Probiotics and Prebiotics for InfantsMark Lange, PhDDirector, Quality Control

DisclaimerThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Birth Story

Babies Benefit from a Healthy Gut Microbiota

Supports baby’s immune systemSupports intestinal healthImproves spitting upPromotes intestinal comfort and

bowel regularityPrevents overgrowth of bad

bacteria

C-Section Babies are Deprived of Contact with Mother’s Intestinal and Vaginal Microbiota

Breastfeeding!It Rocks!

Breastfeeding Rates in USA

Research Supports Probiotic Supplementation

Infants given Lactobacillus reuteri for 30 days showed:Reduced frequency of regurgitation.Reduced crying.Improved stools.

Source: J. Pediatrics (2008) 152; 801-806. Eur J Clin Invest (2011) 41; 417-422

Clinical Trial on Colic-Related Crying

Day L. reuteri Placebo

7 80% 38%

14 96% 62%

21 96% 71%

Percentage of Group Having 50% Reduction in Crying Time

Source: Savino. F., et al. Pediatrics 2010; 126;e525

Clinical Trial on EczemaMothers-to-be and infants until 2

years of age given L. rhamnosus probiotic.

Result: 40% lower rate of eczema in infants compared to placebo.

Protection persisted for 4 years after stopping probiotic supplementation.

Source: K. Wickens, et al. Clinical & Experimental Allergy (2013) Vol. 43. No. 9. pp 1048-1057

Prebiotics (Oligosaccharides)Third largest component of breast

milk.Complex and diverse chains of

sugar molecules.Selectively stimulate growth of

good bacteria.Babies given oligosaccharides

results in an intestinal microbiota similar to that found in breast-fed infants.

Importance of Vitamin D Supplementation

Even when the mother is supplementing, it does not guarantee sufficient vitamin D for an exclusively breastfeeding infant.

When mother’s sun exposure is inadequate, 6 liters of milk is necessary to obtain the minimal amount of vitamin D to prevent rickets.

Mother produces ½ - ¾ liter of milk per day.

ConclusionsA healthy microbiota helps keeps

your baby healthy.Gut bacteria originate from the

birth canal, breast milk, food, skin contact and the environment.

Breast milk also provides prebiotics.

Research supports the healthful benefits of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation.