Probiotics

Good nutrition is essential for the growth and development of infants, however, other substances in food which do not supply the body with nutrients such as calories, protein, fat, and so forth, may also be beneficial. As I make the decision concerning what type of formula or single grain cereal to feed my daughter, one thing I have noticed on the market shelves is the addition of probiotics. Even as you move away from the infant and toddler section of a store you will be hard pressed not to see the addition of prebiotics or probiotics to many of your normal grocery items, including dairy products, juice, and cereal.

What are prebiotics and probiotics? Prebiotics are nondigestible nutrients that are used as an energy source by certain beneficial bacteria that naturally live in your intestines. Prebiotics are sometimes known as fermentable fiber. Probiotics, in contrast, are the beneficial, or friendly, bacteria themselves. By acting as a food source, prebiotics give the probiotic bacteria a chance to exert their influence.

One widely used definition, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is that probiotics are "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a microscope.).  These benefits vary depending on the type of beneficial culture or probiotic that’s used, and range from aiding digestion to supporting a healthy immune system.

Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in people's guts, especially in those of breastfed infants (who have natural protection against many diseases). Most often, the bacteria come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species (for example, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus), and within each species, different strains (or varieties). A few common probiotics, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, are yeasts, which are different from bacteria.

Several studies have supported the practice of supplementing preterm and term infants with prebiotics and probiotics. Boehm et al., (2010) suggested the these factors may play a role as modulators of the postnatal development of the immune system. Likewise in a 2008 study by Moreno, research indicated that probiotics may play an important role in the prevention of infections and allergies in infants.