For A Happy Gut
Your baby’s gut health is incredibly important as it sets the stage for their growth, immunity, and digestion. A happy tummy helps them absorb nutrients, stay protected from infections, and establish a balanced and thriving inner ecosystem for a healthy start in life.
Good health starts in the gut
As 80% of the immune system is located in the gut, a balanced gut flora can really help to stimulate a child’s immune system and give them the daily support they need while growing up.
Gut health has a significant impact on babies in several ways:
- Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut allows babies to properly digest breast milk, formula, and solid foods. It ensures the efficient absorption of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for their growth and development.
- Immune System Development: The gut plays a vital role in shaping a baby’s immune system. It contains specialised immune cells and is populated by beneficial bacteria that help educate and train the immune system. A healthy gut microbiota in infants can support a strong immune response, helping them fight off infections and reducing the risk of allergies and autoimmune disorders.
- Prevention of Digestive Issues: A well-functioning gut can help prevent common digestive issues in babies, such as colic, reflux, diarrhoea, and constipation. These issues can cause discomfort and affect a baby’s overall well-being. A balanced gut microbiota contributes to a healthy gut environment, promoting proper digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Brain Development and Behaviour: The gut-brain connection is important for babies’ brain development and behaviour. The gut microbiota produces certain chemicals and neurotransmitters that can influence mood, cognition, and behaviour. An imbalance in the gut microbiota has been linked to conditions like colic, fussiness, and even neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Long-Term Health: The early years of life are critical for establishing a healthy gut microbiota, and this can have long-term implications. The composition of the gut microbiota in infancy has been associated with various health outcomes later in life, including metabolic health, immune function, and mental well-being.
Colief Multibiotic Drops
Gentle and effective multi strain friendly bacteria
A high-quality, liquid drops supplement especially developed for use from birth to complement your baby’s natural gut flora. Every serving of Colief Multibiotic Drops contains 1.1 billion live CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG® and Bifidobacterium infantis, scientifically proven friendly bacteria for delicate stomachs. Suitable for vegans, Colief Multibiotic Drops are easy to use and only need to be taken once per day – either given directly to your baby or added to breast milk, infant formula, milk, or yoghurt.
The first 1000 days: a window of opportunity
The first 1000 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, offer a unique window of opportunity to build long-term health. The first three months of life are particularly important: a time when disturbances to the developing gut microbiota (gut flora) have the greatest impact on immune system development, and therefore future health.
During this early period, the gut microbiota (gut flora) is rapidly forming and establishing its composition and a healthy microbiome is characterised by a high number of bifidobacteria.
Bifidobacteria are beneficial bacteria that naturally reside in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the gut of infants. These bacteria play a crucial role in promoting digestive health and have numerous benefits for infants. Bifidobacteria promotes gut health by balancing the microbiota, aiding in the digestion of breast milk and formula, and helping to prevent gastrointestinal disorders like colic and diarrhea. They also support the development of a strong immune system, potentially reducing the risk of allergies later in life. Bifidobacteria produce vitamins and short-chain fatty acids, improving nutrient absorption and bowel movements. By protecting against harmful bacteria, bifidobacteria positively impact overall health and well-being in infants.
What goes into Colief Multibiotic Drops and why
By combining Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG®, and Bifidobacterium infantis, a complementary effect is achieved, delivering multiple benefits for infants. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG®, is known for its ability to support digestive health and strengthen the immune system, helping to reduce the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal infections in infants.
Bifidobacterium infantis, on the other hand, aids in the digestion of breast milk, mitigates colic and constipation, and contributes to the overall balance of gut microbiota. Together, these probiotic strains promote a healthier gut environment, improve nutrient absorption, and potentially lower the risk of allergies. Their combined action enhances the protection against harmful bacteria and supports the establishment of a robust immune system.
Here are some tips to help maintain your baby’s gut health:
Gentle Digestion:
Practicing gentle feeding techniques like burping your baby after meals and avoiding overfeeding can help minimize digestive discomfort.
Introduce Solid Foods Gradually:
When the time is right, introduce solid foods slowly and one at a time. This helps the baby’s gut adjust to new foods and reduces the risk of allergies.
Be Patient with Digestive Issues:
Babies’ digestive systems are still developing. Be patient and observe any signs of discomfort and consult your health visitor, pharmacist or GP if you have any concerns.
Antibiotics:
Antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria so use them only when necessary.
Friendly Bacteria:
Ask your health visitor, pharmacist or GP about the potential benefits of a friendly bacteria digestive supplement such as Colief Multibiotic Drops. This type of digestive supplement can provide strains of beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut and overall digestion.
Gentle Tummy Massage:
Gentle tummy massage can aid digestion and comfort your baby, promoting a healthy gut.
Play Outdoors:
Let your baby spend time outdoors to expose them to different microbes, which can be beneficial for their gut health.
Hygiene is Important:
Keep your baby and their surroundings clean but remember that some exposure to germs can help build a stronger immune system.
Keep in mind
Every baby is different, so it’s always a good idea to consult your health visitor, pharmacist or GP for personalised advice and recommendations regarding your baby’s gut health and specific needs.
LGG and the LGG logo™ are trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S
ISTILOS™ is a trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S