Bifidobacterium bifidum – bacteria from the mother

Bifidobacterium bifidum is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium. It occurs naturally in the human digestive tract. It forms part of the intestinal microbiota and is also present in the vagina and oral cavity. The highest levels of Bifidobacterium bifidum are observed in newborns and infants, especially those breastfed, then their number gradually decreases. The lowest levels are noted in the elderly.

How do bifidobacteria colonize the digestive system?

Bifidobacteria are among the first "good" bacteria to colonize the intestines of a newborn. During natural childbirth, the baby, while passing through the birth canal, comes into contact with the microbiota of the mother's vagina and anus. It then gains mainly bacteria from the genera Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , Prevotella . As a result, the intestines are settled by "good" bacteria faster and richer. The situation is slightly different with a caesarean section, because the first source of bacteria is the mother's skin, medical personnel and the hospital environment. Therefore, colonization is slower and often dominated by less favorable flora, e.g. Staphylococcus , Clostridium and definitely less bifidobacteria. This consequently increases the risk of allergies, obesity and immune disorders in the future.

The method of feeding also matters. Breast milk contains live bifidobacteria (from the mammary glands) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), the "food" for these bacteria. As a result , Bifidobacterium grows rapidly, and the intestines of breastfed babies are largely colonized by them. Formula milk does not contain natural HMOs, but it is a rich source of sugars such as lactose or maltodextrin, which do not support the growth of bifidobacteria. Although probiotics and prebiotics are increasingly being added to formulas, they do not fully replicate breast milk.

Health benefits of Bifidobacterium

From the first moments of life, good colonization of Bifidobacterium has a number of positive effects. First of all, it is a huge support for digestion, because these bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates and fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), e.g. acetic and butyric. In addition, they strengthen the intestinal barrier by improving the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and limit "leaky gut". They also support immunity by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation. Bifidobacteria also affect protection against pathogens, because they compete with pathogenic microorganisms. Supplementing the bacterial flora of the digestive system with bifidobacteria is a support in the treatment of diarrhea (e.g. post-antibiotic, infectious), irritable bowel syndrome, allergies or intestinal inflammation.

The amount of Bifidobacterium bifidum decreases with age

The greatest colonization with this bacterium takes place in infancy until about the age of 2, mainly due to breastfeeding, because mother's milk is the natural medium for these bacteria. Later dietary changes mean that B. bifidum have fewer elements influencing their multiplication. The immune system becomes more "selective" with age, which can affect the composition of the microbiota. In adulthood, the number of other bacteria increases, such as Bacteroides , Clostridia , which compete for space and nutrients. In addition, frequent use of antibiotics significantly reduces the number of bifidobacteria - especially if they are not accompanied by probiotic therapy. In addition, with age, the risk of chronic inflammation increases, which negatively affects the intestinal environment. This can cause dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance in the microbiome and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, including B. bifidum . The diet of older people is less diverse and poor in fiber, which limits the possibilities of feeding these bacteria.

The following are at risk of reducing the number of live cultures of Bifidobacterium bacteria: infants fed exclusively with formula milk and those born by caesarean section, the elderly, those after antibiotic therapy, people with type 2 diabetes, those suffering from obesity, and people on a low-fiber diet.

Consequences of Bifidobacterium bifidum deficiency

In the absence of homeostasis in the intestines and too few bifidobacteria dysbiosis occurs, in which pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria (e.g. Clostridium difficile , Escherichia coli ) begin to dominate. Symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, food intolerances, indigestion, constipation appear. B. bifidum helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, so their deficiency can increase intestinal permeability, which leads to the penetration of toxins, antigens and undigested molecules into the bloodstream. In addition, inflammation occurs and potential triggering of autoimmune diseases.

B. bifidum stimulates the production of cytokines, therefore deficiency may result in: greater susceptibility to infections (e.g. digestive system, urinary tract), increased allergic response, immunoregulatory disorders. In addition, B. bifidum breaks down complex sugars and fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), the deficiency of which causes the cells of the large intestine to be unnourished and the absorption of minerals (i.e. calcium, magnesium, iron) is impaired.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is involved in the production of neuroactive metabolites (e.g. GABA, serotonin), therefore deficiency may be associated with low mood, anxiety, stress, depression, sleep and concentration disorders.

In summary, a decrease in B. bifidum levels may weaken immunity, increase the risk of inflammation, worsen digestion and affect overall health, especially in older people.

Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20456

It is a well-characterized strain that plays an important role in the human body. Studies have shown that the Bifidobacterium bifidum DSM 20456 strain meets the basic criteria for probiotic strains. It is able to survive in vitro conditions simulating the human digestive tract environment, characterized by low pH and the presence of bile salts. In addition, it exhibits antagonistic activity against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. This is a specific, beneficial property of this strain.

Therefore, this bacterium has a positive effect on the regulation of the digestive system flora, contributing to proper intestinal peristalsis and, consequently, strengthening the immune system.

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