Bifidobacteria

See also :

• Probiotics

Other Names: B. Bifidum, B. Breve, B. Infantis, B. lactis, B. Longum, Bifido, Bifido Bacterium Longum, Bifidobacterias, Bifidobactérie, Bifidobactéries, Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacterium adolescentis; Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum; Bifidobacterium breve; Bifidobacterium infantis; Bifidobacterium lactis; Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidum, Bifidus, Bifidus Brevis, Bifidus Infantis, Bifidus Longum, Bifidobacteria Bifidus, Lactobacillus Bifidus, L. Bifidus, Probiotic, Probiotique.
Bifidobacteria are a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines. They can be grown outside the body and then taken by mouth as medicine.
The main Bifidobacterium are :

• Bifidobacterium Adolescentis
• Bifidobacterium Bifidum
• Bifidobacterium Breve
• Bifidobacterium Infantis
• Bifidobacterium Longum

Special Precautions of Bifidobacteria

• Bifidobacteria are LIKELY SAFE for adults and children when used appropriately. In some people, treatment with bifidobacteria might upset the stomach and intestine, causing bloating and gas.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of bifidobacteria during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Weakened immune system: There is some concern that “probiotics” might grow too well in people with a weak immune system and cause infections. Although this has not occurred specifically with bifidobacteria, there have been rare cases involving other probiotic species such as lactobacillus. If you have a weakened immune system (e.g., you have HIV/AIDS or are undergoing cancer treatment), check with your healthcare provider before using bifidobacteria.
• Antibiotic drugs interacts with Bifidobacteria.

Benefits and uses of Bifidobacteria are

• Prevention of a type of infection in the lining of the intestine caused by bacteria (necrotizing enterocolitis), when used in combination with another bacterium called Lactobacillus acidophilus.
• Prevention of diarrhea in infants (rotaviral diarrhea), when used with another bacterium called Streptococcus thermophilus.
• Prevention of traveler's diarrhea, when used with other bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, or Streptococcus thermophilus.
• Treating a skin condition in infants called atopic eczema.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Preventing a complication after surgery for ulcerative colitis called pouchitis.
• Reducing side effects of treatment for the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
• Ulcerative colitis. Some research suggests that taking a specific combination product containing bifidobacteria, lactobacillus, and streptococcus might help control symptoms and prevent their recurrence.
• Lung infections. Some research suggests that taking a specific combination product containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium (HOWARU Protect) with milk might help reduce symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, and decrease the amount of antibiotics needed in children. It may also shorten how long children have symptoms and decrease the number of days missed from daycare.