Definition:

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HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis Health Benefits:

HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis is a Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic probiotic bacterium belonging to the Bifidobacterium genus. Masco et al. established it as an independent subspecies in 2004 (it was previously classified as Bifidobacterium longum subsp. animalis). As an extremely effective probiotic, it is widely used in the food and health supplement industries thanks to its exceptional acid and bile salt tolerance and unique metabolic functions.

■ Source

In 1969, Mitsuoka isolated three strains of Bifidobacterium from the faeces of pigs, chickens, rats and guinea pigs. One strain was initially designated 'Bifidobacterium longum subsp. animalis'. Following a taxonomic revision in 2004, it was formally established as an independent subspecies: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis. The primary natural sources of this bacterium are the intestines of mammals and poultry, including pigs, cattle, sheep and chickens. Other sources include the intestines of some healthy humans, comprising 3.5-12.4% of the gut microbiota, and breast milk.

Particularities of HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis:

Product Specifications:

HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis is available in the following specification and contents, and accept customoziation.

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☑ HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis powder 1 billion CFU/g

Product quality standards:

● In house, Food grade

▶ Regulating gut microbiota composition

▶ Enhancing intestinal barrier function

HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis Applications:

HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis is a bacterium that is tolerant of acid and bile salts, has a strong capacity for intestinal colonisation, and has well-defined probiotic properties. It is used extensively in food, health supplements, and special dietary products. Its core functionality centres on maintaining gut health, regulating immunity and optimising nutrition, thus catering to the diverse needs of different populations.

The core application areas of HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis encompass food products, including conventional and functional foods. Dairy products represent the most prevalent application scenario. In fermented dairy products, freeze-dried bacterial powders are used as fermentation starter cultures, either blended with lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus or employed for standalone fermentation in the production of specialised items. In milk powder products such as infant formula, adult nutritional milk powder, and high-calcium milk powder for the elderly, freeze-dried bacterial powder is added directly after processing to prevent damage to bacterial viability caused by high-temperature sterilisation. In cereal and plant-based foods, freeze-dried bacterial powder is blended with cereal ingredients or added during fermentation for fermented dough products. Key application areas include health foods and dietary supplements. Powder and granule formulations are available in individual sachets containing 1-5 g. The core components are freeze-dried bacterial powder, prebiotics, and protectants (e.g. maltodextrin and whey protein). Some products incorporate additional probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, to enhance functional coverage. Capsule and tablet contents comprise bacterial powder and fillers. Tablets incorporate compression excipients, such as microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. Certain capsules use enteric coating technology to protect the bacteria against gastric acid.

Additionally, HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis freeze-dried bacterial powder can be added to pet food or made into standalone granules and combined with prebiotics designed for pets. This formulation is suitable for young and senior pets, as well as those experiencing intestinal dysfunction. It helps to regulate gut microbiota, alleviate diarrhoea or constipation, and boost immunity.

As an intestinal commensal, HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis competes with pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens for nutrients and colonisation sites, thereby inhibiting their growth and proliferation. The acetate and lactic acid produced through its metabolism (at a molar ratio of approximately 3.6:1) significantly lower the pH of the intestine, creating an acidic environment that is unfavourable for harmful bacteria. It also secretes antimicrobial peptides (such as bifidopeptide), which directly inhibit the synthesis of cell membranes in pathogenic bacteria. This reduces the production of putrefactive substances (such as ammonia, indole, and hydrogen sulphide) within the gut, thereby lowering the risk of intestinal inflammation.

Impaired intestinal barrier function, or intestinal permeability, is a contributing factor in many gastrointestinal disorders. HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis enhances intestinal barrier function through two mechanisms. Firstly, it promotes the expression of tight junction proteins (such as occludin and ZO-1) in intestinal mucosal epithelial cells. This reduces intercellular gaps, preventing incompletely digested macromolecules, allergens and toxins from entering the bloodstream. Secondly, it metabolises short-chain fatty acids (such as acetic acid and propionic acid) to supply energy to intestinal mucosal cells. This promotes mucosal repair and regeneration.

▶ Relieving lactose intolerance

HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis contains highly active β-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose from milk and dairy products directly in the gut. It converts lactose into glucose and galactose, which can be absorbed by the human body. This prevents the fermentation of lactose in the intestines that produces gases such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This alleviates the symptoms of lactose intolerance, including bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

☑ HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis powder 10 billion CFU/g

■ Biological characteristics

HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis is predominantly rod-shaped, curved, Y-shaped, V-shaped or spatula-shaped-a defining feature of the Bifidobacterium genus-and is strictly anaerobic. It can tolerate the low pH (2.0-3.0) environment of the stomach, with a survival rate exceeding 10%, which facilitates passage through the digestive tract and colonisation of the intestine. It carries bile salt hydrolase genes that enhance intestinal colonisation capacity, alongside molecular chaperone proteins and ATPase systems that resist environmental stress. Its fermentation products primarily yield acetate and lactate in a ratio of approximately 3.6:1, which lowers intestinal pH and inhibits harmful bacteria. Its probiotic functions include suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria to maintain microecological balance, stimulating intestinal immune cells to enhance local and systemic immunity, and strengthening intestinal mucosal barrier function to reduce the invasion of harmful substances.

▶ Regulating intestinal motility

For individuals experiencing constipation, Richtek HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis stimulates intestinal mucosal nerves via an acid-producing metabolic process, thereby promoting intestinal peristalsis. At the same time, it increases faecal moisture content, as an acidic environment reduces water absorption. This softens stools and shortens the defecation cycle.

■ Production process

The production process for HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis must adhere strictly to food safety standards, focusing on three core principles: maintaining strain viability, controlling purity and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This process achieves the production of food-grade probiotic products characterised by high viable cell counts, low contamination rates and stable, controllable quality through key stages including strain selection, high-density fermentation and freeze-drying protection. The process primarily involves strain screening and activation, seed culture expansion, high-density fermentation (the core process), cell harvesting and washing, the addition of protective agents and preparation of suspensions, freeze-drying, grinding, blending and packaging.

☑ HOLIVE®Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis powder 100 billion CFU/g