Antibiotics, while essential for eliminating pathogenic bacteria responsible for infections, act indiscriminately, also targeting commensal bacteria that help maintain the delicate balance of our gut microbiota. This often leads to a condition known as dysbiosis, a term describing an imbalance in the composition and function of the microbiota. Dysbiosis is not only a consequence of the elimination of beneficial bacteria but also opens the door to a host of associated problems.

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.

Nowadays, antibiotic resistance is often cited as one of the major global threats to public health. The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and, specifically, the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics represent an urgent problem, as described in our dedicated deep dive (read here). This resistance is an acquired characteristic of bacteria, facilitated by indiscriminate use of antibiotics, which selects for resistant strains, allowing them to proliferate at the expense of sensitive ones.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a particular focus on antibiotic resistance, is one of the most serious health emergencies of our time. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2050, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually, surpassing leading causes of mortality such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the economic burden is staggering: AMR is estimated to cost the global economy $100 trillion by mid-century.

It is known that many drugs are capable of influencing the human gut microbiota. In particular, the impact of antibiotics on the intestinal ecosystem is often compared to that of an atomic bomb capable of devastating the surrounding environment without discrimination.