| Proper name |
Bifidobacterium
bifidum |
| Category |
Probiotic |
| Functions |
This
bacteria lives in the large intestine and supports the health of the intestinal
tract. Bifidobacteria produce short chain fatty acids, making the intestinal
environment inhospitable to the growth of pathological bacteria, yeasts
and molds. These same short chain fatty acids also serve as the primary
source of nourishment for cells that form the inner lining of the large
intestine (colonocytes). Thus Bifidobacteria both nourish the colon itself
and reduce the number of pathogenic organisms. |
| RDA |
None |
| Therapeutic
dose |
Dosage is measured in clu (colony forming units). Dosage taken by healthy
individuals for prevention of intestinal infection range from 1-2 billion
clu per day. Therapeutic dose Dosage for symptomatic patients or following
antibiotic use range from 10-15 clu twice daily. These individuals should
also consider taking lactobacillis acidophilus at the same time. |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Intestinal
gas and bloating, persistent or recurrent candida albicans overgrowth such
as oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections, diarrhea, constipation and halitosis
(bad breath). |
| Toxicity |
There
is no known toxicity associated with beta-carotene however, excessive ingestion
of beta-carotene may result in yellow-orange coloring of the skin, particularly
the palms and soles. This effect disappears over time when the excessive
dose is discontinued. |
| Best
forms
|
Probiotics generally have a short shelf life unless refrigerated. Some commercial
preparations are not effective. Personal experience with different brands
may be required to find the most efficacious preparation. The author's experience
is that the products manufactured by Natrenä are effective. |
| Food
sources |
Mother's milk. Best to purchase commercially available preparations. |
| Lab
tests |
Serum carotene (only reveals current intake) |
| Drug
interactions |
No
drugs are affected by bifidobacterium though it is easily killed by antibiotics
and some other drugs. The following drugs deplete bifidobacterium: Aminoglycosides,
Cephalosporins, Co-Trimoxazole, Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides, Penicillins,
Sulphamides, Tetracyclines |
| Nutrient interactions |
Generally thought to be synergistic. |
| Metabolism |
Bifidobacterium colonize
the large (lower) intestine.
|
