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Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, a member of the Bifidobacteria genus, offers numerous health benefits for gut and overall health.
It enhances gut integrity, reduces inflammation, and promotes a healthier microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids while reducing harmful bacteria.
Studies indicate its potential in managing conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and gout by improving metabolic functions and immune responses.
Although specific research on B. pseudocatenulatum is limited, its probiotic properties suggest significant promise for supporting intestinal health and immune modulation.
General Health Benefits of Bifidobacteria Spp.
Increasingly, the benefits of Bifidobacteria for gut and overall health are demonstrated in research. While specific strains are mentioned here, many of these benefits are widely attributed to Bifidobacteria as a genus.
These benefits include preventing diarrhea, improving lactose intolerance, and enhancing immune modulation. [29.]
They are effective in promoting colon regularity and alleviating constipation, while also preventing oral inflammations and dental caries. [6., 23.]
Bifidobacteria compete with pathogens, protecting against infections and inhibiting virus replication, such as Coxsackievirus B3 and rotavirus. [3., 6., 7., 9., 29.]
They show anticancer properties by enhancing immune response, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and altering gut conditions to prevent tumors. [6.]
Additionally, Bifidobacteria boost immune responses, increase beneficial antibodies, and promote regulatory T cells, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and immune balance. [6., 12.]
They also act as psychobiotics, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and play a role in synthesizing gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism. [2., 6., 10., 17., 20., 31., 32., 33.]
Moreover, Bifidobacteria facilitate the absorption of vitamins and minerals, promote bone density and repair, and enhance metabolic health by reducing fat accumulation and improving glucose tolerance. [1., 4., 6., 19., 24., 26.]
Health Benefits of Bifidobacterium Pseudocatenulatum
Improving Gut Lining Integrity and Immunomodulation
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum enhances gut integrity and reduces inflammation. [5., 8., 22.]
A study on its genomic diversity in a Vietnamese population showed intraclonal variation due to carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes. The strains were susceptible to beta-lactams but had variable resistance to other antibiotics, supporting its probiotic potential for gut health and inflammation reduction. [5.].
Promoting a Healthier Microbiome
In animal studies, B. pseudocatenulatum G4 increased beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids, reduced pathogenic bacteria, and improved gut health. [5., 18., 22., 34.]
B. pseudocatenulatum altered gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bifidobacteria and decreasing harmful enterobacteria, thus reducing inflammation. [5.]
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum Probiotic Uses
Gout
Depletion of B. pseudocatenulatum in gout patients correlates with reduced butyric acid biosynthesis and gut health. Its presence may aid in gout management. [13.]
Obesity, Inflammation, and Metabolic Dysfunction
B. pseudocatenulatum CECT 7765 improves metabolic and immune dysfunctions in high-fat diet-fed mice, reduces obesity-related inflammation, and enhances gut microbiota to promote metabolic health. [5., 22., 34.]
Type 2 Diabetes
B. pseudocatenulatum strains producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) improve glycemic control and reduce inflammation.
One study demonstrated that a high-fiber diet increased SCFA producers, leading to improved glycemic control, reduced inflammation and reduced weight gain in mice. [35.]
High-fiber diets promoting B. pseudocatenulatum help manage T2DM by restoring beneficial gut microbiota functions. [35.]
Promoting a Healthier Microbiome
In a study to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4 on gut microbiota and metabolic activity, 30 rats were divided into five groups and treated with different milk supplements for 20 days. [18.]
The results showed a significant increase in bifidobacteria and lactobacilli populations, along with elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids in the ceacum and colon of treated rats. Pathogenic bacteria were reduced, indicating that B. pseudocatenulatum G4 promotes a healthier gut microbiota, supporting its potential as a probiotic. [18.]
B. pseudocatenulatum, part of a functional group that thrived on this diet, produces acetate and lactate, creating an environment unfavorable to pathogenic bacteria and promoting a healthier gut ecosystem. [34.]
Additionally, it alters gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bifidobacteria and decreasing harmful enterobacteria, thus reducing inflammation. [5.]
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum CECT 7765 reduces obesity-related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in high-fat diet-fed mice by restoring the balance of lymphocytes and macrophages and altering gut microbiota structure. [22.]
Laboratory Testing for Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum Levels
Test Type, Sample Collection and Preparation
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum 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. pseudocatenulatum 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 [28.]
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. [11.]
Low Bifidobacterium Abundance
Generally, Bifidobacterium are considered to be beneficial. Low levels of Bifidobacterium have been associated with:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) [14.]
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including: [14.]
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea [14.]
- Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns [6.]
- Atopic eczema [14.]
- Certain types of infections, including H. pylori and C. dificile infections [14.]
- Conditions associated with dysbiosis (imbalance in gut microbiota) [21.]
- Obesity and metabolic disorders [6.]
- Colorectal cancer [6.]
- Allergies and asthma [14.]
- Mood disorders and depression [6.]
- Autism spectrum disorders [20.]
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 [15.]
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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Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum
