So, I’ve revamped Nicholas’s supplement routine, which included the removal of Kirkman’s Pro-Bio Defense.  He will be on the SCD diet and this is illegal on this diet, because of the bifidus, but I’ve been curious to know, “What’s wrong with the bifidus?”  Afterall, I’m searching for yogurt to make my own with and wouldn’t you know, I can’t find one without it.  So after much digging, here’s what I was able to find…

• When bifidus persists into early childhood and beyond, it is correlated with celiac.  (Bifidus is present in newborns, but disappears at some point in time)
• It has a tendency to overgrow if it has no competing bacteria
• It increases IgA production (increased IgA-secreting cells)
• It could act as a poly-clonal activator for B cells
• It induces systemic antibody responses
• It increases total secretion of major Ig isotypes as well as the number of IgA secreting cells
• It has been implicated in the initiation of colitis and colon cancer
• If overgrown, can cause bad bowel symptoms
• Bifidus overgrowth is likely present in those suffering with bowel afflictions

Resources:

• Bifidus FAQ from the Specific Carbohydrate Diet
• SCD Yogurt Info
• Bifidobacterium bifidum Exhibits a Lipopolysaccharide-Like Mitogenic Activity for Murine B Lymphocytes
• Probiotic Bacteria in Dietetic Products for Infants