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Bifidobacterium catenulatum
Bifidobacterium catenulatum, a member of the Bifidobacteria genus, is known for its significant health benefits, particularly in gut health.
It helps prevent diarrhea, improve lactose intolerance, and modulate the immune system. B. catenulatum also enhances colon regularity, alleviates constipation, and inhibits infections.
Research highlights its role in promoting gut health through interactions with other beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, producing anti-inflammatory compounds.
Additionally, it shows promise in protecting against liver damage, underscoring its potential for clinical applications in promoting overall health and preventing various diseases.
General Health Benefits of Bifidobacteria spp.
Many of the general health benefits of Bifidobacteria spp. are also seen in its members, including B. animalis. Below are the health benefits generally attributed to Bifidobacteria spp. members:
Bifidobacteria prevent diarrhea, improve lactose intolerance, and enhance immune modulation [25].
They promote colon regularity, alleviate constipation, and prevent oral inflammations and dental caries [5., 19.].
Bifidobacteria spp. compete with pathogens, inhibiting infections and virus replication [5., 6., 12., 25.].
Bifidobacteria also enhance immune responses, increase beneficial antibodies, and promote regulatory T cells for anti-inflammatory effects [6., 18.].
They exhibit anticancer properties by boosting immune response and altering gut conditions [6].
They act as psychobiotics, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and play a role in synthesizing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is beneficial in autism [2., 8., 9. 14., 17., 27., 28., 29.]
Additionally, they facilitate vitamin and mineral absorption, promote bone density, and improve metabolic health by reducing fat accumulation and improving glucose tolerance [1., 4.., 5., 24., 25., 26.]
Health Benefits of Bifidobacterium catenulatum
Most of the known benefits of B. catenulatum are associated with general health effects of the Bifidobacterium group. Some research is available that points to specific health effects assocaited with B. catenulatum.
Co-Culture with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii [30.]
Co-culturing Faecalibacterium prausnitzii with Bifidobacterium catenulatum in fructooligosaccharides (FOS) media significantly improved the growth and butyrate production of F. prausnitzii.
B. catenulatum, when co-cultured with F. prausnitzii, produces acetate but not butyrate. F. prausnitzii utilizes the acetate produced by B. catenulatum to generate butyrate.
This cross-feeding interaction promotes the growth and gut colonization of F. prausnitzii and enhances butyrate production, which has anti-inflammatory properties and benefits intestinal health.
The co-culture supernatant demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in a colitis mouse model. Furthermore, feeding mice with both bacteria enhanced the gut colonization of F. prausnitzii, suggesting that B. catenulatum can play a crucial role in promoting gut health and mitigating inflammation.
Protection Against Liver Damage [13.]
Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 was shown to provide protection against D-galactosamine-induced liver damage in rats.
Research found that LI10-pretreated rats with less severe liver damage exhibited distinct gut microbiota profiles. The results suggest that certain gut bacteria may enhance the protective effects of B. catenulatum LI10, indicating potential for future clinical applications.
Laboratory Testing for Bifidobacterium Levels
Test Type, Sample Collection and Preparation
Bifidobacterium levels are assessed in stool samples. Stool samples may be collected from the comfort of home.
Testing may require avoidance of certain medications and/or supplements including probiotics prior to sample collection. It is important to consult with the ordering provider for full test preparation instructions.
Interpretation of Test Results
Optimal Levels of Bifidobacterium spp.
It is important to consult with the laboratory company used for test interpretation.
B. catenulatum levels are often reported as part of the total Bifidobacteria spp. present.
One lab company provides the following reference range for Bifidobacterium spp. levels: 6.7e7org/g [23.]
Clinical Implications of High Bifidobacterium spp.
High levels of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiome are generally associated with a healthy state and favorable metabolic outcomes.
In the setting of symptoms of dysbiosis or SIBO such as gas, bloating, and/or abdominal pain, further assessment and possible treatments should be considered.
Patients in this scenario who are using probiotics should consider stopping their probiotics.
In rare clinical settings involving either the very young or the very elderly who also have impaired intestinal barriers and/or are immunocompromised, Bifidobacterium may become invasive and cause bacteremia. [9.]
Low Bifidobacterium Abundance
Generally, Bifidobacterium are considered to be beneficial. Low levels of Bifidobacterium have been associated with:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) [11.]
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including: [11.]
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea [11.]
- Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns [5.]
- Atopic eczema [11.]
- Certain types of infections, including H. pylori and C. dificile infections [11.]
- Conditions associated with dysbiosis (imbalance in gut microbiota) [18.]
- Obesity and metabolic disorders [5.]
- Colorectal cancer [5.]
- Allergies and asthma [11.]
- Mood disorders and depression [5.]
- Autism spectrum disorders [17.]
Therefore, maintaining a high abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiome is generally considered a favorable state, associated with better metabolic health, a lean phenotype, and a lower risk of inflammatory conditions like IBD.
Monitoring Bifidobacterium levels may have clinical significance in assessing gut health, disease risk, and potential therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring a balanced microbiome.
Natural Ways to Optimize Microbiome Health [12.]
A healthy diet and lifestyle are foundational for microbiome health.
Diet and Nutrition
- Consume Diverse Foods: increase the variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes to promote microbial diversity.
- High-Fiber Diet: focus on fiber-rich foods to support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
- Fermented Foods: include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods to introduce probiotics.
- Polyphenol-Rich Foods: consume foods high in polyphenols such as berries, green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine to stimulate beneficial bacteria growth.
- Prebiotics: incorporate prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas to nourish beneficial bacteria.
Lifestyle
- Regular Exercise: engage in consistent physical activity to enhance gut microbiota diversity and composition.
- Stress Management: practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to prevent microbiota dysbiosis.
Medications and Supplements
- Probiotics: consider probiotic supplements to increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics: use antibiotics only when necessary to avoid disrupting the gut microbiome.
Environmental Factors
- Limit Artificial Sweeteners: avoid artificial sweeteners that can negatively affect gut microbiota.
- Healthy Sleep Patterns: maintain regular sleep patterns to support a balanced gut microbiome.
Hygiene Practices
- Avoid Over-Sanitization: limit the use of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers to maintain a healthy microbiota balance.
Order Bifidobacterium spp. Testing
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[12.] Hou, K., Wu, ZX., Chen, XY. et al. Microbiota in health and diseases. Sig Transduct Target Ther 7, 135 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-00974-4
[13.] Hua Zha, Si G, Wang C, Jiawen Lv, Zhang H, Li L. Characteristics of the gut microbiota in Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 pretreated rats with lower levels of D-galactosamine-induced liver damage. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2022;133(2):375-384. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15562
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[15.] Jang H.-M., Lee K.-E., Kim D.-H. (2019). The Preventive and Curative Effects of Lactobacillus Reuteri NK33 and Bifidobacterium Adolescentis NK98 on Immobilization Stress-Induced Anxiety/depression and Colitis in Mice. Nutrients 11, 819. 10.3390/nu11040819
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[18.] Milani C, Turroni F, Duranti S, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Ferrario C, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Genomics of the Genus Bifidobacterium Reveals Species-Specific Adaptation to the Glycan-Rich Gut Environment. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2015 Nov 20;82(4):980-991. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03500-15. PMID: 26590291; PMCID: PMC4751850.
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[21.] Patole SK, Rao SC, Keil AD, Nathan EA, Doherty DA, Simmer KN. Benefits of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Supplementation in Preterm Neonates - A Retrospective Cohort Study. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 8;11(3):e0150775. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150775. PMID: 26953798; PMCID: PMC4783036.
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[24.] Rupa Health. GI-MAP + Zonulin Sample Report.pdf. Google Docs. https://drive.google.com/file/d/13LXmPBhXV2Y9paOeE5id2OM2X0V5gJ56/view
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[30.] Kim H, Jeong Y, Kang S, You HJ, Ji GE. Co-Culture with Bifidobacterium catenulatum Improves the Growth, Gut Colonization, and Butyrate Production of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Microorganisms. 2020 May 25;8(5):788. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8050788. PMID: 32466189; PMCID: PMC7285360.
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Bifidobacterium catenulatum
