Our Little Friends: 2024 Systemic Review Underlines 2 Key Benefits of Bifidobacteria

A systematic review published in 2024 in the Life journal has assessed research on two key benefits of Bifidobacteria, their role in combating liver diseases and enhancing immune responses. Read on to find out more about some of the research supporting the efficacy of the organisms that inspired our prebiotic herbal teas!

1. **Efficacy in ALD, Cirrhosis, and NAFLD: Restoring Balance in the Gut**

One of the most striking findings from the 2024 review is the efficacy of Bifidobacteria in treating liver diseases such as Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), Cirrhosis, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). These conditions are often associated with an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can lead to a cascade of health issues, including inflammation, poor liver function, and even liver failure.

The review highlighted how Bifidobacteria supplementation can help restore this balance. In patients with ALD, Cirrhosis, and NAFLD, Bifidobacteria were found to reduce harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial ones. This shift in the microbiome composition was associated with significant improvements in liver function and overall health.

For instance, Bifidobacteria were shown to reduce levels of liver enzymes like ALT and AST, which are markers of liver damage. Additionally, they decreased levels of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α and IL-1β, which are often elevated in liver disease. These biochemical improvements translated into better clinical outcomes for patients, including reduced symptoms and a lower risk of disease progression.

But how exactly do Bifidobacteria achieve this? The answer lies in their ability to produce Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate. SCFAs are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier. By enhancing butyrate production, Bifidobacteria help reduce gut permeability, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream and causing inflammation in the liver. This mechanism is particularly crucial in managing liver diseases, where inflammation and oxidative stress play a significant role in disease progression, as well as ensuring a healthy and functional gut.

2. **Immune and Inflammatory Response: Enhancing Our Body's Defense Mechanisms**

The second key benefit highlighted in the review is the role of Bifidobacteria in modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. The immune system is intricately linked to the gut microbiome, with about 70% of our immune cells residing in the gut. This close connection means that the state of our gut microbiome can significantly influence our immune responses.

In patients with liver diseases, the immune system is often in overdrive, leading to chronic inflammation that can worsen liver damage. Bifidobacteria, with their immune-modulating

properties, help calm this hyperactive immune response. The review found that Bifidobacteria supplementation led to a reduction in inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, both of which are implicated in the progression of liver disease.

Moreover, Bifidobacteria were shown to enhance immune homeostasis, which is the balance between the body's immune defenses and its tolerance to non-harmful substances. This balance is crucial in preventing autoimmune reactions and chronic inflammation, both of which are common in liver diseases.

But Bifidobacteria's impact on the immune system isn't just limited to reducing inflammation. They also play a role in enhancing the body's overall defense mechanisms. By promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the activity of regulatory T cells (a type of immune cell that helps keep the immune response in check), Bifidobacteria help create a more balanced and effective immune system. This improved immune function is not only beneficial for liver health but also for overall well-being, reducing the risk of infections and other inflammatory conditions.

Conclusion: Nurturing Our Little Friends for Better Health

As we continue to uncover the complexities of the gut microbiome, the importance of nurturing “good guys” like Bifidobacteria becomes increasingly clear. The 2024 systematic review highlights just two of the many benefits these probiotics offer, particularly in restoring gut balance and enhancing immune function. Unfortunately, it is often not realized that consuming probiotic supplements and food is not enough to foster gut health—prebiotics are also necessary to cultivate beneficial bacteria (read our post on how HMOs contribute to the growth of Bifidobacteria here), and lay the foundation for long-term gut improvement. This is because, instead of bombarding your gut with taxa after taxa of good bacteria into a hostile gut, prebiotics create an environment where these good bacteria can thrive. This is the inspiration that guided us to create our prebiotic tea—a can full of food for the good guys in your stomach!

Hizo, Gabriel Henrique, and Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto. “The Impact of Probiotic Bifidobacterium on Liver Diseases and the Microbiota.” Life 14, no. 2 (2024): 239.