Prebiotics for babies may help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. At the 6th Meeting of the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) in 2008, dietary prebiotics was defined as “a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health” (1). Thus, prebiotics are different from probiotics and have different functions, which is elaborated in this article. This post also discusses whether babies require prebiotics and their benefits, safety, and food sources.
Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics For Babies
Prebiotics are often confused with probiotics. There are differences in them though, that can be best understood through their definitions provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2). Probiotics are food supplements that contain viable/live good bacteria that cause alterations in the bacterial colonies of the host’s intestines. These bacteria keep the gut healthy. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the favorable growth and activity of one or more probiotic bacteria present in the gut. Therefore, probiotics are food matter that provide the body with good bacteria, while prebiotics work as ‘food’ for the gut bacteria itself. Healthy gut flora leads to their adequate population, which in turn keeps the digestive system functioning well.
Are Prebiotics Safe For Babies?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), prebiotics added to infant formula do not appear to be harmful to healthy infants, but there is currently not enough evidence to support the routine use of prebiotics in formula.
Do Babies Need Prebiotics?
It is not entirely known if babies need prebiotics. If your baby is fed on breast milk, then they can safely get the prebiotics from it. If your baby is on a formula diet, then you will have to speak to your doctor about introducing a prebiotic infant formula since standard infant formula may contain little or no prebiotics. A study noted that babies who were fed prebiotic infant formula had gut microbiota similar to breastfed infants and showed better stool consistency (3). However, it is not known if prebiotic infant formula-fed infants have an advantage over standard infant formula-fed babies in the long term. Speak to your doctor about the pros and cons of prebiotic infant formula for your baby.
What Are Different Types Of Prebiotics?
There are several types of prebiotics. The majority of the prebiotics are a subset of carbohydrate group called oligosaccharide. The following are the different variations of oligosaccharides that work as prebiotics (1) (4).
What Are The Benefits Of Prebiotics For Babies?
Prebiotics are considered functional foods because they provide health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition (5). A few not very conclusive studies, prove the efficacy of prebiotics in managing the following conditions in babies:
Strengthening the immune system Atopic eczema Recurrent wheezing Allergic urticaria Allergic dermatitis Diarrhea Chronic ulcerative colitis
Enriching the baby’s formula with prebiotics is also said to lower the pH of stool, stimulate bowel movements, and aid in improving the consistency of stool (3). Prebiotics might lead to an overall improvement in the population of the gut microbiota.
Food Sources That Contain Prebiotics For Babies
Although they are available as supplements, prebiotics occur naturally in several common foods. The following are some natural sources of prebiotics for babies (2) (4) (5).
Human milk and prebiotic infant formula – only source of prebiotics for babies younger than six months Chicory root Yogurt Buttermilk Palm fruit Jackfruit Rambutan Young coconut Okra Onion Artichoke Asparagus Banana Garlic Soybean Beans Cereals
