There are many different types of probiotics, and each strain is beneficial in different ways. Probiotics are separated by groups called Genera, or genus. These Genus are basically a family, which then have smaller categories that are called species (think of species as your immediate family). Although there are seven different genera, the two main genera that you will see on the back of probiotic supplements are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Both of these are equally important and serve a critical role within our gastrointestinal tract.
Lactobacillus is very widely used in probiotic supplements and is primarily found living in the small intestine. This genus is what helps our body to absorb the nutrients that our body needs and to help finish digesting the foods. As you may have guessed by its name, this strain also has a very important role in digesting lactose and other dairy products to absorb the nutrients and aid in digestion to prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. There are many different species of lactobacillus that each have more specific jobs and benefits. The name of the species will be listed after the Genus. For instance, Lactobacillus Plantarum. Although all of these species are part of the lactobacillus family and all live in the small intestine as well, they have more specific jobs. Lactobacillus Plantarum produces antibodies to kill off the bad bacteria living in your gut to help balance your gut flora. This can reduce bloating and support a healthy digestive and immune system. Another perk to lactobacillus species is that many of them actually aid in women’s health, oral health, aid in weight management, and even aid in heart health by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Unlike lactobacillus, bifidobacterium resides mainly in the large intestine or colon. This bacteria is actually a key function in helping your body digest complex carbohydrates that it isn’t unable to do naturally. Because of this, these bacteria can actually reduce the risk of diabetes and weight gain because they release short-chain fatty acids, which become the energy source for the cells lining your large intestine, and they also aid in speeding up your metabolism. Bifidobacterium also helps to prevent E. coli and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract by preventing toxins from passing through the lining of the large intestine into the blood. Many of the bifidobacterium species have actually lived in your gut since you were an infant. Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium bifidum both have been present since you were an infant and aid in microbiome composition to reduce gastrointestinal distress, helps to break down dairy, and protects your intestinal lining.
When looking for a good probiotic supplement, you should be looking for one that includes many different species. This way you can assure that you are getting multiple benefits from your probiotics.