Bifidobacterium bifidum vs. Bifidobacterium longum

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have garnered significant attention due to their vital role in maintaining gut health. Among the diverse range of probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium species have emerged as key players in promoting a balanced gut microbiota. Two notable strains, Bifidobacterium bifidum(B. bifidum) and Bifidobacterium longum(B. longum), are commonly studied for their unique properties and health benefits.

What is B. bifidum?

Definition and Overview

B. bifidum is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium found in the intestines of humans and other mammals, especially during infancy. It is one of the first probiotics to colonize the gut and plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy balance of the gut microbiota throughout life.

Key Characteristics and Properties

Role in Gut Microbiota

B. bifidum is instrumental in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, particularly by fermenting oligosaccharides and producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs, such as acetate and lactate, lower the pH of the gut, inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens. B. bifidum also helps prevent overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria, creating a competitive environment in the gut.

Health Benefits

• Gut Health: B. bifidum improves nutrient absorption by breaking down complex carbohydrates and is particularly helpful in reducing constipation and bloating.
• Immune System: It supports immune function by stimulating macrophages and lymphocytes.
• Anti-inflammatory: The production of SCFAs, such as acetate, reduces intestinal inflammation and promotes gut barrier integrity.

What is B. longum?

Definition and Overview

B. longum is a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium that also inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract. It is highly versatile, surviving in a wide range of environmental conditions, from the acidic environment of the stomach to the more neutral pH of the intestines. You can explore our gram staining and microscopic techniques in the microbial identification.

Key Characteristics and Properties

Role in Gut Microbiota

B. longum plays a vital role in maintaining gut health by fermenting carbohydrates, which produces SCFAs like lactate and acetate. These compounds help lower the gut pH and create an environment that favors beneficial microbes over pathogens. B. longum also supports the integrity of the intestinal barrier and promotes healthy gut motility.

Health Benefits

• Gut Health: B. longum enhances nutrient absorption by breaking down complex carbohydrates and improves gut motility.
• Immune Support: This strain stimulates immune cells such as T lymphocytes and reduces the risk of infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Like B. bifidum, B. longum also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, potentially alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD and IBS.

Key Differences Between B. bifidum and B. longum

While both B. bifidum and B. longum contribute to gut health, their properties and effects on human health differ in several key aspects. The following table summarizes these differences:

How B. bifidum and B. longum Work as Probiotics

Mechanisms of Action in the Gut

Both B. bifidum and B. longum act primarily by producing SCFAs, which lower the pH of the gut, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and creating a favorable environment for beneficial microorganisms. They also strengthen the gut lining by stimulating mucin production, enhancing intestinal barrier function.

Immune System and Digestion Interaction

Both strains interact with the immune system by influencing the production of cytokines, which modulate inflammation and immune responses. Additionally, they contribute to improved digestion by aiding in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, thereby increasing nutrient availability for the host.

Synergy in Combination

When combined, B. bifidum and B. longum may provide complementary effects that enhance gut health. B. bifidum supports motility and pathogen suppression, while B. longum contributes to immune modulation and promotes a balanced gut flora. This synergy may improve the overall efficacy of probiotic supplementation.

Health Benefits of B. bifidum and B. longum

Digestive Health and Gut Microbiome Balance

Both B. bifidum and B. longum promote a balanced microbiome by supporting beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful pathogens. Their ability to ferment carbohydrates and produce SCFAs enhances gut health by improving digestion and preventing gastrointestinal disturbances like bloating and constipation.

Immune Support and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Both strains possess anti-inflammatory properties that support the immune system. By modulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, B. bifidum and B. longum contribute to a balanced immune response and may alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions like IBD and IBS.

Neurocognitive Health: Impact on Alzheimer's Disease

Recent research have explored the effects of B. bifidum and B. longum on brain health, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. A study demonstrated that the administration of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI improved cognitive and memory functions in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This study suggests that these probiotics may influence the gut-brain axis, potentially offering new insights into how gut microbiota impacts cognitive health. Creative Biolabs offers professional germ-free mouse model testing services, click to learn more.

Fig.1 B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI reduced Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis in the 5xFAD Mouse Brain.¹

Additional Health Benefits

Emerging research suggests that these strains may also have broader health benefits. For example, B. bifidum has been linked to improved mental health through the gut-brain axis, while B. longum may support metabolic function, including improved glucose metabolism and fat regulation.

Choosing Between B. bifidum and B. longum in Probiotics

Selecting the Appropriate Strain

The choice between B. bifidum and B. longum depends on individual health needs:

• For digestive health and motility issues: B. bifidum is ideal due to its ability to support gut motility and improve constipation.
• For immune support and long-term digestive balance: B. longum is recommended, as it contributes to immune modulation and the maintenance of a healthy gut environment.

Products in Probiotic Research

FAQs

Resources

References

1. Kim, Hongwon, et al. "Administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI improves cognitive and memory function in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease." Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 13 (2021): 709091.
2. Distributed Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.