HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR BABY'S GUT HEALTH WITH PROBIOTICS?

Are you waiting for a new member of the family? Your baby was recently born and you want to give him the best start? One of the best things you can do is take care of the 4.4 trillion bacteria that live in your gut.

We'd like to tell you how probiotic supplements can support your baby's immune system, digestion and development from birth and throughout childhood.

BUT FIRST WE MUST UNDERSTAND, WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?

There are approximately 39 trillion microbial organisms that live in the adult human body and are known as the Microbiome. Having such a large community of microorganisms living inside us may sound scary, but today we know that we have evolved together and that we depend on each other to live in balance. These microorganisms, also called probiotics, live, feed and reproduce in our intestine, and their activity supports our health in multiple ways.

HOW DOES THE MICROBIOME DEVELOP?

Until recently, it was believed that a baby's first exposure to bacteria occurred during birth. But a recent study has identified a unique placental microbiome that the baby is already in contact with in the womb. However, the impact of this microbiome remains unclear, and the most significant exposure is still believed to be to the mother's vaginal microbiome during natural childbirth or to the hospital environment in the case of a cesarean delivery. This initial exposure will determine the composition of the baby's intestine and is crucial in allowing beneficial bacteria to colonize it and help develop the newborn's immunity.

The baby's diet and environmental exposure in the early months and years continue to shape the microbiome until around 3 years of age, after which an adult-type microbiome takes hold. Once fully established, the composition of this microbiome is relatively stable, but can be affected by antibiotic use, infections, and a host of dietary and lifestyle factors.

WHAT CAN AFFECT THE BABY'S MICROBIOME?

As already mentioned, the first factor that affects the baby's microbiome is the method of birth. Compared to babies born vaginally, babies born by cesarean section have reduced populations of Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria associated with benefits for general health and especially the immune system.

The way a newborn is fed can also have a big impact on the development of the gut microbiome during the first months of life. Breast milk informs the baby's immune system about the environment and provides beneficial bacteria that are transferred from the mother's intestine to the mammary glands. Breast milk also contains large amounts of oligosaccharides (Galactooligosaccharides), a type of carbohydrate, which functions as a prebiotic (food) for the beneficial bacteria in the intestine, generating a symbiotic effect and helping to promote their activity. These probiotic and prebiotic microorganisms are not present in abundance in the case of infants who are fed milk formula and this can directly influence their intestinal health.

The early use of antibiotics can also reduce the number and diversity of beneficial bacteria in the infant's intestine, making it essential to avoid unnecessary consumption.

HOW DOES GUT HEALTH AFFECT OUR IMMUNITY AND GENERAL HEALTH?

A balanced and diverse microbiome is essential to help program the immune system of newborn babies so that it is able to respond to pathogens, but at the same time, not overreact to environmental allergens or foods introduced during birth. weaning.

Beneficial bacteria form a physical barrier in the intestine and prevent pathogens from entering the body. They also keep the immune system alert so it can respond quickly and effectively to invaders. Numerous studies have shown that when children receive probiotic supplements , they get fewer colds and respiratory tract infections and recover more quickly when they get sick.

An unbalanced microbiome after cesarean birth can double the risk of developing egg and milk intolerances, and is a factor involved in the development of both eczema and asthma. Antibiotic use during childhood may also increase the risk of developing allergic diseases, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) later in life.

SO, HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BABY'S MICROBIOME?

Before birth:

The first thing you should do if you are expecting a baby is to take care of your own microbiome by supporting it with appropriate probiotics during pregnancy (Bioflora Capsules) and increasing your intake of foods rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. This will help ensure that your baby receives your beneficial probiotic bacteria during birth and breastfeeding. If a cesarean section is planned or performed in an emergency, you can give your baby a special probiotic supplement for infants (Bioflora) from birth to support his or her gut microbiome by repopulating it with the right microorganisms.

Our Bioflora probiotic provides 10 billion live microorganisms with the exclusive patented consortium of Lab4B® strains (Lactobacillus Salivarius, Lactobacillus Paracasei, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Bifidobacterium Animalis subsp. Lactis), which has been specially designed to reflect a healthy intestine in infants, delivering the live microorganisms present in babies who have been breastfed with breast milk.

At birth:

You can supplement your baby with well-researched and safe probiotics for their still immature intestine (Bioflora) . A landmark study found that babies supplemented with a mixture of 4 strains of Lab4B® bacteria (including Lactobacillus paracasei and salivarius), at 10 billion per day for 6 months were 57% less likely to develop allergic eczema than those who received placebo and 44% less likely to develop an allergic reaction to pollen, cow's milk, egg and house dust mites.

In premature babies, probiotic supplementation has also been shown to reduce the risk of a serious and fatal condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, which is common in premature babies, by half.

In the first months:

Once your baby starts complementary feeding, slowly introduce a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in prebiotic fibers such as bananas and avocados.

You can also introduce fermented foods in small quantities that naturally contain beneficial bacteria, such as organic yogurt or kefir.

Finally, if your baby needs to take antibiotics, giving a probiotic supplement during and after treatment can help reduce disruption of gut bacteria and the risk of side effects. Just make sure they take the probiotic supplement at least 2 hours before the antibiotics to protect the beneficial bacteria.

An excellent way to support your baby's health is by giving him a well-researched probiotic supplement that has been shown to be safe and effective in newborns.

Do you have any question? You can write to us at nutricion@biocarechile.cl

Valeria Riquelme

Nutritionist

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