The Beneficial Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium is a kind of gram positive anaerobic bacteria which means a kind of bacteria that does not require oxygen for growth and bifidobacterium basically inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, mouth as well as vagina. This bacterium is a very useful variety of bacteria as it helps in digestion, lowers down the risk of developing allergies as well as helps in the prevention of some form of tumor growth. Some of the species of this bacterium is used as probiotics which implies live organisms which is beneficial to host organism that is in this case, human beings. In fact some species are considered so useful that they are commercialy used in the food industry. Bifidobacterium also helps in regulating intestinal microbial homeostasis as well as helps in inhibiting the pathogens which are disease causing bacteria. Bifidobacterium is also said to discourage the growth of gram negative pathogens that is not beneficial for us. This can be better explained by giving the example of mother’s milk as we all know how important the milk of mother is for a new born baby. When an infant consumes the milk containing high percentage of lactose and lower percentage of phosphate, the bifidobacterium present in the gastrointestinal tract of the child ferments the milk and this creates a situation which is difficult for the growth and sustenance of gram negative bacteria.

Regarding probiotics it is said that if the person is critically ill then one should not give him or her probiotics as this could prove more harmful to the patient. A research conducted says that if a person suffering from acute pancreatitis is given a mixture of six probiotic bacteria to consume, it has a negative impact. Another interesting aspect or let us say trivia about bifidobacterium which might interest the reader is that before 1960s bifidobacterium species was collectively referred to as Lactobacillus bifidus. To sum it up everything in the world has two aspects just like the two sides of a coin and probiotics is certainly not an exception. Therefore the research in the field of probiotics is exhaustive and one of the most sought after topics of research for students who are enrolled for doctoral studies in food and nutrition department of universities across the world.