What are the benefits of increasing the growth of bifidobacteria?

Bifidobacteria displaces potential pathogens selectively, showing an antibiotic like effect, which is unrelated to the changes in short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and pH. Due to fennentation, the carboxylic acids produced- acetate, propionate, and butyrate-have both systemic and physiological effects. Also, these end products of fermentation allow the host to salvage a part of the energy of NDO and may play a role in regulating cellular metabolism, cell division and cell differentiation. Look at Table, which presents the physiological effects of bacterial growth and acid produced.

Table:  Physiological effects of fermentation

Thus, prebiotics help to attain an appropriate balance of microflora and help in resisting the effects exerted by the various pathogens.