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Probiotic bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifido bacteria are now being introduced into many fermented food products and supplements. The consumption of fermented dairy products containing probiotics has increased in the past decades. Bifidobacteria have been a part of human nutrition for centuries, however in recent years they have been more closely studied for their potential health benefits.

Anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can survive without oxygen) belonging to the Bifidobacterium species are beneficial for the well-being of the host both in infancy and in later years. It has been shown that bifidobacteria are the predominant 'friendly' bacteria present in the colon of breast fed infants. Bifidobacterium longum is one of the major strains of friendly bacteria found in infants and consumption of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can help to increase the population of bifidobacterium in the colon.

Bifidobacteria have potential probiotic activity that is generally related to gut health, maintenance and restoration of normal intestinal flora and an increased immune response.

The intestine is one of the most important immune organs in the human body. Its surface area represents about 300m2. The primary site of action for probiotics is the intestinal wall where they interact with immune cells, either by direct contact or by production of cytokines (molecules that interact between immune cells and coordinate the communication and immune response).

The intestinal immune system has two very significant functions for health. The first function is to suppress the immune response against foreign proteins (from bacteria or food) that are commonly found in the digestive tract. This helps prevent over sensitivity to food and minimises inflammation in the digestive tract. The second function of the intestinal immune system is to promote protective immune responses against unfavourable bacteria.