Bifidobacterium longum

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Other names for bifidobacterium longum

B. longum Probiotic
Bifidobacterium longum Strain Blend
Live B. longum Culture

Synopsis of bifidobacterium longum

Bifidobacterium longum is a gram-positive, anaerobic probiotic bacterium that naturally inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract from infancy through adulthood. It is one of the most important and well-researched species of the Bifidobacterium genus, known for its broad effects on digestion, immune modulation, cognitive health, and microbiome balance.

B. longum is uniquely versatile because it:

  • Ferments a wide range of carbohydrates, including complex oligosaccharides, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and lactate, which nourish intestinal cells and inhibit pathogens
  • Enhances the gut barrier, supporting protection against leaky gut and reducing systemic inflammation
  • Reduces symptoms of IBS, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Supports immune function, especially in reducing allergic responses and improving resistance to infections
  • Modulates mood and stress responses through the gut-brain axis, possibly improving sleep and lowering anxiety
  • Detoxifies carcinogens and reduces oxidative damage in the colon
  • Several clinically validated strains (e.g., B. longum BB536, 35624, or NCC3001) are used to target specific conditions like IBS, colitis, cognitive decline, and immune dysfunction. It is commonly included in probiotic blends, functional foods, and infant formulas, and works synergistically with other bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Historical Use:

Though the isolation of B. longum occurred in the 20th century, its sources—breast milk, fermented foods, and fiber-rich diets—have been recognized for their health-promoting effects in traditional cultures for millennia. In breastfed infants, B. longum is a dominant gut microbe, aiding in the digestion of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and providing immune protection.

Traditional diets in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East have long included yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, which naturally support bifidobacterial populations and gut health. In these cultures, such foods were consumed daily to promote longevity, digestion, and resilience to illness.

Today, Bifidobacterium longum is a leading species in probiotic therapy and microbiome medicine, widely used to support gut-brain health, immune balance, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Its extensive documentation, safety profile, and diverse physiological benefits make it one of the most trusted and effective probiotics in modern integrative health care.

Bifidobacterium longum is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Acid Indigestion (Scientific)
Allergies (food) (Scientific)
Allergies (respiratory) (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Antibiotics (side effects of) (Scientific)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Autism (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Celiac Disease (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colitis (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Diverticulitis (Scientific)
Eczema (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Indigestion (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Lactose Intolerance (Scientific)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Mood Swings (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Ulcers (Scientific)

bifidobacterium longum is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Peyer’s patches (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)