Probiotics Well Tolerated, Safe in Infant Formula

Saturday, December 18th 2004

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Probiotic-supplemented infant formula is well tolerated and safe, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Furthermore, treated infants had a lower rate of colic and use of antibiotics.

"Nonpathogenic live bacteria are consumed as food by many children, particularly in the form of yogurt," write Jose M. Saavedra, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and colleagues. "The tolerance and safety of long-term consumption of specific types and strains of probiotic bacteria are not well documented.... Adequate documentation of safety with prolonged use in infants is mandatory if recommendations for use are to be made in this population."

In this prospective study, 118 healthy infants aged three to 24 months were randomized to receive one of three standard milk-based formulas: formula containing 1 x 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/g each of Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus, formula containing 1 x 106 CFU/g each of B. lactis and S. thermophilus, or unsupplemented formula.

At enrollment, mean age was 7.0 ± 2.9 months; the groups were similar in age, sex, and duration of formula consumption (mean, 210 ± 127 days). Compared with the unsupplemented formula, the supplemented formulas were well accepted and were associated with a lower frequency of reported colic or irritability (P < .001) and of antibiotic use (P < .001). Growth, utilization of healthcare services, daycare absenteeism, and other health variables were similar between groups.

"To our knowledge, this is the first careful documentation of intake of live bacteria over any extended period of time in any population. The intakes studied can be used as a benchmark for well-tolerated, safe intake of these bacterial agents," the authors write. "Long-term consumption of formulas supplemented with B. lactis and S. thermophilus was well tolerated and safe and resulted in adequate growth, reduced reporting of colic or irritability, and a lower frequency of antibiotic use."

Nestlé USA supported this study and provided formulas.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79:261-267

Footnote from Leanne James

We always promote the use of probiotics for anyone who has had a course of antibiotics, as probiotics help to replace the beneficial intestinal flora depleted from antibiotic use. We stock probiotics for people of all ages, but have specific ones for children that comes in a powder. This can be added to formula or given directly to a child. Probiotics are also essential for any child that has not been breast fed, as breast feeding helps to build up the beneficial intestinal bacteria. Children who are not breast fed miss out on this.

You can view our probiotic supplements for children, by pressing on these links Primadophilus for Children, Reuteri.

Footnote from Ideal Health

The following products are all useful Probiotics:

Colostrum Capsules
Colostrum Chewable
Colostrum Powder
Immunoactive Colostrum
Primadophilus
Primadophilus Bifidus
Primadophilus for Kids
Primadophilus Junior
Primadophilus Optima
Primadophilus Reuteri Capsules

Related health information can be found here:

Antibiotic Use
Appetite, Poor
Bowel Cleanse
Breast Feeding
Chicken Pox
Colostrum, a universal healer with immune boosting properties
Diarrhoea
Ensure healthy gut function with probiotic supplementation
Food Poisoning
FOS to assist with candida, diarrhoea, constipation or other bowel problems
Immunity

Related articles can be found here:

Benefits of Friendly Bacteria

Colostrum

Infants Treated With Antibiotics at Increased Risk for Atopy and Asthma

Probiotic Update - Reuteri

Repair Gastrointestinal Damage With Colostrum

Use of Probiotics in Atopic Diseases

Why Take Primadophilus?

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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