PROBIOTICS
FOR CHILDREN
By Lorn
Allison
Doctoral Candidate, L.M.T.
Probiotics
for children are microorganisms that can favorably influence health by
promoting a stable,
balanced intestinal microflora*.
Probiotic organisms have been consumed by humans in the preparation of
fermented foodstuffs such as kefir, sour milks, and sauerkraut for as
long as recorded history.
Today, they are commonly consumed in yogurts and widely
available as live microbial supplements.
Two
classes of bacterial
microorganisms that have been intensively researched for their
probiotic
health benefits are:
- Lactobacillus
- Lactobacilli are
Gram-positive, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobes found throughout the
gastrointestinal tract, but predominantly in the small intestine.
- Bifidobacterium -
Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive, microaerophilic or obligate anaerobes
that are highly prevalent in the large intestine.
Intestines
that are rich in lactobacilli and bifidobacteria have...
- Minimized
harmful
effects of gastrointestinal pathogens
- Improved
digestion and
absorption of dietary nutrients
- Better
intestinal barrier function
- Controled
intestinal organ inflammation
- Improved
modulatory immune
responses (digestive illnesses).
Over
the past several decades, probiotics have been intensely studied,
documenting their benefits for a broad range of health problems
including...
- Gastroenteritis
- Diarrhea associated with antibiotic
use
- Constipation, intestinal inflammation
- Allergies
- Childhood
respiratory infections
- More recently - dental caries and
periodontal disease
Probiotic
organisms start colonizing the intestinal tract at birth
and will persist throughout an individuals life.
Numerous factors, however,
can disrupt proper development of probiotics for children including...
- pre-term birth
- cesarean delivery
- bottle-feeding
- unhealthy diet
- emotional stress
- use of
antibiotics
These
factors can give rise to an imbalance between Lactobacillus and
Bifidobacteria populations and a greater
prevalence of pathogen bacteria.
Alterations like these can interfere with the intestinal
bacteria balance and have longterm health
consequences.
Dysbiosis
(imbalance) of the intestinal bacteria has been linked with
many gastrointestinal and systemic disorders including...
- diarrhea
- constipation
- inflammatory bowel disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- increased risk for respiratory infection
- allergies
- obesity
and metabolic disease
Probiotics
use can help safeguard
against these potentially serious conditions by promoting a
healthy, balanced intestinal ecosystem.
Check out our other pages about probiotics for children here...
*References for all probiotic for childrens articles on this site can
be found here...
Individual
health varies greatly, and although research and scientific data can be
very promising, we believe you must always consult your physician
before changing, adopting or adding anything with respect to lifestyle
or diet that may affect your health.
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