Survival of bifidobacteria in the presence of bile salt

The ability of Bifidobacterium species to survive in the presence of sodium glycocholate, at concentrations ranging from 0 to 3 g liter−1, was tested. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring the optical density for up to 48 h. All the Bifidobacterium strains tested showed growth limitation in the presence of sodium glycocholate. However, after a series of propagations in fresh trypticase‐peptone‐yeast extract medium devoid of bile salt all bacterial strains retained their activity. It was concluded that Bifidobacterium species are able to survive physiological and higher bile salt levels and that bifidobacteria can be considered for use as dietary adjuncts. Copyright © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd