Adhere to the Intestinal Tract

Beyond having enough bacteria in the product to start with, the ability of the bacteria to adhere to the intestinal tract is an important feature for maximal benefit. One of the defense mechanisms of the indigenous bacteria against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria lies in good adherence capabilities in the intestines. By this means they prevent pathogenic bacteria from adhering. Wakunaga's B. bifidum and L. acidophilus have shown a strong ability to adhere to the intestinal mucosa of the white mouse fetus, with B. bifidum having the greatest ability to adhere⁶. Bifidobacterium, in general, have been shown to adhere to the intestinal tracts of infants up to 79 days^6,49.