What Are Probiotics?
Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii are examples of probiotic microbes. These bacteria are found in probiotic supplements and help prevent infections by occupying the digestive tract and preventing other hazardous microbes from growing in the same place. However, probiotics should not be administered to infants with major medical issues.
Probiotics are found in newborn formulae, supplements, and baby food products. Probiotics are known to be beneficial bacteria. These bacteria benefit the gastrointestinal (GI) system and other health concerns. More research needs to be done on probiotics' effects on newborns. Some research suggests that they can help with GI issues and colic. Before feeding the infant probiotics, consult a specialist.
Are Probiotics Safe?
Most studies on newborns and probiotics point out their safety in healthy infants. Remember that major research on probiotics and newborns still needs to be completed. No major medical organization has approved their usage in this age group. One must consult a specialist before beginning to utilize probiotics for the child. Several strains work in various ways. They are classified as a supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, they are not regulated like pharmaceuticals and have not been demonstrated to be safe. At the moment, there is no official suggested dose for newborns. Some induce allergic reactions, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, and bloating.
What Is the Use of Baby Probiotics?
Probiotics may help infants and children in the following ways:
-
Boost good bacteria.
-
Prevent diarrhea that is caused by antibiotic use or infection.
-
Balances out different types of bacteria present in the body.
-
Decreases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other uses are:
-
Prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
-
Control food allergies, asthma, and eczema.
-
Improve overall health.
-
Reduces tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Probiotics may also help with the following conditions:
-
Atopic Diseases - Probiotic supplements may aid infants at risk of developing atopic diseases. This is especially beneficial for formula-fed babies. According to certain research, probiotics may also be advantageous during pregnancy and lactation.
-
Diarrhea - In some cases, probiotics can help avoid diarrhea. These supplements have been shown to help children.
-
Necrotizing Enterocolitis - Preterm newborns are especially vulnerable to necrotizing enterocolitis. This is due to the treatment of antibiotics after birth and the minimal development of normal gut microbes. Probiotic supplements may aid in developing these essential microbes in premature or low-birth-weight infants.
-
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease -Probiotics may be helpful in the management of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or chronic ulcerative colitis) together with or as a replacement for medications prescribed for this condition. However, no conclusive research demonstrates whether it actually works as a treatment for this condition in infants.
Infants may suffer from colic or conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system. These conditions can be difficult to control and keep parents and babies up at night. Probiotics ease side effects and assist newborn children.
Which Foods Contain Probiotics?
Usually, most of the foods contain probiotics. Eating probiotic-rich food will increase the beneficial microorganisms in the body. Probiotic-rich food is:
-
Cheese.
-
Yogurt.
-
Buttermilk.
-
Fermented pickles.
-
Sourdough bread.
-
Kefir.
-
Kimchi.
-
Unpasteurized sauerkraut.
-
Miso-containing food.
-
Tempeh.
-
Kombucha.
These foods include probiotics that are either natural or added. Probiotic supplements are also available in tablet, capsule, powder, and liquid forms. These supplements are taken in addition to the regular diet. The prospect of incorporating probiotics into cereals and granola bars is still being researched.
How to Recognize Foods with Probiotics?
Foods that contain probiotics may not always be labeled as such. If one wants to buy probiotic yogurt, it has been pasteurized. Check the ingredient list to ensure it contains live, active cultures. Before being recognized as having living and active cultures, yogurt should have at least 100 million cultures per gram. The label may also list the probiotics found in the yogurt. Probiotics are also found in fermented foods. Fermentation both maintains and encourages the growth of probiotics. Fermented foods include cabbage, milk, soybeans, and cucumbers. Fermentation also aids in preserving food and creating enzymes, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. While fermenting foods may enhance the growth of probiotics, the taste and smell may become too strong. Furthermore, not all fermented foods contain probiotics. Probiotics are removed from some items, such as beer and wine. Probiotics are destroyed when baked or canned.
What Are the Products Available?
There is currently no standard for administering probiotics, particularly to newborns. Remember that not all probiotics are the same. Before starting, consult the child's doctor. One type may be better suited to the child's needs than others. Infant probiotics are available as supplemental drops as well as in infant formulae. Probiotic-containing foods, such as yogurt, may be consumed by older children. If probiotics are given in a bottle, they may become less viable. A 2018 study investigated the stability of the probiotic supplement Infolran in breast milk, sterile water, and formula.
What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects?
The FDA does not regulate probiotics, so their use can be risky. When giving probiotics to a newborn, take precautions. Probiotics generally have few side effects in healthy adults and children; however, more research is required to comprehend their advantages and disadvantages. Probiotics may cause side effects in people with weak immune systems, premature birth, and other health issues. They may also develop an infection.
Conclusion
Probiotics may aid in quickly adding healthy bacteria to an infant's stomach. Breast milk, formula milk, and subsequently, food provide an infant with beneficial microorganisms. Many factors, including gestational age, delivery technique, and whether the baby receives an antibiotic early in life, might affect the bacteria in his or her stomach.
