. However, it is frequently included in multi-strain probiotic formulations, where its efficacy in improving gastrointestinal conditions is supported by good quality evidence, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses.
Benefits
Bifidobacterium bifidum, often as part of multi-strain probiotic formulations, offers several evidence-based benefits. A primary effect is the reduction in the incidence and duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in both adults and children, with meta-analyses showing a risk reduction of approximately 30-40%. For preterm infants, probiotics containing bifidobacteria, including *B. bifidum* or closely related strains like *B. infantis*, significantly decrease the risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), with relative risk reductions for LOS around 16-20%. Emerging evidence also suggests potential adjunctive benefits in metabolic disorders, such as improvements in lipid profiles and liver function markers when combined with *Lactobacillus* species, and possible benefits in psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, though this research is less definitive. The benefits are typically observed during concurrent administration with antibiotics or in the early postnatal period for infants.
How it works
Bifidobacterium bifidum exerts its beneficial effects primarily within the gastrointestinal tract. It modulates the gut microbiota by enhancing colonization resistance against harmful pathogens, thereby promoting a healthier microbial balance. This probiotic also produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which serve as a vital energy source for colonocytes and contribute to reducing inflammation in the gut. Furthermore, *B. bifidum* enhances the integrity of the mucosal barrier function, which is crucial for preventing the translocation of harmful substances from the gut into the bloodstream. It also modulates the immune system by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, interacting with epithelial cells and immune cells within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). As a probiotic, its action is localized to the gut, and systemic absorption is not a primary mechanism.
Side effects
Bifidobacterium bifidum is generally considered safe, with a long history of use in food products and dietary supplements. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, particularly during the initial days of supplementation as the gut adjusts. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include rare allergic reactions or intolerance. Very rare cases (<1%) of bacteremia or sepsis have been reported, primarily in severely immunocompromised patients or those who are critically ill, highlighting the need for careful consideration and clinical supervision in such populations. There are no significant drug interactions reported for *B. bifidum*. Contraindications include severe immunodeficiency or critical illness, where the use of probiotics should be approached with caution and under medical guidance. While beneficial for preterm infants, their use in this vulnerable population should always be clinically supervised.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Bifidobacterium bifidum, often as part of multi-strain probiotic formulations, typically ranges from 10^8 to 10^10 colony-forming units (CFU) per day in clinical trials. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the specific formulation and the targeted health condition. While a maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, doses up to 10^11 CFU/day have been used in studies without significant safety concerns. For the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, *B. bifidum* is often administered concurrently with the antibiotic course. In infants, particularly for the prevention of NEC or LOS, administration typically begins in the early postnatal period. *B. bifidum* is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fermented dairy products. Ensuring the viability of the probiotic through gastric acid is crucial for efficacy, so formulations designed for gastric acid resistance are preferred. The co-administration of prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, may enhance the colonization and beneficial effects of *B. bifidum*.
FAQs
Is Lactobacillus bifidus the same as Bifidobacterium bifidum?
No, 'Lactobacillus bifidus' is an outdated and incorrect term. The correct scientific name for this probiotic species is *Bifidobacterium bifidum*.
Are probiotics containing bifidobacteria safe for infants?
Yes, probiotics containing bifidobacteria are generally safe for infants, especially preterm infants, and can reduce infection risks, but their use should always be under clinical supervision.
How soon do benefits appear when taking Bifidobacterium bifidum?
Benefits from *Bifidobacterium bifidum* typically begin to appear within days to a few weeks of consistent administration, depending on the individual and the condition being addressed.
Can probiotics prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea?
Yes, meta-analyses strongly support that probiotics, particularly those containing bifidobacteria, can significantly reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Do all bifidobacteria strains have the same effects?
No, probiotic effects are often strain-specific. While bifidobacteria generally offer gut health benefits, the strength and type of evidence vary significantly between different strains, such as *B. bifidum* versus *B. infantis*.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-023-02716-w – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 57 RCTs involving 12,749 preterm infants found that probiotics, particularly those containing *B. infantis*, significantly reduced the risk of late-onset sepsis by approximately 20%. The study highlights the robust evidence for probiotic use in this vulnerable population despite some heterogeneity.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1151505 – This high-quality meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated that probiotics, including those with bifidobacteria, significantly reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both adults and children. The findings support the routine use of probiotics as a preventive measure during antibiotic therapy.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39551901/ – This meta-analysis suggests a potential efficacy of *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium* probiotics as an adjunctive therapy for patients with schizophrenia. While the evidence is emerging and sample sizes were limited, it points towards a promising new area of research for probiotic interventions in psychiatric conditions.
Supplements Containing Lactobacillus bifidus
Acidophilus And Bifidus
Nature's Answer
Intestinal Cleanser
Perfect 7
Multi Elite
CTD Sports
Complete Immuno D3
Nutri-West
L-Glutamine Plus
Nutri-West
Pre/Post Natal Vitamins
Nutri-West
Total Leaky Gut
Nutri-West
Total Children's Chewable
Nutri-West
Week One: Preparation
Douglas Laboratories
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