Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis)

Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, Y-shaped probiotic bacterium that dominates the gut microbiome of breastfed infants. It has a unique capability to metabolize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that most gut microbes cannot, enabling it to rapidly colonize the neonatal intestine and support development of a healthy microbiota. B. infantis produces beneficial metabolites (like acetate and indole-3-lactic acid), lowers gut pH to prevent pathogen colonization, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. It is considered especially beneficial in infants, including those at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis, malnutrition, or allergic diseases. B. infantis is used as the active organism in certain probiotic supplements but is not a molecular drug target; rather, its presence is a marker and modulator of healthy gut development.

Other names

Bifidobacterium infantisBifidobacterium longum subsp. infantisB. infantis

Restoration and dominance of healthy gut flora\nMetabolism of HMOs to SCFAs, leading to acidification of gut environment and inhibition of pathogens\nProduction of antimicrobial compounds (biosurfactants, bacteriocins)\nPromotion of gut barrier development and immune system maturation\nSuppression of pro-inflammatory responses via immune modulation and production of anti-inflammatory metabolites (e.g., indole-3-lactic acid)