Bifidobacterium longum is a specific species of microscopic non-pathogenic bacteria found naturally in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans as well as in most other animals.

Bifidobacterium longum is a specific species of microscopic non-pathogenic bacteria found naturally in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans as well as in most other animals.

Bifidobacterium longum is a specific species of microscopic non-pathogenic bacteria found naturally in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans as well as in most other animals.

Bifidobacterium longum is comprised of multiple subspecies that beneficially modulate the immune system. It is found in probiotic supplements and fermented foods. Lactate producer; acetate producer. 

Utilizes diet-derived carbohydrates. 

A common component of the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and in particular are amongst the first bacterial colonizers of the intestine.

A common component of the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and in particular are amongst the first bacterial colonizers of the intestine.

Bifidobacterium is a genus of gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria. Species of this genus are highly abundant in infants, especially in breastfed ones. Reduced levels of Bifidobacteria, with a consequent depletion of acetate production, in early life have been correlated to the insurgence of atopic diseases later in life, such as asthma and eczema. Several strains are now used as probiotics in order to prevent the development of these diseases and ameliorate symptoms. For example, they have been used to treat or prevent colorectal cancer, treat antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, decrease incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, reduce symptoms of IBD, improve colon regularity and decrease pathogen colonisation in the gut.

A common component of the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and in particular are amongst the first bacterial colonizers of the intestine.

Considered amongst the most beneficial commensal bacteria in the human gut, Bifidobacterium spp. are able to degrade monosaccharides, galacto-, manno-, and fructo-oligosaccharides, as well as some complex carbohydrates. Many of the non-digestible oligosaccharides, found as natural components in mother’s milk, select for colonization of these species which dominate the infant gut shortly after birth.

Bifidobacteria may provide health benefits directly through interactions with the host, and indirectly through interactions with other microorganisms. Bifidobacterium spp. take part in production and adsorption of vitamins, such as vitamins K and B12, biotin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine.

Gram-positive genus in the Actinobacteria phylum. Present in breast milk. Colonizes the human GI tract at birth. Common in probiotics. Thrives on a wide variety of prebiotic fibers.

Bile acids are compounds that are made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Bile acids help with digestion of foods, particularly fat. When food is eaten, the body sends a signal to the gall bladder to contract and push bile acids into the small intestine. The bile acids mix with the food in the intestine and break down large, complex fats into small particles that can be absorbed more easily.

Bile acids are a group of molecules produced by the liver from cholesterol and play a vital role in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. They are components of bile, a fluid that is released into the intestines to help break down fats. A lab panel can measure the levels of bile acids in the blood, which is an important marker for assessing liver function and health. Elevated levels of bile acids in the blood can indicate liver disease or conditions that impair bile flow, such as cholestasis. This is because when the liver is damaged or the bile ducts are blocked, bile acids can accumulate in the liver and spill into the bloodstream. On the other hand, lower levels might be seen in certain conditions affecting the production of bile acids. Therefore, measuring bile acids can help diagnose and monitor liver diseases, evaluate the severity of liver dysfunction, and guide treatment decisions. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions that affect bile acids metabolism or bile flow, providing crucial information for the effective management of liver-related disorders.

Bilirubin is a waste byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. Yellow in coloration, bilirubin is filtered out of the blood by the liver and excreted in stool by the intestines. Bilirubin tests are done when a disease or blockage of the liver is suspected. Direct bilirubin differs from indirect bilirubin in that it is bound to a sugar and is therefore water soluble. 

The Indirect Bilirubin test measures how much bilirubin is in your blood. It originates from the breakdown of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, but must be removed by your liver. 

What is Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish substance. Bilirubin is made in the body when the hemoglobin protein in old red blood cells is broken down. The breakdown of old cells is a normal, healthy process. Bilirubin is found in bile, a fluid your liver makes that helps you digest food. Bilirubin is stored in the gallbladder and is involved in digesting food. Most bilirubin is eliminated in the feces or urine. Elevated bilirubin levels may indicate certain diseases. It is responsible for the yellow color of bruises and the yellow discoloration in jaundice. Its subsequent breakdown products, such as stercobilin, cause the brown color of feces. A different breakdown product, urobilin, is the main component of the straw-yellow color in urine. If your liver is healthy, it will remove most of the bilirubin from your body. If your liver is damaged, bilirubin can leak out of your liver and into your blood. When too much bilirubin gets into the bloodstream, it can cause jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow. Signs of jaundice, along with a bilirubin blood test, can help your health care provider find out if you have liver disease.