bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium is a genus of bacteria that live within the human gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity and the vaginal tract. Bifidobacteria are what are known as “good” bacteria and are essential for maintaining healthy digestive and vaginal tracts. Bifidobacteria are taken as probiotic supplements to populate the digestive system and the vagina with beneficial bacteria, particularly useful for people whose gut or microbiome is disturbed due to antibiotic treatment or other reasons such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Bifidobacterium species of bacteria are one the most abundant bacteria in the gut, particularly in infants, forming 40% to 90% of the total microbiota at different stages of development. Bifidobacterium probiotic supplements help the digestive system break down food and absorb nutrients, restore normal bowel flora, inhibit the growth of disease-causing pathogens and improve local immunity. Bifidobacterium also controls diarrhea and facilitates proper stool formation by promoting water reabsorption in the colon.

Bifidobacterium supplements are available over the counter (OTC) and are taken orally to improve gut health, particularly after antibiotic use for infections. Antibiotics destroy the good bacteria along with the disease-causing pathogens and the loss of gut flora can lead to impaired digestion and diarrhea.

The suggested uses of bifidobacterium include:

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Diarrhea in infants and children
• Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• General digestive health
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis and pouchitis
• Post-antibiotic vaginal Candida yeast infection

• Do not take bifidobacterium supplements if you:
  • Are hypersensitive to any component of the formulation
  • Are immunocompromised
  • Have perforation in the gastrointestinal tract
• Some bifidobacterium products may contain lactose. Check with your physician before taking if you are on a lactose-free diet.
• Some products contain sugar. Check labels and avoid these formulations if you are diabetic.
• Discontinue bifidobacterium immediately and seek medical help if you experience any allergic reactions.

Common side effects of bifidobacterium include:

• Stomach upset
• Gas (flatulence)
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Infection (rare)

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosages may vary with different products. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. Suggested Dosing

• Align: 1 capsule (4 mg) orally daily

Overdose

Bifidobacterium overdose is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects in healthy individuals, but may cause upset stomach, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Symptoms of overdose should resolve with discontinuation of bifidobacterium. Rarely, bifidobacterium may cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised people. 

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Bifidobacterium has no known severe or serious interactions with other drugs.

• Moderate interactions of bifidobacterium may include:
  • antibiotics
  • antifungals
• Bifidobacterium has no known mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Bifidobacterium should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Check with your physician before use.
• Bifidobacterium are present in breastmilk. There is no information on the effects on the breastfed infant if a breastfeeding woman takes bifidobacterium supplements. Check with your physician before taking bifidobacterium supplements.
• Never take any OTC or herbal product, including bifidobacterium without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Bifidobacterium supplements are generally safe for most people when taken in recommended doses.
• Take bifidobacterium supplements exactly as per label instructions.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement, including bifidobacterium, particularly if you have any health conditions or you take regular medications.
• Dietary supplements often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the bifidobacterium product you choose.
• Bifidobacterium probiotics are marketed as dietary supplements and are not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents; exercise caution in choosing your product.
• Store bifidobacterium safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.