An essential and determinative stage in the formation of the child's microflora is the primary "settlement" of the intestine with bacteria. The general state of health and immunity resistance to some diseases will depend on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the quality of its functioning. We will talk more about the stages of the formation of the child's microflora, its role for health and immunity, and the significance of probiotics.
The child’s microflora starts to form before birth
Modern scientists actively carry out researches on the microflora (or microbiota) of newborns. According to the results, its development directly depends on the state of the mother's microbiota: maternal bacteria are found in the placenta, meconium and amniotic fluid which means that they are transmitted from the mother to the child even before birth.
The intake of probiotics during pregnancy increases the content of beneficial lactobacilli and bifidobacterial, provides an opportunity for their intrauterine transmission to the baby.
From the first day of a newborn's life, various bacteria actively "colonize" his/her intestine, there is a growth of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterococci, E. coli, and the child’s individual microbiota starts to form.The first three years are the most important in the formation of the child’s immunity and health for a lifetime.
During this period, all tissues and organs develop more quickly than at any other age, where the correct microflora also plays a large part.
The development of the child’s individual microbiota depends on many factors. They include:
-
method of delivery: cesarean section or natural (vaginal) childbirth;
-
intake of antibiotics by the mother during pregnancy and lactation;
-
intake of antibiotics by the child;
-
dietary habits, breastfeeding;
-
mother’s health and immunity during pregnancy and lactation;
-
child’s health;
-
frequency of infections.
It is important for the formation of microflora whether the child appeared as a result of natural (vaginal) childbirth or a caesarean section. In the second case, the child has less contact with the mother's intestinal microflora and, consequently, does not fully receive her bacteria. Particular attention should be given to the replenishment of the child's microbiota with beneficial bacteria using probiotics.
Breastfeeding is of vital importance in the formation of the intestinal microflora and bacterial colonization of the child's digestive tract. In this case, the child consumes the mother's milk with a large number of necessary bacteria including lactic acid bacteria ― the main microorganisms for the normal intestinal microflora.The consequences of microflora impairment in children
The development of dysbacteriosis can occur in case of an impaired composition of the child’s microflora. This is not a single disease, but a general syndrome of the pathology of microbiota which is accompanied by an increase in harmful microorganisms and a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the child’s intestine. This in turn leads to health deterioration.
Symptoms of dysbacteriosis:
-
constipation or diarrhea;
-
abdominal pain and colic;
-
the child constantly pulls his/her legs up to the stomach, therefore reducing pain intensity;
-
the child vomits up air or food debris;
-
meteorism (flatulence);
-
different manifestations of allergy, such as rash, itching, irritation, dermatitis;
-
in severe cases, vomiting.
Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of impaired microflora in children
Probiotics are living and safe bacteria that have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora in adults and children.
They have an impact on the immune processes in the intestinal mucosa, contribute to the production of necessary enzymes, interact with both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, restoring the balance of microbiota. Probiotics function as a special barrier: they reduce and stop the development of inflammation and reproduction of harmful microorganisms.
The child receives beneficial bacteria naturally from the mother's milk. If the child is not breastfed, probiotic preparations are essential in the formation of his/her healthy microbiota.
Being part of probiotics, bacteria are healthy and safe for children.
The benefits of probiotic intake for children are the following:
-
help with the development of a “healthy” microbiota;
-
normalization of the GI tract’s function;
-
maintenance of natural immunity;
-
reduction in the frequency of cold diseases and alleviation of their course;
-
prevention of atopic dermatitis, alleviation of the course of allergy;
- adaptation of the intestine's function to new products when taking supplemental feeding.
Multizan® ProBiotic Baby for your child’s health and well-being
Multizan® ProBiotic Baby is a probiotic for the smallest and a source of lactobacilli, which are necessary for the gastrointestinal tract, contributes to the formation of a healthy intestinal microflora in children aged 1 month.
Being part of Multizan® ProBiotic Baby, the most studied and beneficial type of lactobacilli for children ― Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
This preparation helps to:
-
alleviate intestinal colic;
-
develop normal microflora;
-
adapt the child's digestive tract to new products;
-
reduce the risk of the development of food allergy, atopic dermatitis;
-
strengthen immunity.
Multizan® ProBiotic Baby can be given to your child from 1 month.
Multizan® ProBiotic Baby's formula does not contain lactose, casein, conserving agents, dyes, it is a safe probiotic for babies.
Multizan® ProBiotic Baby is released in the form of oil drops which can be used with milk, juice or water. Your child will gladly drink drops dissolved in any liquid, as this probiotic does not affect taste.