Bifidobacteria Level: An Indicator of Gut Health Everyone Should Know About
What are bifidobacteria and why are they needed?
Bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium) is one of the most important groups of beneficial microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human large intestine. They appear from the first days of life and play a key role in maintaining the balance of microflora, strengthening the immune system, synthesizing B vitamins, and processing fiber and milk sugar.
Low levels of bifidobacteria often accompany chronic digestive disorders, immunodeficiencies, and metabolic disorders. That is why monitoring this indicator is an important part of comprehensive diagnostics of the intestinal condition.
Why may the level of bifidobacteria decrease?
There may be several reasons for the imbalance:
Antibiotic therapy — destroys not only pathogens, but also beneficial flora
Improper nutrition — lack of fiber, excess sugar, fast food
Stress — it has been proven that psycho-emotional stress changes the microbial composition of the intestine
Chronic diseases — especially the gastrointestinal, endocrine and immune systems
Long-term use of laxatives or hormonal drugs
Infections — intestinal poisoning, rotavirus, parasites
How to determine the level of bifidobacteria
There are several laboratory methods:
Stool culture for microflora — classical bacteriological study with colony counting (CFU/g)
PCR diagnostics — a molecular method that detects the DNA of bifidobacteria
Microbiome sequencing — a modern, highly accurate method for detecting the full composition of bacteria in the intestine
The analysis is submitted in a special sterile container after following certain preparation rules.
Normal bifidobacteria count in feces
| Age | Norm (CFU/g) |
|---|---|
| Children under 1 year old | ≥10¹⁰ |
| Children 1–12 years old | ≥10⁹ |
| Adults | ≥10⁸ |
A figure below 10⁷ CFU/g in an adult is considered low and requires attention.
What symptoms may indicate a decrease in the level of bifidobacteria?
bloating, flatulence
unstable stool (diarrhea or constipation)
frequent colds, weak immunity
allergic reactions, atopic manifestations
increased fatigue, impaired absorption of vitamins
skin problems (acne, dryness)
What to do if the level of bifidobacteria is reduced
Change your diet:
more vegetables, fruits, whole grains (source prebiotics)
include fermented milk products with live cultures
limit sweets, fast food, convenience foods
Take probiotics with bifidobacteria:
Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. longum, B. lactis — common strains
course of treatment - at least 2–4 weeks (after consultation with a doctor)
Take prebiotics at the same time:
inulin, lactulose, FOS - stimulate the growth of beneficial flora
Avoid self-medication with antibiotics. If they are prescribed, be sure to take probiotics at the same time.
Consult a gastroenterologist, if the symptoms do not disappear or are accompanied by other disorders.
Monitoring the level of bifidobacteria is an important part of a comprehensive approach to intestinal health. Timely examination and correction of microflora help reduce the frequency of infections, improve metabolism and restore comfort to everyday life.
Director of Medi Lab Plus LLC, a doctor of the highest category. Has over 45 years of practical experience in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Founder and head of the laboratory since 2007. More details…