Probiotics while taking antibiotics for children and adults

Probiotics, English Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial properties for humans! I've mentioned before how important gut health is for adults, children and babies. Most of our immune system is located in the gut, so maintaining a healthy gut makes a lot of sense.

We try very hard to improve gut health by eating fermented foods, eliminating sugar and taking quality probiotics, but a child's sensitive gut requires a special approach.

I have so many questions about whether children should get probiotics, what type, and how much. Luckily, there are several quality baby probiotics on the market for babies that can help improve digestive health, even if it may not be the best option for your baby. Especially if your child has certain digestive problems, I recommend consulting with your doctor.

Best Probiotics for Children

In nature, we are unlikely to find sources of one or two probiotic strains on their own. It's much more likely that there will be many strains (some of which we may not even know about). The best probiotics for babies will include a wide range of strains similar to those found in fermented foods.

Option 1: Fermented foods

If your baby is eating solid foods, fermented foods are one of the best ways to get probiotics. Fermented foods contain much more strains of bacteria than supplements and are more likely to end up in the colon. Here's a great resource for anyone trying to get started with enzymes.

Option 2: Supplementing with quality children's probiotics

While any good quality probiotic will do, I prefer to use a children's probiotic (or one that has the same strain). The reason is that there are several varieties that are especially beneficial for babies and children.

B. Bifidum is one of the first strains to colonize a child's intestines. It is found in breast milk and the vagina.
B. infantis is a strain that is most often found in infants and is one of the first to be transmitted from mother to infant after birth. This strain is known to “acidify” the intestines, making them inhospitable to foreign invaders.
L. Rheuteri is the strain most commonly found in children's probiotics. Research shows that it is useful in treating colic among other common health problems.

Probiotics for babies and children usually come in two types:

Liquid probiotics are probably the best form of probiotics for babies because they are easy to use. Liquid drops can be placed directly into the baby's mouth or onto the pacifier.
Probiotics powder. Probiotic powder can be used in a similar way. Dust your pacifier or pacifier with probiotic powder. Or just sprinkle it on your tongue. I would not mix it with water as the added water may upset the baby's electrolyte balance.

While no probiotic is perfect (which is why I prefer to use dietary probiotics), the options above are good options that I would use if I had another child.

Probiotics for Babies: Everything You Need to Know

Baby's intestinal microflora. Features of formation

It was once believed that amniotic fluid was sterile, but scientists have long proven that this is not the case. It contains bacteria that enter the baby’s body during childbirth. The amniotic fluid contains those types of microorganisms that populate the mother's gastrointestinal tract.

If we lived in an ideal world, every woman would have an excellent microflora, which would be “inherited” to the baby. Then there would be no need to interfere with the natural processes occurring in the baby’s fragile body.

Unfortunately, the reality is that many women do not have optimal microflora, and this affects their children. Our intestines were populated by the mother's microflora, and the mother's flora, in turn, by the flora of her mother, and so on. Over the last century, we have taken antibiotics, consumed foods high in sugar and starch, and consumed large quantities of processed foods. All this contributed to the imbalance of our microflora. This is why in many families problems with the digestive system are passed down from generation to generation.

So if you or your mom (or even grandma) have ever taken antibiotics, regularly ate store-bought bread and pasta, or consumed fermented foods less than once a day, your baby needs probiotics.

How do gut bacteria affect health?

The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, said: “All disease begins in the intestines.” And, as it turned out, he was absolutely right. Unbalanced intestinal microflora causes:

Digestive problems

Without the right balance of gut bacteria, your baby can develop colic, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and even more serious digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Studies have shown that fecal transplantation (placing a small amount of “healthy” feces into the rectum of a sick person) relieved 91-93% of adult patients from digestive problems. This once again proves that good intestinal microflora can cure and prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This is why babies should be given probiotics.

Problems with the immune system

Experts say that unbalanced intestinal microflora is one of the main causes of weakened immunity. The fact is that 80% of the cells of the immune system are located in the intestinal mucosa. Consequently, if the baby’s microflora is not in the best condition, then he will get sick more often. You can protect your baby from many illnesses by giving him probiotics.

Top 10 Best Probiotics for Children

1 Acipol Baby Best for newborns (0+). Complex composition

2 Hilak Forte Metabiotic. New with cherry flavor

3 Linex The best of the monocomponent ones. Sachets

4 Enterol The most effective for diarrhea. Saccharomyces boulardii

5 BioGaia ProTectis The best probiotic against infant colic. Drops

6 Lactobalance Multiprobiotic. Suitable for children with allergies

7 Maxilak Baby Synbiotic. Most effective after antibiotics

8 Bifiform Baby Ease of administration. Suspension

9 Bifidum BAG Leader in sales. Lactose and casein free

10 Lactobacterin Lowest price. Dry probiotic (lyophilisate)

To be taken with antibiotics

According to some doctors (Komarovsky adheres to the same position), it is unnecessary to give probiotic supplements with an antibiotic. But most doctors prescribe them when taking serious medications.

BerryDophilus from Now Foods – 10 strains that are good for your gut and immune system

BerryDophilus contains as many as 10 probiotic strains, a record in the article, which explains the high effectiveness of the medicine.

This is the best probiotic for children after antibiotics.

These include the following bacteria: L.acidophilus, plantarum, rhamnosus, paracasei, salivarius, casei, B.lactic, longum, breve, S.thermophiles. In addition, there are fructooligosaccharides - prebiotics.

BerryDophilus is taken from childhood to adulthood. He earned a rating of 4.5, 8th place in the rating.

Price for 60 servings – 460 rubles.

Peculiarities:

record for the number of strains;
contains prebiotics;
no sugar;
can be used by adults.

Kids care from Country life – rich composition, mild action, pleasant taste

It is important that such a medication helps restore a healthy intestinal environment and maintains it. This will be provided by the Country Life dietary supplement - a mixture of 8 strains of healthy bacteria (L.acidophilus, casei, bulgaricus, salivarius, plantarum, b.infantis, longum, s.thermophilus) and prebiotics (acai, apple, banana, blueberry, cherry, strawberry extracts, cranberries). In addition, vitamin D3 is present.

The drug is useful for restoring microflora after antibiotics.

IHerb consumers give it a rating of 4.3; according to the list of drugs that improve digestion, it is 64. You can buy 90 servings for 1,600 rubles.

Peculiarities:

good bacterial composition;
rich prebiotic mixture;
have vitamin D3;
persistent cumulative result.

How to teach a child to use sourdough

Lacto-fermented foods can be purchased, so it makes sense to introduce them as early as possible to get your baby used to them. Once your baby eats solids, he can try enzymes.

Eating enzymes during pregnancy is the best way to introduce your baby to this taste at an early age. But if it's too late for that, start slowly, after about 6 months.

First, give him a little taste of the sauerkraut brine on a spoon. He may make a sour face or lunge forward for another shot.
If he doesn't like it, offer it again in a week. Keep trying until he starts to enjoy it.
After tasting the brine, you can offer sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables.
Yogurt is a starter that most babies will enjoy, but some moms prefer to wait until after their first birthday to introduce dairy. Dairy can also be difficult to digest for people with suboptimal gut health.

How a baby's intestines are "colonized" by beneficial bacteria

Where do the bacteria in our intestines come from in the first place? There are several determining factors:

Before birth

Experts once believed that the baby was in a completely sterile environment in the amniotic sac. Now there is some evidence to dispute this, and it appears that a baby may be exposed to beneficial bacteria even in the womb.

More research is needed here, but it's another good reason for moms to optimize their gut bacteria during pregnancy.

At birth

The baby's intestines are colonized at birth through amniotic fluid and bacteria in the birth canal. In an ideal world where women eat only a nutrient-dense diet full of raw, fermented and fermented foods (and who had mothers and grandmothers who did the same) and who never took antibiotics or over-the-counter medications, this is very a good thing.

Unfortunately, many of us inherited the (poor) gut health of our own mothers and grew up in a time of nutrient-poor processed foods. These processed foods contain large amounts of sugars and starches, which feed harmful bacteria in the intestines.

These foods are also devoid of beneficial bacteria, so we never have the opportunity to naturally replenish our gut. It makes sense, then, that our children might not receive the best microbiome to begin with.

To complicate matters, babies born by C-section, like my baby 3, don't have access to the good bacteria in the womb (if she even has any). These babies are colonized by mom's skin or other bacteria in a sterile operating room.

Beneficial features

Once ingested, prebiotics become food for beneficial bacteria. During the restoration of the microbial biocenosis, these substances stimulate complex biochemical reactions. They supply “friendly” microorganisms with energy, deliver the necessary substrates to bacteria (vitamins, amino acids, anti-stress peptides), and maintain optimal conditions for the growth of microflora. In addition, prebiotics “acidify” the environment in the intestinal lumen, which creates an unfavorable background for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Content:

Beneficial features
Varieties
Food sources
Popular preparations with prebiotics
Prebiotics in baby food
Conclusion

Biological effects:

They stimulate intestinal motility and increase the volume of feces.
Neutralizes the harmful effects of antibiotics on microflora.
Accelerate the regeneration of the colon mucosa, preventing the occurrence of colorectal diseases, including adenoma and carcinoma.
Stimulate cellular immunity, increase antibody activity.
Strengthen the intestinal walls, reduce the permeability of the mucous membrane to the penetration of bacteria and toxins.
Reduce the concentration of the stress hormone (cortisol) in the blood.
Maintains the correct acid-base balance in the intestinal tract.
Reduce gas formation, reduce bloating.
Suppresses the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, salmonella, shigella, yeast, campylobacter).
They “bind” and remove heavy metal salts, toxic substances, toxins, and bile acids from the body.
Stimulates the production of vitamins K and.
Improves the absorption of essential macroelements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper).
Stops the development of malignant neoplasms in the colon (at an early stage).
Reduces serum cholesterol.
Prevents the reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus.
They thin and accelerate the removal of mucus accumulated on the intestinal walls.

In addition, prebiotic substances dull excessive appetite, which helps reduce body weight.

From breast milk

Infant gut microbiomes are further populated by breast milk. Breast milk contains all the nutrients babies need for optimal health, plus live enzymes and beneficial bacteria (plus antibodies and many other beneficial compounds).

What mom eats (as well as other environmental factors) changes the composition of the microbiota in breast milk. So unless mom is eating a healthy diet rich in probiotics, her milk may not be as good as it could be (though it's still great and a better choice for babies whenever possible).

Additionally, if infants are given formula or solid foods until approximately one month of age, the gut microbiome may be negatively affected. (Just a note: I understand that in some cases formula is the only option and I'm not trying to shame anyone. I barely squeaked by not adding formula with a no. I just want to point out that there are many factors that influence the gut microbiome , and this is definitely one of them in modern society.)

Probiotics

For the stomach, it is recommended to take probiotics along with antibiotics. These are bacteria beneficial to the body, producing lactic acids, suppressing the growth of fungi and pathogenic bacteria, synthesizing antibodies to some viruses and performing the same role as beneficial intestinal microflora.

List of popular probiotics:

Acylact;
Lactobacterin;
Linex;
Hilak;
Bifiform;
Acipol;
Enterol;
Bifidumbacterin.

Modern probiotics combine up to four strains of beneficial bacteria. Medicines containing only one strain are represented by dietary supplements: Colibacterin, Lactobacterin, Bifidumbacterin. Often, multicomponent preparations combine strains of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and enterococcus faecium.

The second generation of probiotics contains not only strains, but also the simplest types of fungi. They are not contained in normal microflora, but have an inhibitory effect on existing pathogenic microorganisms:

Enterol;
Sporobacterin;
Bactisuptil.

The third generation of these drugs are combination products containing an increased number of individual cultures:

Acylact;
Linex Forte;
Linex Immuno.

The fourth generation of drugs contains activated carbon or silicon dioxide as a sorbent:

Florin;
Probiform;
Probilak.

Which of the stomach tablets when taking antibiotics will be required in an individual case must be decided by the doctor prescribing the therapy. Probiotics are prescribed two to three doses per day, half an hour before meals. The duration of treatment is up to 4 weeks. Children under 12 years of age are prescribed reduced dosages.

Why is this happening?

Beneficial bacteria are important for proper digestion of food (especially starches) and absorption of nutrients. Without this balance in the gut, babies can have digestive problems such as colic, acid reflux and gas.

Gut health also plays a big role in overall immunity. As Hippocrates said: “All diseases begin in the intestines.” Research confirms this. Interestingly, when mice with poor gut bacteria received a fecal transplant from a healthy mouse, their health improved.

Back in the 2000s, researchers noticed a connection between the intestines and the skin. Research shows that many people with gut health problems also have skin problems. Other studies have shown that supplementing with probiotics reduced skin symptoms. Anecdotally, I know many families who have noticed a noticeable reduction in skin problems such as eczema when they started working on gut health.

While gut health is incredibly important for optimal health, and many of us don't have good gut health, there is still hope. Whether your baby was born by caesarean section, formula fed, started eating solids too early, or simply inherited the mother's poor gut health, there are simple things we can do to improve gut health naturally.

Classification of drugs for microflora restoration

Medicines to improve intestinal health can be classified into 3 groups:

prebiotics (means for the growth and reproduction of microorganisms);
probiotics (medicines that contain live microorganisms);
synbiotics (preparations containing a complex of bacteria and substances that help their growth and reproduction).

Children's and adult medications usually differ only in the form of release and use, the list is usually the same.

The probiotic contains biotin, folic acid, etc. It helps strengthen the defenses of the human immune system. It is used in the fight against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dysbiosis, thrush, etc., and is produced in the form of a medicine or dietary supplement.

Monoprobiotic is a good drug that is suitable when there is a deficiency of a certain type of microorganisms, for example, to saturate the body with lactobacilli, use Lactobacterin, etc.

A polyprobiotic is a medicine that includes different types of microorganisms that are beneficial to the intestines and components that have a beneficial effect on their vital activity in the body, for example, “Linex”, “Acilact”, etc. The drug is prescribed to infants and older children to strengthen the immune system , and improve intestinal health.

Self-eliminating probiotics are the best means when it is necessary to destroy pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines. Their components are microorganisms, which are not typical for the human digestive system. They act only on pathogens, and, having done their work, come out naturally. Examples of such medications are Biosporin.

Pediatricians will help you choose the most appropriate treatment option for your baby’s intestinal flora.

Probiotics on sorbents – treatment involves the introduction of bacteria and sorbent components into the body. Sorbents have astringent properties. This composition works many times faster, since the sorbents enhance the effect of bacteria. An example is “Bifidumbacterin Forte”.

Preparations for the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. The list of such medications usually begins with the drugs “Hilak Forte”, “Eubicor”, “Lactulose”. They are prescribed to treat dysbiosis caused by antibiotics. When consumed, peristalsis and the functioning of the baby’s intestines improves.

If breastfeeding, improve mom's diet

The first step to improving a breastfed baby's gut health is to improve the mother's diet. The mother continues to vaccinate the child with breast milk, and the healthier he is, the healthier his milk.

Foods to eat to improve gut health include:

Bone Broth – The gelatin and collagen in bone broth help seal the intestinal lining, while glutamine helps strengthen it. Here's why and how to do it.
Fermented foods - A great way to get probiotics are unpasteurized fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria. You can make them at home, and there are several quality brands available in stores now.
Wild-caught meats and fish—these sources are higher in omega fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. We use this source for meat and this source for fish and other seafood.
Cooked vegetables. Vegetables are important for their nutrient composition, but can be hard on the digestive tract. Cooking vegetables makes them easier to digest.
Omegas from Fish Oil - We get them from quality seafood and our favorite fish oil supplement.
Vitamin D - Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in our indoor workaholic culture and is associated with increased gut permeability. To combat this, our family spends time in the sun (with these precautions) and takes a quality vitamin D supplement when we don't get as much sunshine.

Of course, nutrient-rich foods are especially important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is equally important to avoid foods that are low in nutrients (high in starch) or other foods that can cause gut dysbiosis.

Prebiotics in baby food

Intestinal microflora plays a primary role in the correct ontogenesis of a newborn child. The first bacteria enter the child's body when passing through the mother's birth canal. However, dense colonization of the intestinal flora occurs during the first breastfeeding of the baby.

The main representatives of the microflora of babies are lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, clostridia, enterobacteria, and gram-positive cocci. In addition to probiotic strains, breast milk contains “food” for bacteria (oligosaccharides). Moreover, a liter of mother concentrate contains 1.5 grams of prebiotic substances. Receiving the necessary “feeding”, beneficial colonies of bacteria multiply, and harmful ones die.

If the baby is bottle-fed, the flora of the newborn suffers (there is a meager concentration of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal tract). Such children often experience gastrointestinal disorders (dysbacteriosis, constipation, colic, gas formation), infectious invasions, and food allergies. To prevent the occurrence of these problems, infant formula is enriched with prebiotic components.

Popular complementary foods for children containing oligosaccharides:

Milk formula “Humana 3 with apple and prebiotics”. The composition is intended for infants from 10 months. The drug does not contain gluten, so it can be used in complementary feeding for children who are intolerant to this component. To prevent the development of anemia and rickets in children, the mixture contains increased concentrations of iron and calcium.
Baby food "Nenny 1 with prebiotics". This is a concentrate for newborn babies (0 - 6 months) on artificial or mixed feeding. The mixture contains goat milk powder, nucleotides, polyunsaturated lipids (omega-3, omega-6), prebiotic substances (oligofructose, inulin), amino acid complex (taurine, tryptophan, carnitine). It is advisable to use complementary foods for feeding babies with underweight, food allergies, or intolerance to cow or soy protein.
Dairy-free buckwheat porridge with prebiotics from Bebi Premium. The mixture does not contain allergenic substances (gluten, sugar, milk), so it is ideal for the first feeding of a child (from 4 months). The product contains buckwheat, inulin, B vitamins, tocopherol, retinol, cholecalciferol, ascorbic acid, iodine and iron. It is advisable to give buckwheat composition to babies with lactase deficiency, allergic reactions, constipation, and intestinal dysfunctions.
Humana Bifidus milk formula enriched with prebiotics. This food is used for the prevention and treatment of digestive disorders in children (dysbacteriosis, gas formation, constipation, colic). The product is suitable for complementary feeding of infants from birth to 12 months. The mixture contains compounds necessary for the baby: plant fibers, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, microelements, prebiotics, amino acids.

HiPP buckwheat milk porridge with prebiotics. This is an excellent alternative to powdered milk. The food contains adapted infant formula, lactose galacto-oligosaccharides, buckwheat flakes, maltodextrin, whey powder, vitamins, and microelements.

Dry milk mixture Nutrilon 1 with prebiotic complex. The product is used for artificial or mixed feeding of infants from 0 to 6 months. The mixture consists of prebiotic substances (lactose, fructooligosaccharides), polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oil, vegetable oils), vitamins, microelements, nucleotides, amino acids (taurine, carnitine), whey protein concentrate.

The complex is used to increase the population of beneficial microflora in the intestines, the proper formation of the visual apparatus, strengthening the immune system, and preventing digestive dysfunctions.

Infant formula Frisovom 1 with prebiotics. Complete nutrition for babies in the first half of life. The product contains a natural prebiotic (locust bean gum), which fights regurgitation, constipation, and colic. In addition, the mixture contains docosahexaenoic and arachidonic fatty acids, nucleotides, galacto-oligosaccharides, vitamins, and microelements that have a positive effect on the baby’s body.
Low-allergenic rice porridge with prebiotics from Bebi Premium. The product is intended to eliminate intestinal dysbiosis, normalize daily stool, and strengthen the immune system. The mixture does not contain sugar, gluten, or milk protein, which allows it to be used for artificial feeding of children from 4 months.

Before introducing baby foods containing prebiotic cultures into your baby's diet, first consult with your doctor.

Avoid foods that harm your gut

In addition to adding nutrient-dense foods like those listed above, it's important to avoid foods that undermine gut health:

Gluten - This one is controversial, but gluten can cause intestinal cells to release Zonulin, a protein that can cause the tight junctions other than the intestines to hold together (resulting in leaky gut).
Grains - even gluten-free. Most grains contain difficult-to-digest antinutrients (such as phytic acid). Soaking and sprouting grains can make them easier to digest, but grains are also high in sugar/starch, which can feed harmful bacteria. It's best to avoid them due to baby's sensitive gut, at least at first.
Refined Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners – Sugar can feed bad bacteria and cause inflammation.
Artificial sweeteners have also been linked to depletion of beneficial bacteria. Instead of refined and artificial sweeteners, I prefer to use natural sweeteners (like maple syrup and honey) or even stevia in moderation.
Vegetable oils – These oils contain a high percentage of omega fatty acids and are highly inflammatory. My family never eats them and sticks to only healthy fats like coconut oil, lard, butter and shortening.

Probiotic supplements for mom may also be helpful, especially when gut bacteria are seriously depleted.

Give your child a probiotic supplement directly

Breastfeeding is the best way to give your baby probiotics, but if breastfeeding isn't an option, there is hope. Probiotic supplements can be given to a child as young as a few days old. Additionally, even if your baby is breastfed, it can't hurt to add a little more probiotics to her diet (especially if mom's gut health is not optimal).

If you bottle feed, you can add probiotics to the bottle (or a homemade formula recipe).

Babies from one year old

Thanks to this article, it’s easy to determine which probiotic is best for your child and make the right choice. But keep in mind that from 1 year, 5, from 7 years, 12, different dosages are recommended. The instructions for use will provide more details.

Daily probiotic Culturelle kids – ease of use

The dietary supplement Kulturel Kids is designed for daily use. The basis is lactobacilli GG (which you can read about here), one of the most studied. They are good at helping the intestines correct the problem by withstanding the acidity of gastric juice and bile.

The medicine Culturelle Kids is a powder, packaged in portioned sachets. The powder is diluted with water or food.

Consumers rated the Culturelle kids product highly - 4.6 points, and in the overall rating it ranks 14th.

For 30 times you will have to pay 1800 rubles.

Peculiarities:

delicious;
conveniently packaged in bags;
restores natural microflora;
used up to 12 years.

Animal parade Nature`s plus – zoo for stomach and dental health

You won’t have to persuade anyone to eat Nature’s plus supplement. These are delicious chewable tablets in the shape of animals.

There is not just one active ingredient, there are four of them. For example, L.Acidophilus is responsible for the health of the gastrointestinal tract. And also S. Salivarius. (learn about it here), calcium chelate, xylitol, and vitamin D3. All this makes the medicine useful for the stomach, as well as for the teeth.

Therefore, these tablets are taken by chewing after meals. You should not eat or drink for half an hour.

Buyers give this supplement a rating of 4.6 points. According to the rating, it ranks 16th.

The price of 45 receptions is 1400 rubles.

Peculiarities:

acidophilus improves the functioning of the digestive system;
S.Salivarius reduces the risk of developing cariogenic flora;
Calcium chelate is well absorbed by the body;
Vitamin D3 improves calcium absorption.

Probiotics with colostrum Childlife – improves digestion, strengthens immunity

According to parents' reviews, this dietary supplement improves digestion and strengthens the immune system. This is because there are probiotics and prebiotics (learn about their differences here), and colostrum.

The former help imperfect microflora. The latter strengthen the former. The third activates the immune system.

The components of the medicine are: L.acidophilus, B.breve, longum + fructooligosaccharides + dry cow's colostrum + rice bran.

Parents rated Childlife 4.3. It is seventh on the list of digestive supplements. A jar of up to 23 doses costs 1,300 rubles.

Peculiarities:

improved digestion;
restores healthy bacterial balance;
Colostrum activates the immune system;
Suitable from 2 to 12 years.