Which Probiotic Has Bifidobacterium Longum and How Can It Help You?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of the body's immune system is housed in the gut, making a healthy microbiome essential. Many high-quality probiotic supplements contain the well-researched strain Bifidobacterium longum to support this balance, offering benefits for digestive comfort, immunity, and overall wellness.

Quick Summary

Several probiotic supplements and fermented foods contain the beneficial strain Bifidobacterium longum. Notable supplement brands include Align and InnovixLabs, while yogurt and kefir offer dietary sources. This probiotic can improve digestive health, support immune function, and positively influence the gut-brain axis for overall well-being. Look for specific strain identifiers on product labels.

Key Points

Align Probiotic Contains a Clinically-Studied Strain: Align Probiotic is a prominent supplement that contains the patented and extensively researched Bifidobacterium longum 35624™, known for managing IBS symptoms.
Look for Specific Strain Identifiers: When purchasing a probiotic, look for specific strain identifiers like 35624™, BB536®, or Rosell-175 on the label to ensure you are getting Bifidobacterium longum and not a generic alternative.
Fermented Foods Offer Natural Sources: Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and miso can contain bifidobacteria, providing a dietary source of these beneficial microbes, though strain and potency can vary.
The Strain Benefits Gut and Brain Health: Research indicates that specific B. longum strains support digestive health by promoting comfort and regular bowel movements, while also positively impacting the gut-brain axis to improve mood.
Supplements Provide Targeted, Consistent Doses: Unlike food, which offers variable levels, supplements guarantee a specific, high-potency dose of the targeted strain, which is beneficial for managing specific health concerns.
Check for BB536® in Supplements: Some supplements, like Life Extension Bifido GI Balance, specifically use the BB536® strain, which has been studied for its ability to improve intestinal microecology and alleviate gastrointestinal disorders.

Supplements Containing Bifidobacterium longum

While Bifidobacterium longum is naturally present in the human gut, it can also be supplemented through various commercial products. Several brands have incorporated specific, clinically-studied strains of this beneficial bacterium into their formulas. Identifying these products requires a close look at the ingredients list for the specific strain name, such as BB536 or 35624.

Top Probiotic Supplements with B. longum

Align Probiotic: This is one of the most well-known probiotics containing the patented and heavily-researched strain Bifidobacterium longum 35624™. It is specifically marketed for managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
InnovixLabs Mood Probiotic: This supplement is formulated to target the gut-brain axis, featuring a combination of Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 and Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52ND. It aims to support mood and reduce feelings of psychological distress.
Life Extension Bifido GI Balance: This product contains the specific BB536® strain of Bifidobacterium longum, which was originally isolated from a healthy breastfed infant. The formula is designed to support healthy gut and digestive function.
California Gold Nutrition Acidophilus and Bifidus: A multi-strain probiotic blend that includes Bifidobacterium longum alongside Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. These multi-species formulas aim to promote comprehensive digestive health.
Genestra Brands - HMF Bifido Capsules: A practitioner-grade product, this supplement contains a high-concentration blend of bifidobacteria, including Bifidobacterium longum. It is intended for gastrointestinal health and microflora support.
Orthoplex White MultiGen Biotic: A potent, practitioner-only product that includes a variety of beneficial strains, with Bifidobacterium longum (BB536) being one of the key ingredients.

Fermented Foods Containing Bifidobacteria

While supplements provide targeted strains, certain fermented foods can also be a source of beneficial bifidobacteria. However, the presence and specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the product, brand, and fermentation process. Labels should be checked carefully.

Common Sources of Bifidobacteria in Foods

Yogurt and Kefir: These dairy products are often the most accessible sources of bifidobacteria and other probiotics. The label should specify if live and active cultures, including Bifidobacterium, were used.
Kimchi and Sauerkraut: Fermented vegetables like kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage) and sauerkraut (fermented shredded cabbage) can contain beneficial bacteria, though the specific species can differ.
Tempeh: This fermented soybean cake is another dietary source of beneficial bacteria.
Miso: A paste made from fermented soybeans and brown rice, miso is a traditional ingredient that can add probiotics to your diet.

Benefits of Bifidobacterium longum

Research indicates a wide range of potential health benefits associated with the presence of Bifidobacterium longum in the gut. These benefits are often strain-specific, but generally revolve around improving intestinal health and influencing systemic functions via the gut-brain axis.

Potential Health Benefits

Digestive Comfort: Certain strains, like 35624™, have been shown to help relieve occasional abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating.
Immune Support: Bifidobacterium longum can modulate the intestinal immune system, which is crucial for overall immunity. This can include regulating immune responses and potentially assisting in the management of allergic conditions.
Mental Well-being: The gut-brain axis is a complex network linking intestinal bacteria to brain function. Studies, including one on the strain 1714™, have shown positive effects on mood and a reduction in stress.
Constipation Relief: B. longum has been shown to normalize bowel movements and improve fecal characteristics, especially in individuals with infrequent defecation.
Modulation of Gut Microbiota: This probiotic can help maintain a balanced gut environment by producing beneficial compounds like lactic and acetic acid, which inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens.

Supplement vs. Food Sources

When choosing a source of Bifidobacterium longum, it's helpful to compare supplements and fermented foods. Both have a role in supporting gut health, but offer different characteristics.


Feature	Probiotic Supplements (e.g., Align)	Fermented Foods (e.g., Yogurt)
Strain Specificity	Guarantees specific, clinically-studied strains are present.	Strains and quantities can vary widely by product and batch.
Potency (CFU)	Delivers a standardized, high number of Colony Forming Units (CFU).	CFU counts can be inconsistent and often lower than supplements.
Targeted Benefits	Formulated for specific outcomes (e.g., IBS relief, mood support).	Provides broad probiotic support, less focused on specific conditions.
Shelf-Stability	Many supplements are shelf-stable, with protective packaging.	Live cultures in food can degrade over time, requiring refrigeration.
Additional Nutrients	Often contain other beneficial compounds, like prebiotics.	Contains other nutrients like protein, calcium, or prebiotics naturally.
Cost	Can be more expensive per serving than food sources.	Generally more affordable and can be part of a regular diet.
Customization	Easier to customize a regimen with specific strain combinations.	Less control over the exact strains and quantities consumed.

Conclusion

For individuals looking to incorporate Bifidobacterium longum into their diet, both supplements and fermented foods are viable options, each with distinct advantages. For targeted health issues, such as IBS or mood support, clinically-studied strains like 35624™ (in Align) or Rosell-175 (in InnovixLabs) offer a more predictable outcome. Alternatively, incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi provides a broader spectrum of beneficial bacteria and nutrients for general gut health maintenance. By understanding the products available and checking for specific strain identifiers on the label, consumers can make an informed choice that best suits their health goals.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bifidobacterium longum is a specific species of probiotic bacteria. While it belongs to the larger group of beneficial bacteria, its effects can be distinct and strain-specific. For example, some strains of B. longum are specifically studied for their effects on mood or IBS symptoms, which may not be the case for other probiotic species like Lactobacillus acidophilus.

You can get bifidobacteria from some yogurts, but its presence is not guaranteed. Check the product label to confirm it contains live and active cultures, and if specific strains like B. longum are listed. For consistent, targeted doses, a supplement is more reliable.

This probiotic aids digestive health by helping to break down complex carbohydrates and produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, like butyrate, which lower the gut's pH. This creates a less hospitable environment for pathogenic bacteria and can help normalize bowel movements.

Yes, research on the gut-brain axis suggests a connection. Certain strains, such as Rosell-175, have been studied for their ability to influence brain activity and modulate mood during stress, showing potential benefits for mental well-being.

It depends on the product and how it is processed. Some probiotic strains are shelf-stable, while others require refrigeration to maintain viability. Many modern supplements, like Align, come in advanced packaging designed to protect the bacteria from moisture and heat, making refrigeration unnecessary.

To choose the best product, first determine your primary health goal. For IBS symptom relief, consider Align with strain 35624™. For mood support, look for InnovixLabs with strain Rosell-175. Always check for a specific strain identifier on the label and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

B. longum is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals and has been used safely in supplements for an extended period. However, it may not be suitable for people with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for infants or immunocompromised individuals.