Feeding the Gut: The Relationship Between 2’-FL and Bifidobacteria
Nov 30, 2022 07:35AM ● By Keri Barron
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2’-FL and Bifidobacteria
2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) is a human milk
oligosaccharide present in breast milk. It is able to evade digestive enzymes
until it reaches the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract where it acts as a
prebiotic, feeding bacteria in the gut. 2’-FL is uniquely available to Bifidobacteria,
a group of good bacteria in the gut, which helps their population flourish
and benefits both gut and immune health. Bifidobacteria are health-promoting
bacteria, and maintaining adequate levels is important because decreased levels
of Bifidobacteria are commonly seen in GI conditions as well as
metabolic diseases. Supporting growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria can also
help decrease the levels of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, which can
lead to severe infection. Bifidobacteria strains have the ability
to utilize 2’-FL by either direct uptake or by breaking 2’-FL apart outside the
cell, liberating its constituents for easy microbial feeding. Bifidobacteria
colonization in the gut is aided by the presence of 2’-FL.
Health Benefits Through
the Life Cycle
Babies are born with a very underdeveloped gut
microbiome, but the human milk oligosaccharides in breast milk, including
2’-FL, help promote the development of a rich gut microbiome. Breastfeeding in
infants has been strongly associated with an increase in many Bifidobacteria
species, due in large part to the high content of 2’-FL. It also is associated
with reduced risk of developing lower respiratory tract infections later, as
well as other benefits, including healthy brain development and cognition.
For infants that are not breastfed, formula enriched with 2’-FL and other
human milk oligosaccharides supports the development of the intestinal immune
system and gut barrier function.
The benefits of 2’-FL extend beyond infancy, promoting
the growth of beneficial microbes throughout adulthood and in individuals with
GI conditions. In healthy adults, supplementation with 2’-FL was able to
positively change the composition of the gut microbiome, increasing the levels
of Bifidobacteria. In adults with chronic GI conditions, consumption of
2’-FL resulted in improvements in symptoms specific to the intestines as well
as more broad symptoms, including quality of life.
2’-FL is a naturally occurring compound in
breast milk that jump-starts a baby’s gut microbiome and can help support the
gut and resolve gut-related issues throughout life. Supplementation with 2’-FL
can help balance the gut microbiome by increasing Bifidobacteria
populations, as well as feed beneficial Bifidobacteria during times of acute
GI stress.
Keri Barron, Ph.D., is the scientific writer for Standard Process. For more information, visit WholisticMatters.com.
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