Can Baby Probiotics Help With Colic
Signs that your baby may be suffering from colic is when a baby is in distress and cries for long periods of time. There are many theories about what causes colic, including gastrointestinal discomfort. The research is promising on the effectiveness of probiotics for babies with colic.
A 2014 study looked at how probiotics could reduce colic symptoms. The study examined the results of 589 infants that received either probiotics or a placebo daily for 90 days. Researchers found that the infants using the supplements cried less and had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms.
Other studies have shown similar results. Omni-Biotic Panda has also shown in a clinical study with infants to reduce symptoms associated with 3-month colic, including crying duration and digestive discomfort.
The strain of probiotic may affect the supplements effectiveness. Researchers have seen positive outcomes with L. reuteri.
How Can Probiotics Help With Colic And Reflux
The diversity of your babys gut health is instrumental in having a happy and healthy baby. Probiotics, also known as live cultures, are microorganisms which are beneficial to health and help support digestive issues which can cause crying and fussing4. If you would like to find out exactly how they can benefit your babys health please see How do probiotics work?.
Not all probiotics are the same. There are specific probiotics designed for babies with evidence suggesting they can help relieve symptoms of colic and reflux by5:
- Supporting the diversity of your baby’s gut
- Reducing susceptibility to pathogens , such as E. coli and Klebsiella spp.
- Having an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut, which may decrease symptoms associated with colic and reflux
When you give your baby the correct strain of probiotic, you are helping to create a diverse and healthy microbiome which will help to develop the digestive and immune system.
Bifidobacterium breve
How To Recognize It
Reflux is a common problem among young infants. While reflux isnt necessarily dangerous, it can cause problems for your babies, such as poor feeding and fussiness.
The stomach acids that are normally squelched by the esophagus can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing pain.
If your baby is fussy after feedings due to reflux symptoms, you may be considering trying probiotics to help reduce or prevent them.
There are many different symptoms of acid reflux in infants including feeding problems like:
- spitting up or vomiting after eating
- crying during or even immediately after feedings
- coughing
- weight loss
- constipation/diarrhea
- excessive sweating around the face and chest area due to increased body temperature from trying not to vomit out acidic bile into the esophagus.
Its confusing when so many different symptoms arise around the same time. The cause of infant acid reflux is not fully understood by current medical science, but treatments are available to get things back on track quickly.
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The Markets Best Probiotics To Remedy Acid Reflux
It has been suggested that an imbalance of bacteria in your gut may lead to acid reflux. Probiotics may help relieve this issue. Lets talk about how probiotics can help with acid reflux and other stomach problems.
Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that are also important to your digestive system. Its good to have some good bacteria in your gut. Some probiotics are present in fermented foods, including yoghurt or kimchi, whereas others of these are found in supplement form, which we will address here.
The effects of a probiotic comes from the strain of the bacteria. This is because each strain has very different physiological effects. Since the evidence suggests that the effectiveness can differ widely between certain strains, it is particularly important to examine individual notes rather than getting too carried away with a particular strain.
Unfortunately, only recently have researchers started to reveal the unique probiotic strains they have used into their study instead of only addressing the more general probiotic organisms.
To date, there are only 2 strains of probiotics that have been investigated for the possible advantage of improving reflux symptoms in adults.
To the same degree that taking a PPI slows down a reaction in the intestines, taking probiotics may bolster the efficacy of the medication without suffering from the side effects of PPI therapy, such as gastrointestinal distress.
Check This Dr Mercola Probiotics Review
Are Infant Probiotics Safe
Although few studies have specifically focused on the safety of probiotics, they have an extensive history of safe consumption by both humans and animals.
After all, they are a natural part of our diet!
Natural sources of probiotics include dairy products with live cultures such as yogurt and kefir, fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and pickles, and probiotic drinks such as kombucha.
The most important safety consideration with probiotics relates to buying them in supplemental form, which is usually packaged as a powder, capsule, or drops. Consumers should purchase a reliable brand that delivers the precise strain of bacteria youre looking for. When ordering supplements, it is also important to pay attention to any storage instructions, as some must be kept cold.
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Best Probiotics For Infant & Baby
- The first-ever USDA Certified Organic liquid probiotic, made without harsh chemicals, fillers, or artificial ingredients
- Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, water-based, and plant-based
- Contains a proprietary probiotic blend: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum. Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Alfalfa Grass
Garden Of Life Baby Probiotics
Why its great: Garden of Life is known for creating clean, effective formulas that parents can trust. All of their products, including these baby probiotics, are non-gmo verified, free of the top allergens, vegan, and gluten-free. This product is intended for babies 6 months and up.
In infant probiotics, it can often be challenging to find the exact CFU count however, its clearly labeled on this product that it contains 4 billion CFU. With access to this kind of information, its easier to tell if this is the right product for your baby.
Keep in mind: Although the bottle is quite a bit larger than competitors, the serving size is also larger than most. It can be difficult to disguise 2 milliliters in a bottle of milk. If your baby is on solids, it mixes well with oatmeal.
Good for: Babies who are eating solids.
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How Much Is Baby Bottles For Acid Reflux
baby bottles for acid reflux come in a variety of designs and pricing ranges. Its difficult to predict product costs nowadays. You dont know how much something costs because the pricing range is so vast. For example, a pair of pants can range from $20 to $200 depending on where you buy them. Similarly, additional goods like as baby bottles for acid reflux.
Consequences Of B12 Deficiency
Whats the big deal about plummeting your B12 absorption due to PPIs?
Vitamin B12 is necessary to make red healthy red blood cell cells and nerve cells. Low B12 can cause PERMANENT nerve damage, memory loss, and mood disorders.
B12 deficiency is now extremely common, and no doubt that heartburn drugs are contributing to these issues.
Deficiency of B12 also interferes with energy production and liberation of energy from food.
Even the most skeptical nutrition critic probably doesnt want low energy. Im pretty confident of this.
It would be all still manageable if it was just B12 deficiency. However, there are some other consequences of blocking acid.
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Side Effects Of Probiotics
A few problems may occur in the initial few days when you start to give probiotics to your babies. But there is no lasting side effects of it on the babies. The few side effects that may occur are mild digestive problems, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence. Because of the balance changing in the intestine, these conditions may occur. If you notice any kind of symptoms, you should reduce the dosage.
Avoid Foods That Harm The Gut
In addition to adding in nutrient-dense foods like the ones above, its important to avoid consuming foods that undermine gut health:
- GlutenThis one is controversial, but gluten can cause the gut cells to release zonulin, a protein that can break apart the tight junctions holding your intestines together .
- Grains Even gluten-free ones. Most grains contain anti-nutrients that are difficult to digest. Soaking and sprouting grains can help make them easier to digest, but grains are also high in sugars/starches which can feed bad bacteria. Its best to avoid them for babys sensitive gut, at least at first.
- Refined sugar and artificial sweetenersSugar can feed bad bacteria and cause more inflammation. Artificial sweeteners have also been connected to depleted beneficial bacteria. Instead of refined and artificial sweeteners I choose to use natural sweeteners in moderation, or even stevia.
- Vegetable oils These oils contain a high percentage of omega-6 fatty acids and are highly inflammatory. My family never eats these and only sticks with healthy fats like coconut oil, lard, butter, and tallow.
A probiotic supplement for Mom can be helpful too especially when the gut bacteria are seriously depleted.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Visbiome Probiotics
Reason #: Probiotics For Colic And Reflux
The combination of LGG and B. Infantis should be very effective in preventing colic and digestive problems, and parents report that they can be very effective in treating these problems too, but there is also another option to consider if your baby is suffering from colic: L.Reuteri DSM 17938.
I wish I had tried this strain when my first baby was struggling with severe reflux and eczema. At the time I had not come across the fascinating studies showing that in babies with colic and reflux, L.Reuteri DSM 17938 can reduce crying time and reduce potentially harmful bacteria that cause abdominal pain. .
Now that word is getting out on this very helpful probiotic, the experience of many parents seems to line up with the scientific research giving colicky babies L.Reuteri really does improve symptoms. It may take a few weeks, but the improvement can be quite dramatic for many babies.
If you have a baby that is crying in pain or has any other digestive problems, this specific strain of probiotic is definitely worth a try.
Where to buy L.Reuteri DSM 17938 ?
This specific strain is available as BioGaia Protectis Baby Drops and Gerber Soothe Probiotic Colic Drops. During hot summer months, it is better to buy in a local store, such as CVS or Target, rather than ordering online.
Why Does My Baby Have Reflux
In Recent years, there has been an increase in infant GERD or Reflux symptoms to epidemic proportions. Typically pediatricians treat with antacids without testing, unless the baby is not growing well. But what could be causing this rapid rise in GERD? After all, we dont want to treat a baby like a small adult. Drugs have unwanted side effects, and antacids, in particular, suppress acid production in the stomach and the GERD symptoms. That can lead to malabsorption syndromes, because we need the acid for digestion and breakdown of the food we eat. Proton pump inhibitors inhibit the absorption of key vitamins and minerals, like the B vitamins, Folate, B12, vitamin C , Iron , Calcium and Magnesium, to name a few. This can have huge repercussions on the babys brain development, leading to a number of behavioral disorders, eczema, obesity and diabetes according to several studies.
Also this approach does not look at the underlying problem or causes that resulted in the reflux. The Gold standard test in conventional pediatrics is to get a 24 hr PH Probe study. This is a very cumbersome test and has to be done in the hospital. There is an another test, a Barium Swallow test that can also be done alternatively as an outpatient, but it is reserved for babies who are not growing in order to minimize radiation exposure from the Xrays.
Possible causes of infant reflux include:
Best ways to reverse and prevent reflux:
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Probiotic Brand For Acid Reflux In Babies And Children
GERD-related symptoms in babies include colic and belly pain. New research shows that a probiotic strain called Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 helps reduce both of these daunting symptoms.
BioGaia Protectis Probiotics Drops for Baby, Infants, Newborn and Kids Colic, Spit-Up, Constipation, and Digestive Comfort, 5 ML, contains Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
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Culturelle Kids Packets Daily Probiotic Supplement
This one contains lactobacillus gg that promotes good digestion and immune health. This single-serve packet is specially designed for the children ages one year and up. It can be given once per day and can be mixed in any cold food or drink. It is again gluten, sugar, added preservatives, dairy, lactose, colours, soy and yeast free.
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What Are Baby Probiotics And What Are The Benefits
“Probiotics are good bacteria that normally should be living in our intestines, and which begin to colonize our intestines from the time we are in the womb, explains Jenelle Ferry, M.D., a neonatologist and the director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group of Florida. We want to keep a healthy balance of this good bacteria in our gut to out-compete the bad bacteria.
Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are the two most common probiotic strains, and besides being available as supplements, they can also be found in naturally fermented foods like yogurt.
According to Dr. Ferry, probiotics can help support better digestion as well as the immune response. “The best supporting evidence we have for probiotics in older infants and in toddlers is to aid with some GI illnesses. Use of probiotics can shorten the duration of gastroenteritis and help the post-diarrheal illness recovery,” she says.
Olly Kids Multi + Probiotic
Yet another best probiotic for children is Olly, mainly because its specifically formulated to improve gut health in children instead of being suitable for teens and young adults, too. *Just like the name implies, Olly is a multivitamin combined with a probiotic strain. In addition to vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, this multivitamin contains two minerals- zinc and iodine alone with Bacillus coagulans . B. coagulans is a safe probiotic used famously for IBS, antibiotic-related diarrhea.Its easy-to-chew, fruity formulation makes it a great probiotic gummies for 2 year old children parents can say that its like a healthy candy to encourage their toddlers to take the gummies.
What We Love
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Mamas Select Infant Probiotics
As we know, the first few years are of the absolute highest importance when it comes to our babys development. Mainly due to the new foods being introduced to the diet and their gut getting used to and adapting to regular food.
While the transition may be smooth for some, it can definitely be rocky for other babies, acid reflux, occasional constipation, colic and gassiness are all extremely common.
Luckily Mamas Select Infant Probiotic is here to save us, with over 4 billion CFUs, this vegetarian formula is all natural and guaranteed to help with your babys digestion.
Additionally, due to the high CFU count, this probiotic can also help prevent the development of allergies in the future allergies originate in the gut, as we all know it and by keeping our babys gut health in check, we can avoid allergies down the line.
Runner Up #: Holle Bio Best Organic Standards
Why I love it: Holle organic baby formula is very comparable to Lebenswert in ingredients, and is also a great option for parents who dont want pre/probiotics or ARA added to their formula and want to supplement with that separately.
Holle baby formulas are Demeter biodynamic certified, which has even more stringent and careful regulations than Bioland. This ensures the purest, non-GMO ingredients, the highest standards for animal welfare, and a commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
Keep in mind: Again, with Holle options, parents would need to supplement pre/probiotics and ARA since it is not included in the formula . Holle Stage 1 also has maltodextrin added.
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In Recent Years Probiotic Supplementation In Our Foods And Probiotics Promoted As Dietary Supplements Have Become Quite Common You Will Usually See Probiotics Advertised As An Aid To Gut Health For Babies And Children Probiotics Are Promoted As Possibly Being Helpful For Conditions As Varied As Diarrhoea Infant Colic And Allergy However Evidence Is Mixed On Whether Probiotics Are Actually Effective For A Range Of Infant Conditions
All babies are born with a sterile gut. After birth, babies naturally introduce bacteria to their gut through the breast milk or formula they drink, and later through the food they eat. These bacteria are an important part of the way that humans digest food and extract all the necessary nutrients.They also play a role in your baby’s developing immune system. Probiotic supplements are intended to aid the bacterial colonisation of your baby’s gut or to restore it when it has been disrupted.
Importantly, probiotics have strain-specific effects, which means that different types of probiotics will act in different ways. Probiotics as a term is equivalent to canine for different dog breeds it gives you a broad idea, but no indication of whether you’re faced with a Chihuahua or a Doberman.
The most common groups of probiotics are:
- Lactobacillus
- Saccharomyces boulardii
All of these different groups of probiotics can have different effects in the body.
Research indicates that probiotics are safe and well-tolerated in normal, healthy infants and children. Good tolerance has been observed in premature infants, very low birth weight babies and in HIV-infected children and adults. Probiotics are also safe to use in late pregnancy. There have been some cases of probiotic septicaemia in immunocompromised adults and children, but these have occurred in very unwell individuals with complex medical conditions.
