BIFIDOBACTERIA: THE GUARDIANS OF HEALTH

The Importance of Bifidobacteria

Bifidobacteria are among the first bacteria to colonize the gut in newborns, playing a vital role in the development of a healthy microbiota. These microorganisms aid in digesting breast milk, enhance the maturation of the immune system, and protect against early infections. However, their impact extends beyond infancy: in adults and the elderly, bifidobacteria also play a fundamental role in gut and overall health.

The study The Role of Bifidobacterium in Longevity and the Future of Probiotics by Ku et al., published in Food Science and Biotechnology, highlights the crucial importance of these beneficial bacteria in promoting health and longevity. Let’s examine their impact, characteristics, and value compared to other probiotics.

Probiotics for Health: Bifidobacteria or Lactobacilli

Probiotic products primarily consist of two genera of beneficial bacteria: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. While these groups share some common traits, they differ significantly in metabolic functions and benefits:

• Lactobacilli primarily metabolize refined sugars, which are scarcely available in the human gut as they are quickly absorbed.
• Bifidobacteria, on the other hand, ferment various dietary fibers, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These compounds not only provide energy to intestinal cells but also modulate inflammation, strengthen the gut barrier, and support metabolic health.

Additionally, while lactobacilli are found in numerous environments, including fermented foods, and are prominent in the vaginal microbiota (see the Crispact® website for more information), bifidobacteria predominantly colonize the gut, with a much more significant presence in this area.

In fact, in the human gut microbiota, bifidobacteria concentrations can reach up to 1 x 10¹⁰ CFU/g, equivalent to 10 billion colony-forming units per gram of intestinal content. In contrast, lactobacilli concentrations in the gut are often much lower, around 1 x 10⁵ CFU/g (100,000 colony-forming units per gram) and, in some cases, below detectable levels.

This significant difference in colonization density reflects the greater ability of bifidobacteria to adapt to the human intestinal environment and perform key functions for health maintenance. However, their sensitivity to oxygen poses a challenge for their inclusion in commercial products, making lactobacilli—less sensitive in this regard—more frequently used despite their less specific intestinal benefits.

Bifidobacteria and Human Health

The aforementioned study highlights a correlation between high levels of bifidobacteria and increased life expectancy. These bacteria support gut and systemic health through a combination of biological mechanisms:

• Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Essential for intestinal metabolism, SCFAs strengthen the epithelial barrier, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune system.
• Immune system modulation: Bifidobacteria enhance immune tolerance, lower the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases, and promote immune system maturation, showing greater efficacy than lactobacilli.
• Gut barrier protection: They prevent intestinal permeability and limit the entry of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
• Production of bioactive molecules: For instance, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that stimulates mucus release and improves gut-brain communication, benefiting the central nervous system.

Further studies have also highlighted the role of bifidobacteria in mitigating psychological stress, underscoring their importance for both mental and physical health. This could be key to better managing functional disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

The Plus of Brevicillin®: Intrinsic Resistance and Integration During Antibiotic Therapy

Brevicillin® is a probiotic supplement based on the exclusive strain Bifidobacterium breve PRL2020. Like most PharmExtracta probiotics, it is packaged in stick packs that use a specific solution to protect bifidobacteria from the external environment and employ nitrogen flushing to ensure bacterial vitality despite their sensitivity to oxygen.

What truly sets Brevicillin® apart is the intrinsic resistance of Bifidobacterium breve PRL2020 to amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (read the full study on intrinsic resistance to antibiotics here). Scientific studies document how the use of these common antibiotics, essential for fighting certain bacterial infections, can unfortunately lead to a significant decline in bifidobacteria. This phenomenon can result in intestinal dysbiosis, causing:

• A reduction in microbial balance.
• Greater vulnerability to intestinal infections.
• Reduced immune system functionality.

Thanks to Brevicillin®’s resistance, vital bifidobacteria can be supplemented even during these antibiotic therapies, avoiding the decline of these essential microorganisms and preserving microbiota balance. In this way, Brevicillin® not only prevents dysbiosis but ensures that our body continues to benefit from the advantages offered by bifidobacteria, as confirmed by the latest studies.

Conclusion

Brevicillin® represents an advanced solution in the field of probiotics, capable of protecting the intestinal microbiota even in critical situations like antibiotic therapies. Thanks to its intrinsic resistance, it preserves the benefits of bifidobacteria, supporting gut and systemic health throughout life. A scientifically sound choice for lasting well-being.