The science of probiotics

Allow your kids to discover things, engage in different activities, and play with other children without worrying about their health. Let them explore the world around them with the protection from probiotics.

Probiotics are live and good microorganisms that contribute in achieving optimal health. They can help children maintain healthy digestive and immune systems. 

With the help of probio­tics, parents know that their children can fight off certain diseases and infections even if they become exposed to germs and viruses.

Probiotics are often called “good bacteria” as they are very beneficial to the human gut. They help reinforce gastrointestinal health by balancing the digestive system. If there’s an unnatural balance of the digestive system, this can affect other body functions, such as the immune function, and could cause diseases.

Some foods like growing-up milk are fortified with probiotics as healthy nutritional ingredients. José Saavedra, a well-known gastroenterologist, says that fortifying foods goes a step further than providing basic nutrients for growth and development.

“The inclusion of probio­tics (in food) addresses an important objective of nutrition: supporting and modulating children’s immune system,” Saavedra says.

The Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland collaborated with Imperial College London on a research saying that probiotic drinks and yogurts help improve the health of the gut.

Probiotics promote a healthy gut. They help the digestive system recuperate after children have been treated with antibiotics.

Probiotics restore the good bacteria that were destroyed by medication. They can also be used to offset the side effects from antibiotics like diarrhea and gas.

Another benefit of pro­biotics is they increase the absorption of nutrients in food. Since probiotics help prevent intestinal infection, the body is more likely to absorb more and better nutrients needed for normal growth.

Earlier studies on probio­tics also say that they help prevent bowel conditions, protect kids against allergies, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

They are used as well to relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance — a condition in which the gut doesn’t have enough enzymes to digest milk sugar.

Probiotics are usually confused with prebiotics. Although both help in balancing bacteria in the digestive system, prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients of food that stimulate the growth of microorganisms present in the gut.

Sources of prebiotics include fruits, legumes, and whole grains. However, some milk brands are now fortified with prebiotics so children can maintain a healthy digestive system.

Growing kids need a sufficient amount of probio­tics to maintain the health and structure of their gastrointestinal tract and help improve their immune system.

Parents are urged to check the label of their kids’ milk to know if it has the right amount of probiotics that their children need.

Protect kids from illnesses during this time of discovery by strengthening their immunity with a healthy diet that includes probiotics and prebiotics from their growing-up milk.