1. Bifidobacterium is a genus of microbes present naturally in human gut microbiota and the human oral cavity that are found to have potential health benefits for their host. Research has shown that these members of the gut microbiota have health-promoting properties, probiotic effects, and protection against various pathogens on their human host. Extensive studies have investigated the probiotic effect and the protective effect against pathogens on their host, for which bifidobacteria have been used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancers.
2. Bifidobacterium belongs to the phylum Actinobacteria and consists of 45 species. They have been an integral component of human and animal gut flora. They are Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, non-sporing, catalase-negative, which break down carbohydrates into acetic acid and lactic acid without releasing carbon dioxide. Apart from various potential health benefits, the significant effect of bifidobacteria is that they can turn out drug chemicals, enzymes, vitamin B and K, carboxylic acid, which reduces the growth of fungi, facilitates the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
3. Bifidobacterium beneficial effect: Bifidobacterium species are most abundantly found in the large intestine, especially in the colon. The various beneficial roles played by Bifidobacterium are –
• Prevention of intestinal infections.
• Decreasing serum cholesterol.
• Stimulate the immune system.
• Alleviate the lactose intolerance.
• Help in the production of vitamins B12, B1, B7 and riboflavin synthesis.
• Prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases.
4. Bifidobacterium and diarrhoea: Because of their potential benefits, bifidobacterium strains are selectively chosen to administer and treat various gastrointestinal disorders. Studies have shown that strains of Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium longum, when administered to adults and children with acute diarrhoea, were found to reduce the duration of diarrhoea. The patients, both children and adults, who took antibiotics were also given the probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium, which do not interfere with the antibiotic effect, instead benefiting from the probiotic effect.
5. Bifidobacterium and colorectal cancer: Several animal studies have shown that various species of Bifidobacterium are found to reduce the cancer risk of the liver, colon, mammary glands and small intestine. Probiotic species of Bifidobacterium repress the growth of procarcinogens, which are responsible for tumourous growth in the intestines. Several studies have shown that probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium species have been beneficial when used as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
6. Bifidobacterium longum species: This species has been shown to have immense benefits in various studies consistently. Some of the known benefits:
• Consumption of this strain can promote anti-oxidative properties, anti-viral benefits, and anti-obesity effects.
• It can help in developing innate immunity, preventing influenza and fever, and has an immunomodulation effect.
• Consumption of this strain can help in the protection against hepatocellular damage and help in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
• It has an anti-ageing effect, supports bone health, and improves memory.
7. Bifidobacterium species like breve, lactis, and bifidum have all been found to have potential health benefits.
• B.breve has a strong anti-allergic effect, prevents oxidative stress, and alleviates UV barrier.
• B.lactis has an anti-inflammatory effect, anti-bacterial activity (against streptococci), and
protection against intestinal mucosal damage.
8.B bifidum inhibits H. pylori and is useful in the treatment of allergic diseases. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, too.8. Bifidus-rich foods: Bifidobacterium is a group of lactose-utilising bacteria that are mainly found in probiotic foods, such as milk with added strains. Food rich in Bifidobacterium species is:
• Yoghurt with live active culture, cultured butter milk
• Fermented soy milk
• Fermented milk, cheese like cheddar, aged, mozzarella, Gouda
• Kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, tempeh
9. While buying and consuming commercial food containing Bifidobacterium, ensure safety tips:
• Checking labels and buying products with “ live and active culture”
• Consuming together with prebiotics to get the best results. Prebiotics include bananas, onions,
garlic, and whole grains.
• Prevent heating as heat kills live bacteria. So, raw fermented food and unpasteurised foods are best.
• Supplements can be supportive in irritable bowel syndrome, immunity and bloating.
10. Takeaway: Bifidobacterium species have been proven to have immense health benefits to humans through their metabolic activity. Studies have shown that normal adults and children with healthy immunity status can regularly consume fermented food with live Bifidobacterium species, which can further boost health and prevent many chronic inflammatory diseases. People with weak immunity, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid such foods to prevent complications like allergic reactions.
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Peace and love 🙏
3H:health,happiness,healing 