Background

Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) that lives in the intestines. It produces lactic and acetic acid in the gut.

"Good" bacteria such as B. bifidum can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. B. bifidum is commonly found in the feces of breastfed infants and is used in probiotic supplements.

People use B. bifidum for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and respiratory infections. It is also used for eczema, constipation, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using B. bifidum for COVID-19.

Don't confuse B. bifidum with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: B. bifidum is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one year. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. bifidum seems to be well-tolerated.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: B. bifidum is possibly safe when taken by mouth for 6 weeks during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if B. bifidum is safe to use when breastfeeding. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Children: B. bifidum is likely safe for most children when taken by mouth for up to 18 months. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if B. bifidum is safe for very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: Some probiotics have caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking B. bifidum.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

In adults, B. bifidum has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics in doses of 1-6 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 6 months. In children, B. bifidum has most often been taken by mouth together with other probiotics. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Antibiotic drugs

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

B. bifidum is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with B. bifidum might reduce the effects of B. bifidum. To avoid this interaction, take B. bifidum products at least two hours before or after antibiotics.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.