Overview

Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) that lives in the intestines. It produces lactic and acetic acid in the gut.

"Good" bacteria such as B. longum can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. Two subspecies of this bacteria, B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum, are found in the human gut and used in probiotic supplements.

People use B. longum for eczema, athletic performance, constipation, colic, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using B. longum for COVID-19.

Don't confuse B. longum with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Bifidobacterium longum overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: B. longum is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one year. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. longum seems to be well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: B. longum is likely safe. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics for up to one year. Some people might experience gas and bloating from probiotics, but B. longum seems to be well-tolerated.

Children: B. longum is likely safe for most children when taken by mouth for up to 4 months. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if B. longum is safe for very small premature infants. There have been cases of blood infection with B. longum in critically ill babies.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: B. longum is possibly safe when taken by mouth. It's been used safely throughout pregnancy, and also for 2 months after delivery while breast-feeding.

Weakened immune system: Some probiotics have caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking B. longum.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotic drugs interacts with Bifidobacterium longum

    B. longum is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with B. longum might reduce the effects of B. longum. To avoid this interaction, take B. longum products at least two hours before or after antibiotics.

Dosing

In adults, B. longum has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics in doses of up to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for up to 8 weeks. In children, B. longum has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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