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What Is Bifidobacterium and What Does it Do? How Does Bifidobacteria Help Newborn Immunity?

What Is Bifidobacterium and What Does it Do?

Bifidobacteria are a type of bacteria that colonize in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are considered a good bacteria (probiotic) because they are beneficial to our bodies.1 While they are frequently added to foods as active ingredients, they also naturally occur in the GI tract, particularly within the intestines.1,2 Bifidobacteria are the most prevalent type of bacteria within the microbiome of infants, no matter where they are in the world or whether they’re fed breast milk or formula.2

In nonindustrial societies, a species of Bifidobacteria called B. infantis is known to break down breast milk sugars and boost the immune system and bacterial microbiome development.2 In industrialized countries, a different strain of Bifidobacteria, called B. breve, is prevalent and has a more limited ability to break down milk sugars.2 There is some speculation that without the presence of B. infantis, infants may be unable to reap all the health benefits of breast milk.2

How Does Bifidobacteria Help Newborn Immune System?

The many strains of Bifidobacteria are typically considered probiotic agents—live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit. In formula-fed babies, probiotics promote the balance of bacteria within the intestines and offset the growth of “bad” bacteria that could cause inflammation or infection.3 This good bacteria is naturally found in human breast milk and can have a large impact on the composition of the bacteria within a newborn’s digestive tract.4 This bacteria colonizes the human gastrointestinal tract immediately after birth and may be influenced by factors such as whether the newborn was delivered vaginally or by C-section, the method of feeding and exposure to antibiotics.4 In fact, some pediatricians are embracing the use of probiotics in infants delivered via C-section or by mothers who were given antibiotics during labour in order boost the probiotic count within the intestinal tract of a newborn.3

Bifidobacteria strains are thought to prevent or treat disorders like infectious or antibiotic-associated diarrhea and atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children.3,4 Other studies are being conducted about the possibility of reduced risk of allergies to certain foods and asthma, and relief of colic symptoms.3,4

Other conditions that may be helped later in life by a flourishing colony of Bifidobacteria include:5

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Whether your little one is exclusively breastfed or you’re supplementing with formula, the most important thing is that you’re looking after your newborn, providing complete nutrition and giving them the best start to life. If you’re using formula, you can provide your infant with probiotic supplementation by giving them probiotic-encouraging formula. Enfamil A+ NeuroPro is the only brand with a combination of brain-building DHA*, our exclusive blend† including 2’-FL for immune support, and naturally occurring MFGM components.‡ For more insights and ideas to support your little one, see all of our tips and resources.

* DHA supports normal physical brain development.
† HuMO6 blend™ of Polydextrose, GOS, 2'-FL, Vit C & E and Selenium.
‡ From whey protein concentrate.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6558212/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4908950/
  3. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2022/06/infant-gut-microbiome-breast-milk.html
  4. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Probiotics-in-Infant-Formula.aspx
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4908950/
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