We all hope to age with grace, joy, and most importantly, good health. The problem is that our microbiome—the ecosystem of bacteria living in and on our body—doesn’t always follow suit. In fact, the aging process itself can cause changes in the composition of our microbiome that can negatively impact our health as we get older.
From birth through old age, our microbiome changes to accommodate our stage of life and our state of health. As babies, we are born with nearly sterile guts that quickly begin to colonize as we make our way into the world. By age three, we usually have microbiome compositions that are similar to adults.
Levels of health-supporting Bifidobacteria in our body—most abundant in our colon—are very high in the first couple years of life but naturally decline as we age. (1) However, around age 50, our microbiome ideally undergoes another shift back to the Bifidobacteria-rich environment of infancy.
As we get older, we’re meant to have naturally higher levels of these friendly microbes to keep us healthy and vibrant, but things like diet, stress, medication, overzealous hygiene habits, and antibiotics in food and as medicine can deplete these important flora.
What are Bifidobacteria?
Bifidobacteria are an anaerobic (don’t require oxygen) lactic acid bacteria that naturally inhabit our intestinal and urogenital tracts, and they are some of the first bacteria to colonize our bodies when we are born. In fact, Bifidobacteria species make up the vast majority (over 90%) of all bacteria in the guts of breastfed infants!
Bifidobacteria work with the body to produce chemicals that discourage unfriendly microbes, enzymes, vitamins B and K, lactic acid, and a short chain fatty acid called acetic acid, which can help keep yeast and mold growth under control and is a source of energy for our body’s cells.
We think you might also be interested in our video blog about the probiotics that are formulated for 50 plus people.*
Why do we need Bifidobacteria?*
As with all probiotics, Bifidobacterium support digestion, the immune system, and nutrient absorption, as well as working to crowd out undesirable bacteria. But, this particular species of probiotic also has several benefits especially important for mature adults.*
They coat the lining of our colon, helping to keep toxins and harmful bacteria away from our bloodstream. With 80% of our immune system in our gut, we're lucky to have these valiant bacteria working on our behalf!
Bifidobacteria can also support bone and joint health, emotional well-being, healthy weight management and metabolism, and colon and digestive health. These mighty bugs can even help to keep our digestion comfortable during our post-retirement travels.^*
What are the different types of Bifidobacterium?
Scientists have identified 32 species of Bifidobacteria, many with similar properties and functions.
These five strains are the standout players in vibrant health maintenance for older adults:
• B. longum: One of the most common strains in the gut, B. longum boasts a laundry list of health benefits, from supporting lactose tolerance to creating an acidic environment in the intestine that's inhospitable to harmful bacteria. These helpful microbes also help to produce enzymes that work to digest proteins in the gut.*
Research shows that B. longum may even have important anti-aging benefits. A nationwide survey of more than 23,000 Japanese men and women over age 50 showed that those who regularly consumed B. longum had fewer problems with regularity, better memory recall, and improved bone health. (2) In another study, 27 elderly subjects who took B. longum for five weeks had improved immune function, and the effects lasted for 20 weeks! (3)*
• B. bifidum: This Bifidobacteria strain produces the enzyme lactase, which can help to digest dairy. B. bifidum also supports the cells lining our body’s mucous membranes. Where B. bifidum really shines is in their role in keeping your tummy comfortable. A 4-week trial of B. bifidum supported comfort from occasional abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating, and improved quality of life for patients. (5)*
• B. lactis: In addition to immune support and helping us to digest lactose, B. lactis is a superhero when it comes to maintaining healthy digestion. A study of 1,248 subjects found that four weeks of B. lactis supplementation led to increased regularity. (6) Furthermore, B. lactis also seem to help inhibit the negative, toxic effects of wheat gliadin, a protein found in gluten that can cause issues for people sensitive to wheat. (7)*
• B. breve: This digestive champion ferments sugar, produces lactic and acetic acid, and can break down a huge variety of food molecules, even usually non-digestible plant fibers. Research also shows that B. breve can reduce the number of oral candida bacteria and support the immune response to the yeast in older adults. (8)*
• B. infantis: As the name indicates, B. infantis is vital for babies. In fact, this strain of bacteria thrives on HMO’s, special sugars abundant in breast milk. The good news is that they will eat other sugars (such as glucose and fructose) as well because they are crucial for maintaining the health of older adults. B. infantis bacteria can also help fight harmful bacteria, and they can produce B vitamins to support energy, mental clarity, and a host of other important benefits. (9)*
Summary
As we mature, Bifidobacteria play an increasingly important role in our overall health and well-being, but our modern lifestyles and the physical changes of aging make it harder to maintain an optimal balance of these good microbes. That’s why supplementing with a high-quality probiotic formula like Hyperbiotics PRO-Bifido is such a smart choice to help us stay healthy throughout our wisdom years.*
PRO-Bifido provides targeted support to adults ages 50 and up by supplying a proprietary blend of the top five Bifidobacteria strains for your health, along with two strains of Lactobacillus for full-spectrum support. Of equal importance, they are delivered into your digestive tract over an 8-10 hour period via a time release tablet. This makes the probiotics in PRO-Bifido fifteen times more likely to survive the harsh pH of your stomach acids than those delivered in standard capsules, so they can colonize within your colon.^^*
So many things in our lives get better with age—our wisdom, our capacity to love, and our acceptance of ourselves. By eating well, staying active, taking probiotics, and living a gut-healthy life, our microbiome can also mature as nature intended so we can live our happiest and healthiest days.*
References
1. Woodmansey, E. J., Mcmurdo, M. E., Macfarlane, G. T., & Macfarlane, S. (2004). Comparison of Compositions and Metabolic Activities of Fecal Microbiotas in Young Adults and in Antibiotic-Treated and Non-Antibiotic-Treated Elderly Subjects. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 70(10), 6113-6122.2. Minami, J., & Yanagisawa, N. (2015, March). Nationwide survey on the health status of 20,000 middle-aged to elderly men and women in Japan - Relation of simultaneous intake of calcium fortified milk containing Bifidobacteria. Paper presented at the 2015 Annual Conference of Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry, Tokyo, Japan.
3. Namba, K., Hatano, M., Yaeshima, T., Takase, M., & Suzuki, K. (2010). Effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 Administration on Influenza Infection, Influenza Vaccine Antibody Titer, and Cell-Mediated Immunity in the Elderly. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 74(5), 939-945.
4. M. Di Stefano, G. Veneto, S. Malservis. (2001). Lactose Malabsorption and Intolerance in the Elderly. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 36(12), 1274-1278.
5. Guglielmetti, S., Mora, D., Gschwender, M., & Popp, K. (2011). Randomised clinical trial: Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 significantly alleviates irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life -- a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 33(10), 1123-1132.
6. Eskesen, D., Jespersen, L., Michelsen, B., Whorwell, P. J., Müller-Lissner, S., & Morberg, C. M. (2015). Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 114(10), 1638-1646.
7. Lindfors, K., Blomqvist, T., Juuti-Uusitalo, K., Stenman, S., Venäläinen, J., Mäki, M., & Kaukinen, K. (2008). Live probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis bacteria inhibit the toxic effects induced by wheat gliadin in epithelial cell culture. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 152(3), 552-558.
8. Mendonça, F. H., Santos, S. S., Faria, I. D., Silva, C. R., Jorge, A. O., & Leão, M. V. (2012). Effects of probiotic bacteria on Candida presence and IgA anti-Candida in the oral cavity of elderly. Brazilian Dental Journal Braz. Dent. J., 23(5), 534-538.
9. Cheikhyoussef, A., Pogori, N., Chen, H., Tian, F., Chen, W., Tang, J., & Zhang, H. (2009). Antimicrobial activity and partial characterization of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) produced by Bifidobacterium infantis BCRC 14602. Food Control, 20(6), 553-559.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
^Provides weight management support as part of a healthy lifestyle with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
^^BIO-tract® vs. instant release formulations under in vitro test conditions.