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Bifidobacteria and Their Health-Promoting Effects
Claudio Hidalgo-Cantabrana1, Susana Delgado1, Lorena Ruiz1
1Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n 33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
Microbiology Spectrum
|June 24, 2017
Summary
Bifidobacteria are key gut microbes, especially in infants, influencing health and immunity. Certain strains act as probiotics, used in foods and medicines for disease prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Gut Microbiota
- Probiotics
Background:
- Bifidobacteria are crucial members of the mammalian intestinal microbiota, belonging to the Actinobacteria phylum.
- They are predominant in breast-fed infants, playing vital roles in immune system development and nutrient utilization.
- Human milk oligosaccharides are significant drivers of bifidobacterial growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Bifidobacteria in the human intestinal microbiota.
- To explore the use of Bifidobacteria as probiotics in disease prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Bifidobacteria's role in human health.
- Analysis of scientific evidence for Bifidobacteria in intestinal and extraintestinal pathologies.
Main Results:
- Bifidobacteria are early colonizers in newborns, essential for physiological development.
- Specific Bifidobacterium strains demonstrate probiotic effects and are utilized in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.
- Evidence supports their use in managing various health conditions.
Conclusions:
- Bifidobacteria are integral to gut health, particularly in early life.
- Their probiotic properties offer therapeutic potential for numerous diseases.
- Further research supports their application in medicine and functional foods.
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