the intestinal microbiota, a complex community vital to human health, is shaped by microbial competition and host-driven selective pressures. Among these microbes, plays a crucial role in early gut colonization during neonatal stages, where subspecies () predominates and is particularly prevalent in healthy breastfed infants. as we embark on a new era in nutrition of the pediatric population, this study seeks to examine the existing understanding regarding , encompassing both preclinical insights and clinical evidence. through a narrative disceptation of the current literature, we focus on its genetic capacity to break down various substances that support its survival and dominance in the intestine. using "omics" technologies, researchers have identified beneficial mechanisms of , including the production of short-chain fatty acids, serine protease inhibitors, and polysaccharides. While declines with age and in various diseases, it remains a widely used probiotic with documented benefits for infant and child health in numerous studies. the current scientific evidence underscores the importance for ongoing research and clinical trials for a deeper understanding of 's role in promoting long-term health.