Probiotics For Infants: Meaning, Benefits, and Risks
As parents, you want to give your infants the best start in life. This means providing them with proper nutrition, a safe environment, and everything they need to grow up healthy and strong. This has led parents to seek knowledge on infant probiotics.
Recently, a growing body of research has suggested that adding probiotics to an infant’s diet could be beneficial for their health.
And this is because probiotics are live microorganisms that can confer health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities.
While the use of probiotics in adults is relatively well-established, there is still some uncertainty surrounding their use in infants.
In this article, we will discuss in-depth probiotics for infants, looking at what they are, their potential benefits, and the risks associated with their use.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of whether probiotics are right for your baby and what to consider before adding them to their diet.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can confer health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities. The term “probiotic” comes from the Greek words “pro,” meaning “promoting,” and “biotic,” meaning “life.”
And these probiotics are found in many fermented foods, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements.
The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which together make up the microbiome.
The microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, influencing everything from digestion to immune function.
Also read: 15+ Important Things To Know About Having A Baby
Hence, probiotics are thought to support a healthy microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut.
There are many different types of probiotics, each with its own unique properties. The most commonly used probiotics are strains of the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These strains are believed to support gut health, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
Probiotics work by colonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria, which can help to improve the balance of microorganisms in the microbiome.
They also produce substances that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and improve the function of the intestinal barrier, which helps to prevent the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
They have also been extensively studied in adults, and the evidence suggests that they can be beneficial for a range of health conditions, including digestive disorders, allergies, and infections.
However, the evidence on their use in infants is less clear, and caution is recommended when using probiotics in this population.
Explanation Of The Different Types Of Probiotics
There are many different types of probiotics, each with its own unique properties. The most commonly used probiotics for infants are strains of the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but there are many other types of probiotics as well.
1. Lactobacillus:
This is one of the most widely used probiotics. It is a type of bacteria that is found in the human gut, as well as in many fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. Lactobacillus strains are believed to support gut health, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
2. Bifidobacterium:
This is another commonly used infant probiotic strain. It is also found in the human gut and is believed to support gut health, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions. Bifidobacterium strains are often included in infant formulas and other products designed for infants.
3. Streptococcus:
This is a type of bacteria that is found in the human mouth, throat, and gut. Some strains of Streptococcus are believed to have probiotic properties, although more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits.
4. Saccharomyces boulardii:
This is a type of yeast that is sometimes used as a probiotic. It is believed to support gut health and improve immune function and is often used to treat digestive disorders like diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
5. Escherichia coli (E. coli):
This may sound surprising, as E. coli is usually associated with illness and food poisoning. However, some strains of E. coli are actually beneficial and have probiotic properties. These strains are believed to support gut health and improve immune function.
6. Other strains:
There are many other strains of bacteria and yeast that have been studied for their probiotic properties, including Lactococcus, Pediococcus, and Candida. However, more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks.
Benefits Of Probiotics For Infants
Probiotics are believed to provide several potential benefits for infants, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects. Some of the potential benefits of probiotics for infants include:
1. Improved digestive health:
Infant probiotics are thought to support a healthy gut microbiome, which can help to improve digestive health. They may help reduce the symptoms of conditions like colic, reflux, and diarrhea in infants.
2. Reduced risk of infections:
Probiotics for infants are believed to support immune function, which can help to reduce the risk of infections. Some studies have suggested that probiotics may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal infections in infants.
3. Improved allergy outcomes:
There is some evidence to suggest that infant probiotics may reduce the risk of allergies. They may also help to improve symptoms of allergies and eczema in some cases.
4. Enhanced cognitive development:
Some studies have suggested that probiotics for infants may support cognitive development. They may improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Improved mood and behavior:
There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics for infants may improve their mood and behavior. They may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being.
6. Potential for Long-Term Health Benefits:
Probiotics for infants may provide long-term health benefits for infants by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
7. Support for Breastfeeding:
While breastfeeding tops the charts when it comes to the health of your infants, probiotics can also provide support for breastfeeding mothers by reducing the incidence of nipple pain and other breastfeeding-related issues.
8. Improved Sleep:
As a parent, nothing would interest you more than seeing your baby sleeping soundly. And probiotics for infants have been shown to improve sleep in infants by reducing the incidence of colic and other sleep-disrupting conditions.
9. Reduction of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea:
Antibiotics are medications administered to people to help their systems fight off infection. And your infant would usually take loads of it to sustain their tender nature.
And during this period, there could be an occurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which would then require medicine. But infant probiotics can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by restoring the balance of bacteria in the gut.
10. Improved Nutrient Absorption:
Probiotics can improve nutrient absorption in infants by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
It’s worth noting that the evidence on the benefits of probiotics in infants is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand their effects.
Also read: How To Keep Newborn Babies Germ Free
Additionally, the benefits of probiotics may vary depending on the specific strains used, the dosage, and the method of delivery.
Hence, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using probiotics in infants, particularly if the infant has a medical condition or is taking medication.
How To Choose The Right Probiotics For Infants
Choosing the right probiotics for infants can be a daunting task, but this article will give you a guide that you can use to get the right probiotics for your child:
1. Strain selection:
When seeking infant probiotics, you must always remember that different probiotic strains have different properties and potential benefits.
Hence, when selecting a probiotic for an infant, it’s important to choose a product that contains strains that have been specifically studied in infants and shown to be effective for the condition you are trying to treat.
Some strains, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, are commonly used in infant formulas and have been shown to support digestive health and immune function.
2. Dosage:
The appropriate dosage of probiotics for infants may vary depending on the specific product and the infant’s age and weight. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage instructions carefully. In general, lower dosages are recommended for infants than for adults.
3. Delivery method:
Infant probiotics can be delivered to infants in a variety of ways, including through breastmilk, infant formulas, and probiotic supplements. Breastmilk is a natural source of probiotics and can help to support an infant’s gut microbiome. Some infant formulas also contain probiotics.
Infant probiotic supplements may be recommended in certain cases, such as when an infant is not receiving enough probiotics through breast milk or formula.
4. Safety:
Probiotics are generally considered safe for infants, but it’s essential to choose a product that has been tested for safety and efficacy.
Hence, you should look for products that have been third-party tested and have a good safety record.
It’s also essential to speak with a healthcare provider before using probiotics in infants, particularly if the infant has a medical condition or is taking medication.
5. Quality:
The quality of the probiotics that you give to your infant has to be standard. Hence, always choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has a good manufacturing process.
In addition, you can look for products that are free from additives and preservatives and have a good reputation for quality and safety.
Risks And Potential Side Effects Of Infant Probiotics
While infant probiotics are generally considered safe, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of:
1. Infection risk:
There have been rare reports of serious infections caused by probiotic bacteria in infants with compromised immune systems.
This risk is higher in premature infants, infants with underlying medical conditions, and those receiving antibiotics.
And this is why you as a parent have to carry out proper research before introducing any type of supplement to your child.
2. Gastrointestinal symptoms:
Some infants may experience digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea when taking infant probiotics. These symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own.
As much as these symptoms go away on their own, it would still be a bother to you while it lasts.
3. Allergic reactions:
In rare cases, infants may develop an allergic reaction to some probiotics for infants. Symptoms can include hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If an infant experiences an allergic reaction, stop giving them the probiotic and seek medical attention.
Do not, for an instant, try to water down whatever symptoms show up after administration of any infant probiotics. Especially a symptom that you have not witnessed before.
4. Discomfort during administration:
Some infant probiotics may be difficult for infants to swallow or cause discomfort during administration. This is more likely to occur with supplements that come in pill or capsule form.
To avoid this, you should only administer probiotics that your infant enjoys taking.
5. Interference with medication:
Probiotics may interfere with certain medications, such as antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Hence, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before giving probiotics to an infant who is taking medication.
Final Thoughts On Probiotics For Infants
In conclusion, probiotics can offer a range of potential benefits for infants, including improved digestive health, enhanced immune function, and a reduced risk of certain illnesses.
However, it’s important to choose the right probiotics for infants and to be aware of the potential risks and side effects.
If you’re a parent or caregiver of an infant, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before introducing probiotics into your infant’s diet.
A healthcare provider can help you choose the right product, determine the appropriate dosage, and monitor your infant for any potential side effects.
By sharing this article on probiotics for infants with other parents and caregivers, you can help spread awareness and promote the safe and effective use of probiotics in infants.
Together, we can work to improve the health and well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable population.