What Is Bifidobacteria?
They are one of the more common species of good bacteria. Some bifidobacteria are being used as probiotics which can be added to food. An infant acquires good bacteria basically during the birth process thru passage in the birth canal, when breastfeeding and through the environment. thru passage in the birth canal – when an infant is delivered vaginally, it comes in contact with the mother’s bacteria in the birth canal.
Bifidobacteria is a bacterial genus. Bacteria in this genus can be found as part of the normal gut flora, the bacteria which live in the intestinal tract and assist with digestion. These “good bacteria,” as they are sometimes known, have a symbiotic relationship with the body, taking advantage of nutrients the body can’t use and breaking down digested foods so that the body can access useful nutrients. Historically, bifidobacteria were known as Lactobacillus bifidus, but eventually researchers realized that they should be placed in their own genus. These bacteria are gram positive, rod shaped, and non-motile. They attach to the lining of the intestines, producing acetic and lactic acids as digestive byproducts. These acids help to maintain a desirable pH level in the digestive tract, contributing to digestion and also discouraging the growth of many harmful bacteria which cannot thrive in high acid environments. Babies have the highest concentrations of bifidobacteria, with levels decl
