Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) that lives in the intestines. It produces lactic and acetic acid in the gut.
"Good" bacteria such as B. longum can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. Two subspecies of this bacteria, B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum, are found in the human gut and used in probiotic supplements.
People use B. longum for eczema, athletic performance, constipation, colic, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using B. longum for COVID-19.
Don't confuse B. longum with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.
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