What happens when infants lack Bifidobacteria? Recent American research shows that most newborns completely lack this vital bacteria. This deficiency increases the future risk of developing allergies and immune problems.
The study, named “My Baby Biome,” involved 412 infants. According to scientists, this is the largest study of infant gut microbiomes in the U.S. It revealed that one in four infants completely lacks Bifidobacteria in their intestines. Even more concerning is that this deficiency of crucial bacteria is often replaced by pathogenic microorganisms, which raises the risk of immune complications. Scientists fear that this reality could contribute to the development of allergies, asthma, and other immune disorders in adulthood.
Bifidobacteria, particularly B. infantis and B. breve, promote the proper development of the immune system and inhibit the spread of genes that cause antibiotic resistance. However, the study showed that the number of Bifidobacteria is even lower in infants born by C-section and those exclusively breastfed. In such cases, pathogenic bacteria multiply more actively in the intestines. Consequently, breastfeeding, which is usually beneficial for a child’s health, could in this instance become an additional risk. The research also found that infants with Bifidobacteria in their intestines were significantly less likely to develop allergies, asthma, and inflammatory skin diseases before the age of two. Specifically, the presence of B. breve reduced the risk of these complications by almost four times.
Scientists will continue to monitor the children’s health for another seven years, but they already state that changes in the gut microbiome, which are becoming increasingly common in modern societies, could significantly impact children’s long-term health.
If this trend continues, one solution might be the targeted strengthening of the gut microflora and the reintroduction of microbes that have coexisted with humans for centuries and played a crucial role in their development.
Source:
Jarman, J. B., Torres, P. J., Stromberg, S., et al. (2025). Bifidobacterium deficit in United States infants drives prevalent gut dysbiosis. Communications Biology, 8, Article 867.
