Bifidobacterium infantis (B. infantis) is a lactic acid bacteria and a subclass of bifidobacterium with the same properties as yogurts with bifidus, known for having properties and benefits for the digestive system and helping the intestinal flora.
This class of microorganisms shares many properties with lactobacilli and is naturally present in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity.
Considered beneficial for health, Bifidobacterium infantis promotes and supports a better digestive tract.
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What is Bifidobacterium infantis probiotic?
It is considered this way because it provides health benefits. Bifidobacterium infantis probiotic can be taken from fermented foods or through a supplement you can buy in capsules or powder form.
This is a great advantage as, at certain times, it may be necessary to include a dose to quickly regulate the intestinal flora. There are also some indications that they may be related to the balance in the formation of adipose cells. You can read all about this and what probiotics are used for in the following publication.
Unfortunately, as we age, we experience a deterioration of the microbiota. This can be due to stress, poor diet, use of antibiotics, or gastrointestinal diseases.
By incorporating bifidus into the diet, we can counteract the decrease in healthy bacteria.
Where is Bifidobacterium infantis found?
Naturally in the oral cavity and intestine, but also infantis is present in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other vegetables that undergo a fermentation process like Korean kimchi.
But, in case you are interested in knowing the list of foods with Bifidobacterium infantis and some examples, we indicate them below.
List of foods and examples
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Miso (Japanese preparation based on soy and cereals)
- Pickles in brine
- Whey
- Tempeh (soy derivative)
- Umeboshi (pickled plums)
- Fermented vegetables:
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
Yogurt
Many of the foods that contain Bifidobacterium infantis are dairy derivatives such as yogurt and can be taken as probiotics during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There isn't an ideal time; it works at any time of the day.
For example, to make yogurt with bifidus for constipation, it is necessary to carry out a fermentation process with live bacteria. It is very common to use Lactobacillus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacteria, all considered lactic acid bacteria.
These microorganisms can process the lactose in milk and convert it into lactic acid, providing many benefits for digestion. It should be mentioned that most adults are lactose intolerant. Although we can consume it without digestive problems, in cases of higher degree intolerance, probiotics can eliminate the side effects.
Commercial names and products that contain this probiotic
Bifidobacterium infantis 35624
The latest results from studies conducted in the US show that besides being positive for the digestive system, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 has benefits for psoriasis. It acts against inflammation and chronic fatigue syndrome.
These data have been provided by the journal Gut Microbes, indicating that B. infantis probiotics influence the immune system.
The action of bifidum infantis has effects on the protective mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and the urogenital tract.
When a certain amount of these healthy microorganisms are present, the mucosa is more resistant, functioning as a barrier and protection against germs.
For the study, the strain B. infantis 35624, the commercial name of the biotechnology company Procter and Gamble and Alimentary Health, was used.
Biomarkers of C-reactive protein (CRP), pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. At the end of the study, we mentioned, the inflammatory markers had decreased compared to the beginning of the tests in patients with psoriasis.
Bifidobacterium infantis M-63
It has effects on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and digestive disorders. It has been found that people who take the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 better resist inflammation and, when it is already present, can reduce it.
After several weeks of administering a daily dose with the M-63 strain, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome were reduced, facilitating the daily lives of people affected by this intestinal disorder.
Its effects are related to reducing pain, inflammation, less formation of intestinal gas, and regulation of defecation, meaning it prevents many cases of diarrhea that IBS produces.
It can also be used for ulcerative colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or as a preventive measure to restore intestinal flora after taking antibiotics.
Other Related Lactobacilli
References
- Gut Microbes (https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/kgmi20).
- B. Infantis M-63 Improves Mental Health in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Developed After a Major Flood Disaster (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03318614).