Bifidobacterium bifidum

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus: what is the difference?

They are often paired on labels, but bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are two quite distinct groups:

B. bifidum, B. longum, B. infantis: finding your way

The genus Bifidobacterium includes many species. In humans, the main ones are B. bifidum, B. longum, B. breve and B. adolescentis. What is commonly called “B. infantis” is in fact a subspecies of B. longum (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis), not of B. bifidum.

Each species in turn comprises several strains, designated by a code (for example BBi32 or DSM 22892). Two strains of the same species can have different properties; this is why scientific studies always focus on a specific strain. Unlike many lactobacilli, B. bifidum is rarely used in everyday fermented foods.

Bifidobacterium bifidum benefits: where does the science stand?

Bifidobacteria are widely studied, notably because they are among the first to settle in the infant gut. Researchers are particularly interested in the ability of B. bifidum to break down certain complex sugars in breast milk and intestinal mucus, and in its place within the microbiota.

To date, no health claim relating to Bifidobacterium bifidum is authorised in the European Union. This research therefore does not allow any particular effect to be attributed to this bacterium or to a food supplement containing it.

How to choose a B. bifidum supplement?

Our products containing Bifidobacterium bifidum

Here are three formulas combining B. bifidum with lactobacilli. Find all our products containing Bifidobacterium bifidum in the list above.