PROBIOTICS: The Friendly Bacteria of the Gut
Not everybody realizes that probiotics - their name literally means “for life” - are live bacteria that are known to provide specific health benefits.99% of bacteria found in the gut are actually harmless or carry out essential functions for health…
PROBIOTICS:
The Friendly Bacteria of the Gut
Not everybody realizes that probiotics - their name literally means “for life” - are live bacteria that are known to provide specific health benefits.
99% of bacteria found in the gut are actually harmless or carry out essential functions for health. Still, even as they represent such an overwhelming majority, these good bacteria sometimes need a little help to maintain the right balance and prevent harm from the 1% pathogens.
Why does your child need probiotics?
Research(1) has shown that the establishment of an optimal microbial community immediately after birth and the maintenance of a balanced gut microbiota are essential to the development of a child’s immune system.
However, a child’s gut microbiota complex balance can be influenced by several key factors such as genetic background, maternal diet, gestational age*, environment, mode of delivery, type of feeding and antibiotic use(2). The right type of probiotics can help.
What are the benefits of probiotics for children?
Besides supporting your child’s overall health, probiotics such as B. Lactis have been clinically shown to support their healthy defense system. And at a time where your child may need it the most.
*Number of months in the womb before birth.
3 ways probiotic B. Lactis supports your child’s immune system
The effects of B. Lactis on the child’s gut immune system have been researched extensively.
Studies(3) have shown an impact on 3 key levels of gut immune system mechanisms:
B. Lactis reduces the frequency and length of diarrhea episodes.
B. Lactis increases immunoglobulin A (IgA), the principal antibody class in the gut and an important first line of defense for your child’s immune system.
B. Lactis increases the proportion of the friendly bifidobacteria in the gut microbiota.
When selecting a formula for your child, you may consider a scientifically designed formula supplemented with probiotic
- (1)(Martin, 2010; Milani, 2017).
- (2)Martin, 2010; Milani, 2017; Capurso, 2019; Francino, 2014; Chong, 2018; Collado, 2015.
- (3)
Chouraqui JP, Van Egroo LD, Fichot MC. Acidified milk formula supplemented with bifidobacterium lactis: impact on infant diarrhea in residential care settings. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2004 ;38(3):288-92.
Frelut M.L., Mariani Kurdidjan P., Boissinot C., Van Egroo L. D., Lambert N., Navarro J. Impact d’une formule lactée acidifiée enrichie en bifido-bactéries vivantes sur la flore intestinale et la croissance d’enfants de 0 à 3 mois, XXXIIème congrès de l’association des pédiatres de langue française. Poster + Arch Pediatr 1999; 6 (suppl.2): S 556.
Holscher HD, Czerkies LA, Cekola P, Litov R, Benbow M, Santema S, Alexander DD, Perez V, Sun S, Saavedra JM, Tappenden KA. Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 enhances intestinal antibody response in formula-fed infants: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012 Jan;36(1 Suppl):106S-17S.
Weizman Z, Asli G, Alsheikh A. Effect of a probiotic infant formula on infections in child care centers: comparison of two probiotic agents. Pediatrics. 2005;115(1):5-9.
Ziegler EE, Jeter JM, Drulis JM, Nelson SE, Haschke P, Steenhout P, Brown C, Maire J-C, Hager C. Formula with reduced content of improved, partially hydrolyzed protein and probiotics: infant growth and health. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd [Suppl 1] 2003. 151:S65-S71.
