Probiotic Supplement

A probiotic is a live microbial (bacterial) product that beneficially affects the body by improving its intestinal microbial balance and, thus, improving gut health.

References:
Fuller, R., ed. Probiotics: the Scientific Basis. London: Chapman & Hall, 1992.
Fuller, R., “A review: probiotics in man and animals,” J Appl Bacteriol 1989; 66: 365-378.

Probiotics have been used for centuries. Probiotic products (fermented milks) were mentioned by the Roman historian Plinius in 76 BC as a treatment for gastroenteritis.¹ The term “probiotic,” meaning “for life,” was first used in 1965.² A multitude of studies since then have proved their significance to intestinal health. These studies offered the medical community a better understanding of the health benefits provided by probiotics, but advances were later slowed with the discovery of antibiotics. In fact, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial illness means “against life” and works in a completely opposite method from probiotics. Probiotics add “good” bacteria to the gut so that they can overwhelm the “bad” bacteria. On the other hand, antibiotics kill all bacteria (good and bad) living in the intestine, which then gives the body its ability to be rid of the illness. Over the years, misuse of antibiotics has diminished their effectiveness in fighting some bacteria. Misuse includes: taking the wrong antibiotics or taking them too frequently; taking antibiotics for too long or too short a period. The mounting threat of antibiotic resistant disease has renewed the research community’s interest in the science of probiotics to learn more about their natural healing ability.

1. Botazzi, V., “Food and feed production with microorganisms,” Biotechnology 1983; 5: 315-363.
2. Lilly, D. M. and Stillwell, R. H., “Probiotics. Growth promoting factors produced by micro-organisms,” Science 1965; 147: 747-748.

As consumers, we are subjected to conflicting messages on just how clean we should keep our bodies and homes. Store shelves are stocked with antibacterial soaps, hand lotions, and other antimicrobial products giving us the perception that all bacteria are bad and should be eliminated. In fact, good health is dependent upon our body’s ability to maintain a proper balance of “good” bacteria or “friendly flora.” The human intestinal tract contains over 100 varieties of “friendly” live bacteria needed for optimal human health. These friendly bacteria are so abundant that they make up between 2 to 3 pounds of human body weight.¹ The “ecosystem” of the intestine becomes unbalanced when “bad” and harmful or pathogenic bacteria dominate the system, weakening the body and making it more susceptible to disease. The Bifidobacteria used in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement work by forming acetic and lactic acids in the intestine. These acids lower the pH in the intestines and create a hostile environment for unwanted or “bad” bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, salmonellae, E. coli and staphylococci. In those unfortunate situations when “bad” bacteria do thrive, gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gassiness and diarrhea, may result. Healthcare professionals usually recommend an oral electrolyte solution to help prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. Baby’s Only Essentials® Oral Electrolyte is scientifically formulated to contain appropriate levels of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), water and carbohydrates to maintain proper hydration. Baby’s Only Essentials® Oral Electrolyte is made with organic white grape juice concentrate, comes in natural grape and apple flavors, and contains no artificial colors.

1. Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. Bifidobacteria & Health. Japan: Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., August, 1997, pp. 4.

Ingesting probiotics can help foster the proper balance of bacteria to maintain good gut health. Scientists believe that many diseases begin in the gastrointestinal tract where compounds are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Probiotics are the “good” bacteria in the gut. This prevents “bad” bacteria from gaining strength by numbers in the body. When “bad” bacteria become unbalanced, a child may experience excessive gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Healthcare professionals usually recommend an oral electrolyte solution to help prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. Baby’s Only Essentials® Oral Electrolyte is scientifically formulated to contain appropriate levels of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), water and carbohydrates to maintain proper hydration. Baby’s Only Essentials® Oral Electrolyte is made with organic white grape juice concentrate, comes in natural grape and apple flavors, and contains no artificial colors. Intestinal toxicity caused by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria or an inadequate level of “good” bacteria also affects digestion and could also result in constipation and the poor absorption of nutrients.

A prebiotic is a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the body by selectively stimulating the growth, activity, or both of one or a limited number of bacteria residing in the intestinal tract.¹ Breast milk contains a significant level of prebiotic substances, including oligosaccharides. The prebiotic used in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement is Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), an oligosaccharide naturally derived from beet sugar.

1. Gibson, G. R. and Roberfroid, M. B., “Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: Introducing the concept of prebiotics,” J Nutr 1995; 125: 1401-1412.

Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement contains Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), a prebiotic. FOS is not hydrolyzed or absorbed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract; it specifically supports the growth of Bifidobacteria in the gut because it is used as a food substance by the Bifidobacteria; and it alters the microflora in the gut toward a healthier composition. This is known as the bifidogenic effect. Because FOS is not digested or absorbed in the upper intestinal tract of humans, there is no increase in blood sugar levels and, therefore, FOS can be used by people with diabetes.

The critical time for a baby's immune development is from birth until 2 to 2 ½ years of age. For babies not receiving breast milk or those born Cesarean section and not receiving breast milk, probiotics will help stimulate an baby's own good bacterial flora and immune system. Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic is appropriate for children 1 year of age or older.

For babies born vaginally and who are breastfed, exposure to probiotics and prebiotics takes place at birth and continues through the breastfeeding period. Beneficial bacterial flora is introduced naturally from mother to infant through the birth canal. An baby continues to be exposed to beneficial bacteria through breastfeeding. Breast milk also contains prebiotic ingredients, such as oligosaccharides, that are bifidogenic, that is, they support the survival and growth of Bifidobacteria. Many ingredients found in breast milk still remain a mystery, but the advancements in microbe and nutritional technology have made it possible for studies on the health benefits to babies of Bifidobacteria and fructooligosaccharides to advance. The use of Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement should be discussed with the baby's healthcare professional. A healthcare professional may recommend use of Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement for a child in the following situations:

• Born by Caesarian Section
• Maternal prenatal use of antibiotics
• Maternal use of antibiotics while breastfeeding
• Following antibiotic therapy
• Not receiving breast milk (solely formula fed)
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as gassiness, constipation
• Prophylactic use to promote good gastrointestinal health

Any use of a probiotic product should first be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement contains live and active “good” bacteria specifically blended to meet the needs of toddlers using three types of Bifidobacteria. It is the only probiotic supplement available today containing these three “good” Bifidobacteria in combination with the prebiotic FOS. The use of Bifidobacteria is important because they are the dominant “good” bacteria found in breastfed infants.^1,2,3,4,5 In fact, Bifidobacteria make up to 80% to 90% of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract of breastfed babies. Also the Bifidobacteria used in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement were originally cultured from healthy babies.

Each packet of Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement contains the following:

• Bifidobacteria longum BB536 – 1 billion
• Bifidobacteria breve M-16V – 1 billion
• Bifidobacteria infantis M-63 – 1 billion

1. Benno, Y., et al, “The intestinal microflora of infants: composition of fecal flora in breast-fed and bottle-fed infants,” Microbiol Immunol 1984; 28: 975-986.
2. Braun, O. H., “Effect of consumption of human milk and other formulas on intestinal bacterial flora in infants,” In: Lebenthal, B., ed. Gastroenterology and Nutrition in Infancy. New York: Raven Press, 1981: 247-251.
3. Modler, H. W., et al, “Bifidobacteria and bifidogenic factors,” Can Inst Food Sci Technol 1990; 23: 29-41.
4. Yoshita, M. et al, “Development of the normal intestinal flora and its clinical significance in infants and children,” Bioscience Microflora 1991; 10: 11-27.
5. Moreau, M.C., et al, “Establishment of the digestive tract microflora in newborn infants as a function of milk type,” Reprod Nutr Dev 1986; 26: 745-753.
6. Collins, M.D. and Gibson, G. R., “Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics: Approaches for modulating the microbial ecology of the gut,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69(Suppl):1052S-1057S.

There are numerous research reports on the health benefits of Bifidobacteria. Some of these benefits include:^1,2,3,4

• Inhibition of harmful bacteria growth (E. coli, Clostridium clostridiform, Klebsiella pneumoniae)
• Boosted immune function by enhancing the body’s natural defenses and supporting the body’s natural resistance to infection
• Restoration of gut “good” microflora following antibiotic therapy. Pharmaceutical antibiotics rid the body of not only “bad” bacteria but also “good” bacteria
• Treating and preventing diarrhea (infections and antibiotic induced)
• Production of digestive enzymes
• Repression of rotaviruses
• Alleviation of constipation
• Enhancement of bone strength by enhanced digestion and absorption of minerals
• Increased production of various B vitamins
• Reduction of putrefaction substances, such as ammonia, in the gut
• Possible reduced risk of allergies
• Possible cancer prevention
• Reduction of serum cholesterol

1. Collins, M. D. and Gibson, G. R., “Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics: Approaches for modulating the microbial ecology of the gut,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69(Suppl): 1052S-1057S.
2. Ogata, T., et al, “Effect of Bifidobacteria longum BB536 administration on the intestinal environment, defecation frequency and fecal characteristics of human volunteers,” Bioscience Microflora 1997; 16: 53-58.
3. Saavedra, J. M., “Microbes to fight microbes: a not so novel approach for controlling diarrheal disease,” J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1995; 21: 125-129.
4. Schrezenmeir, J. and deVrese, M., “Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics – approaching a definition,” Am J Clin Nutr 2001; 73(Suppl): 361S-364S.

There are numerous scientific reports on the health benefits of FOS.^1,2,3,4,5,6 These include:

• Promotion of calcium absorption and support bone health
• Supports healthy blood sugar levels
• Helps to control serum cholesterol levels
• Supports a healthy immune system

1. Collins, M. D. and Gibson, G. R., “Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics: Approaches for modulating the microbial ecology of the gut,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69(Suppl): 1052S-1057S.
2. Coudray, C., et al, “Effect of soluble and partly soluble dietary fibres supplementation on absorption and balance of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in health young men,” Eur J Clin Nutr 1997; 51:375-380.
3. Van den Heuvel, E. G. H. M., et al, “Oligofructose stimulates calcium absorption in adolescents,” Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 69: 544-548.
4. Yamashita, K., et al, “Effects of fructooligosaccharides on blood glucose and serum lipids in diabetic subjects,” Nutrition Research 1984; 4: 961-966.
5. Hata, Y., et al, “The effect of fructooligosaccharides on hyperlipidemia,” Geriatric Medicine 1983; 21: 156-166.
6. Field, C., et al, “Feeding fermentable fiber alters the function and composition of gut associated lymphoid tissue,” FASEB Journal 1997; 3751.

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the sugar lactose (milk sugar), or when the maturing small intestine in a child cannot produce a sufficient level of lactase needed to digest the amount of lactose consumed. When the body is not able to handle the amount of lactose consumed, bloating, gassiness, and a very fussy child results. The research on use of probiotics for lactose intolerance individuals has shown mixed results. Some people benefit from the use of probiotics while others do not. The reasons for this are unknown and continue to be the focus of ongoing research. For those whom probiotics help, it is thought that the probiotics themselves digest lactose, thus reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The suggestion has been made that healthcare professionals counsel lactose intolerant individuals to try probiotics and see if they do help to reduce symptoms.¹

1. Levri, K. M., et al, “Do probiotics reduce adult lactose intolerance? A systematic review,” Journal of Family Practice 2005; July: 613-620.

The Bifidobacteria in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement are grown in appropriate culture media (food to promote growth of the bacteria). The culture media still in use today may be milk or fish based. However, there is no lactose in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement. It is lactose-free, galactose-free, and egg-free. For children with severe allergic responses to dairy products, please consult a healthcare professional before using Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement. Minute traces of cow’s milk protein may be present if the culture medium used was dairy based.

Yes, the Bifidobacteria in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement are live and each serving provides a minimum of 3 billion Bifidobacteria. To assure live cultures, Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement is packaged in a moisture-proof and air tight packet and is rigorously tested throughout shelf life to assure that the bacteria are not only live but also in the appropriate amount as stated on the label. The present shelf life is 24 months. Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement should be stored in a cool, dry location. It can also be refrigerated or kept in a freezer if desired. However, Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement should be allowed to come to room temperature before opening to prevent the formation of moisture within the packet.

Because probiotics are live bacteria, they should not be used in conditions that predispose to invasive diseases. Probiotics should be avoided in the following situations to prevent adverse effects, such as bacteremia, neonatal sepsis, meningitis or endocarditis:

• Immunologically immature very low-birth-weight infants
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Immunosuppression after bone marrow transplantation for treatment of aplastic anemia
• Treatment with central catheters
• Feedings through a gastrojejunostomy tube
• Short bowel syndrome

The prebiotic used in Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic Supplement is fructooligosaccharide (FOS). An individual with fructose intolerance should, therefore, not consume any fructose or use any supplement or product containing ingredients which are broken down by the body into fructose. Persons receiving whole body radiation or radiation to the gastrointestinal tract are also advised to avoid prebiotics.

FDA does not approve dietary supplements. FDA does monitor health claims on dietary supplements and will contact a manufacturer if there are issues with health claims on a manufacturer’s product label. In the United States, the FDA has given GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to FOS and probiotics for the general population, including children.

Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic can withstand exposure to warm or cold weather conditions during a one week delivery period. In addition, Nature’s One® shelf life studies conclude a 24-month product expiration while storing the Probiotic unrefrigerated, at ambient conditions.