Nowadays, many families with young children choose to use probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system and comprehensive development. So, what are the actual benefits of probiotics for young children? Let's explore the details in this article with Mytour!
What is Probiotics, and What Types Exist?
Probiotics, also known as probiotics, are formulations containing beneficial microorganisms for the intestines. They inhibit harmful bacteria, enhance beneficial bacteria, and maintain a balanced gut microbiota for the body.
What Are Probiotics, and What Types Are Available?
Presently, probiotics commonly originate from the following main groups:
- Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus, the most common group of beneficial bacteria, is often found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, pickled cabbage, and more.
This group plays a crucial role in food digestion, improves nutrient absorption, addresses diarrhea conditions, and aids in lactose intolerance in young children.
- Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium, also prevalent in milk and functional products, supports the treatment of various conditions, including fungal infections, hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii is a group of beneficial bacteria found in bio-products. It works to eliminate and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine, simultaneously aiding in treating diarrhea, enhancing nutrient absorption, and boosting the immune system.
9 Functions of Probiotics for the Health of Young Children
Probiotics contribute to balancing the microbiota in the intestine
Young children, especially infants, often have an immature digestive system, making them susceptible to an imbalance in gut microbiota. Harmful bacteria can dominate the intestine, requiring probiotic supplementation to restore balance and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Probiotics for Treating Constipation
In addition, probiotics are effective in treating constipation in children, as probiotics help prevent and reduce the occurrence of constipation that young ones may be experiencing.
Probiotics for Treating Diarrhea in Young Children
Diarrhea in young children, often a result of antibiotic side effects, disrupts the balance of gut microbiota. Supplementing probiotics at this stage helps restore gut microbiota balance and resolves the ongoing diarrhea.
Effective in Reducing Bloating and Abdominal Discomfort
When the intestines lack beneficial bacteria, it creates favorable conditions for gas-producing bacteria to decompose undigested food, causing symptoms of bloating and abdominal discomfort in young children. Supplementing probiotics from probiotic supplements helps restore the dominance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, reducing the gas-producing bacterial decomposition of food.
Probiotics Aid in Reducing Vomiting in Children
Probiotics also help reduce the occurrence of vomiting, both in pathological and physiological conditions in young children. Probiotics enhance immunity, preventing children from diseases causing vomiting, such as irritable bowel syndrome, respiratory infections, allergies, and infections. Additionally, probiotics help in faster digestion and absorption of food, preventing vomiting.
Reducing the Risk of Allergies and Eczema in Young Children
A study monitoring the children of women who used probiotics during pregnancy found an 83% lower incidence of eczema. Moreover, probiotics have the ability to reduce inflammatory reactions in allergic children.
Probiotics Alleviate Symptoms of Digestive Disorders
Children under 5 often suffer from digestive disorders due to conditions like inflammation, ulceration, or irritable bowel syndrome. The Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus groups found in probiotics help improve digestive disorder symptoms in young children.
Enhancing Immunity in Children
Probiotics function to stimulate the production and synthesis of the body's natural antibodies, boosting immunity and the immune system in children. Additionally, by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines, probiotics can enhance intestinal health, preventing infections and bacterial contamination.
Undoubtedly, the information in the above article has helped parents understand what probiotics do and the importance of probiotics for a child's health. Parents, supplement your child with probiotics from an early age!
- Differentiating between probiotics and digestive enzymes.
- Understanding and utilizing digestive enzymes and probiotics correctly.