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Do probiotics affect babies?

The Impact of Probiotics on Babies: A Comprehensive Overview
In recent years, probiotics have gained significant attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in the realm of infant care. These live microorganisms, often referred to as “good bacteria,” are believed to play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and supporting the immune system. However, the question remains: do probiotics truly affect babies, and if so, how?
Understanding Probiotics
Probiotics are naturally found in various foods and supplements, and they can also be included in infant formulas and liquid drops. The primary appeal of probiotics lies in their potential to enhance gut microbiota, which is essential for digestion and overall health. For infants, whose digestive systems are still developing, the introduction of probiotics could theoretically offer several benefits, including the alleviation of common issues such as gas, colic, and diarrhea.
Current Research and Findings
Despite the promising nature of probiotics, the scientific community remains cautious. Research indicates that while probiotics may aid in treating or reducing the effects of certain conditions affecting infants, such as necrotizing enterocolitis—a serious digestive disease particularly prevalent in preterm infants—there is still a lack of consensus on their overall safety and efficacy.
A study highlighted that although probiotics are a booming industry, there is limited evidence supporting their health benefits for infants. Observational studies have shown mixed results, with some mothers reporting positive outcomes when administering probiotics during breastfeeding, while others found no significant differences.
Moreover, experts emphasize the need for more rigorous research to establish clear guidelines on the use of probiotics in infants. Current findings suggest that while there may be some benefits, the evidence is not robust enough to make definitive claims about their effectiveness across various childhood conditions.
Potential Benefits and Risks
The potential benefits of probiotics for infants include:
– Easing Digestive Issues: Probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of gas, colic, and diarrhea, which are common in infants.
– Supporting Immune Function: By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics could potentially enhance the immune response in infants.
However, there are also risks to consider. The introduction of probiotics in infants, especially those who are premature or have underlying health conditions, should be approached with caution. The lack of comprehensive studies means that the long-term effects of probiotic supplementation in this vulnerable population are still unknown.
Conclusion
In summary, while probiotics hold promise for improving certain aspects of infant health, the current body of research is insufficient to draw firm conclusions. Parents considering probiotics for their babies should consult healthcare professionals to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. As research continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest findings in this dynamic field.

Can probiotics make a baby more gassy?

Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to support digestive health, relieve colic symptoms, improve lactose metabolism in babies with lactose intolerance, and to help to manage diarrhea, which may also reduce negative side effects like gas and bloating, when taken in adequate amounts.

Can probiotics cause mood changes?

Abstract. Recent demonstration that probiotics administration has positive effects on mood state in healthy populations suggests its possible role as an adjunctive therapy for depression in clinical populations and as a non-invasive strategy to prevent depressive mood state in healthy individuals.

When should I stop giving my baby probiotics?

The decision to stop probiotics for babies can vary depending on the individual baby’s needs and the specific probiotic being used. In general, probiotics may be discontinued once the specific condition or issue for which they were recommended has resolved or improved.

Can probiotics make my baby fussy?

The probiotic was not effective in improving the babies’ sleep, their mother’s mental health, nor their families’ quality of life. There were no differences in crying or fussing time between the probiotic and placebo groups. The probiotic group seemed to fuss more than the placebo group during the study period.

Do pediatricians recommend probiotics for babies?

Probiotics in Formula
But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t recommend the use of probiotics for children and babies, because studies so far have found no evidence that they have health benefits. It’s also not clear whether they might cause side effects.

Does gut bacteria pass through breast milk?

Breastmilk seeds and nurtures the microbiome with beneficial bacteria, until it is fully mature. Beneficial gut bacteria play a role in lowering risk for chronic diseases like asthma, obesity, allergies, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Can probiotics have side effects in babies?

In general, probiotics have very few negative side effects for healthy adults and children. If your baby was born prematurely, has a weakened immune system or other health problems, they are more at risk for adverse reactions to probiotics, such as developing an infection.

What foods cause gas in breastfed babies?

Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

What is a negative side effect of probiotics?

Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.

Can probiotics upset breastfed baby?

While probiotics have been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by infants, the evidence is limited and mixed as to their potential health benefits. With only limited research to go off, we know that probiotic supplements can be a way to manage allergies and offer relief from eczema symptoms in infants.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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