Bifidobacterium lactis
Benefits of Bifidobacterium lactis
- Digestion
- Gut microbiome
- Form: Bacteria
- Food sources: Fermented foods like miso, kimchi and sauerkraut, and some plant-based yoghurts.
What is Bifidobacterium lactis?
Bifidobacterium, like Lactobacillus, is one of the most studied groups of live bacteria. Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the many types of bacteria that live in our 'gut microbiome', the ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi that live inside our digestive system and are involved in a variety of bodily processes.
What does the research say about Bifidobacterium lactis?
Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) feeds on the fibre in your diet, and it has been studied for its effects on digestive comfort. Bifidobacteria more widely have been studied for their effects on colonic transit time, the time it takes for food to move through the large intestine. A related species, Bifidobacterium longum, has been studied together with Lactobacillus paracasei.
As well as digesting fibre, B. lactis, as it's more commonly known, also produces a range of compounds. Studies have looked at B. lactis as a producer of B vitamins. You can learn more about B vitamins and what they do.
Like Lactobacillus, B. lactis also produces short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids are thought to be one of the ways the gut communicates with the brain. This connection is what's called the 'gut-brain axis', where our gut and our brain are linked through a series of nerves.
It's important to remember that bacteria like B. lactis require fibrous prebiotics as their food, so we need prebiotics in our diet too. One of the most important of these prebiotics is Inulin.
You may also enjoy reading 'What is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?', '5 ways to improve constipation' and 'Latest gut health customer survey: IBS causes & signs revealed'. Discover 'IBS explained' and 'Best probiotics for IBS'.
Why it's in Gut Works®
Bifidobacterium lactis is a well-researched probiotic strain known for its ability to support gut health and modulate immune function. It interacts with intestinal epithelial cells to enhance the integrity of the gut barrier, reducing permeability and protecting against pathogen translocation.1 This mechanism plays a key role in maintaining gut homeostasis and mitigating inflammation. B. lactis exerts immunomodulatory effects by influencing cytokine production, including the upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-a. These properties are particularly beneficial in managing inflammatory bowel conditions.2 The strain also supports the digestion and absorption of nutrients by improving the activity of digestive enzymes and the fermentation of dietary fibres, which leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. SCFAs contribute to gut barrier integrity and systemic metabolic health.3
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is 'The Energy Vitamin' and is essential for the production of red blood cells, fuelling our energy and helping maintain a healthy heart.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 contributes to energy production. It helps convert the food that we eat into energy that we use throughout our day.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays a role in making hormones which help balance mood, and improve memory and performance in stressful situations.
Manganese
Manganese is an important trace mineral, like zinc, copper and iodine, meaning that our bodies require it in small amounts for a variety of crucial processes.
Schisandra
Schisandra has adaptogenic properties that can help increase the body's resistance to stress, and the body's ability to recover physical and mental wellbeing.
Shatavari
Often referred to as the 'Queen of herbs', Shatavari has been used for thousands of years to help with cramps, irritability, and coping calmly with stress.
