Developing a Healthy Digestive System by Including Probiotics in Your Child's Diet
There are billions of bacteria living in our digestive system. Some types of bacteria provide us with health benefits, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus that are present in the gastrointestinal microflora, while others, like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, can be harmful.
Probiotics help to maintain a healthy digestive system, with a healthy balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in our body.
HOW ARE PROBIOTICS DIFFERENT FROM PREBIOTICS?
Both prebiotics and probiotics work to bring about health benefits in the body by increasing ‘good’ intestinal bacteria in different ways. Prebiotics are fibres that provide nourishment for ‘good’ bacteria probiotics, to flourish and grow in the digestive tract.
On the other hand, probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, especially your digestive system - it travels into the digestive tract and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria. Probiotics are often called ‘good’ or ‘helpful’ bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING PROBIOTICS
MYTH: The strain doesn’t matter
FACT: Yes, it does. Your child’s gut is a hostile place. Only certain strains of bacteria can survive in that harsh environment. Each unique strain has its benefits and drawbacks, make sure you are providing the right one for your child. Look out for the ones with Bifidus strains!
MYTH: Probiotics, the more the better?
FACT: It depends. The real question is, what kind of probiotics and how much of it is better for your child. Health benefits conferred by probiotic are strain specific. You can consult your doctor on the type of probiotics recommended for your child to improve gut health. Different types of probiotics will require a specific amount for consumption to ensure efficacy.
DOES MY CHILD NEED PROBIOTICS?
Having a good balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria is important for a healthy digestive tract as it may help to reduce the incidences of intestinal discomforts such as diarrhoea.
Every child has a different mix of bacteria, both ‘good’ and ‘bad’, in their intestinal tract during birth. However, several factors could cause an imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, such as consumption of antibiotics and the child’s diet which might reduce the ‘good’ bacteria.
This imbalance may increase a child’s likelihood of falling ill or developing allergies due to a less optimum immune system and disturbed gut microflora. Hence, having probiotics helps to increase the population of ‘good’ bacteria.
WHERE CAN I GET PROBIOTICS?
Probiotics can be sourced from fermented foods and beverages, and even some supplements. Probiotic-rich foods are yoghurt, cheese, kimchi, miso, kefir, buttermilk, tempeh and sourdough bread.
Of course, your child’s biggest source of probiotics will come from his milk. That’s why NANKID OPTIPRO is formulated with 100 million Probiotic B. lactis+, which helps reduce the risk of infections while supporting growth and development.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Ask your healthcare professional for advice. Milk with added probiotics may benefit your child as it helps to maintain a desirable balance of protective good bacteria in your child’s gut.
^Compared to Key Formulated Milk Powder for Children aged 1-3 years per 100g of milk powder (as of March 2024) +Refers to 100 million Probiotic B. lactis per 100g of milk powder
A strong immunity is an important foundation for your child’s growth, as it enables them to learn and develop healthily. That’s why NANKID OPTIPRO is formulated with Immunity Guardians* – which consist of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide^ and Probiotic B. lactis. These Immunity Guardians work together to defend the body against harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of good bacteria, which helps reduce your child’s risk of infections.
NANKID OPTIPRO is the only brand with the highest levels of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide^ and 100 million Probiotic B. lactis+.
*Immunity Guardians refers to 2'-FL Oligosaccharide & Probiotic B. lactis to support immune foundation
^Compared to Key Formulated Milk Powder for Children aged 1-3 years per 100g of milk powder (as of March 2024)
+Refers to 100 million Probiotic B. lactis per 100g of milk powder
Related articles
A guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.
2 mins to read
What is an Allergic March?
An allergic march isn’t when your child gets the seasonal allergies in March. In fact, it isn’t related to a month at all.
3 mins to read
Growing Up with a Healthy Eq (Emotional Intelligence)
As a parent, you always want your child to have the best. Be it being in the best of health, or in development, we strive to raise children to their fullest potential.
3 mins to read
Educating Your Child about Allergy
As a parent, you’ve probably wondered more than once how you can help your child if he or she has an allergy, or an allergic reaction.
3 mins to read
4 Steps to Check If Your Child Is Obese
Did you know that you there is a way to check if your child is obese or not? It is through the Body Mass Index or BMI and it only takes 4 steps to calculate it:
3 mins to read
Tips to Help Encourage the Right Sleeping Position
Have you ever thought about ensuring your child sleeps comfortably and safely with the right sleeping position?
3 mins to read
Kid talk: How to encourage junior’s first words
Your child’s first words are likely to happen after a few months of kid talk.
2 mins to read
Child Screen Time – When to Switch off
Research shows that free play and engaging with you is essential for your child’s speech, sleep, creativity, and brain growth.
3 mins to read
Solving your Child's Constipation
Constipation is a common health hiccup in kids that may cause a bit of a scare for parents
4 mins to read
Guiding Your Children in Proper Hand-Washing Techniques | Start Well Stay Well
4 mins to read
Talking to your child
Your child is developing so fast! He is starting to discover his new world, thanks to your loving care and his rapidly awakening senses.
2 mins to read
How Does the Digestive Tract Work?
The food we eat goes through one long journey, where it travels from the mouth, all the way through the stomach and the intestines, and finally, excreted.
2 mins to read
Optimal Growth – Brain and Physical Growth
Even at an early age, you can support your child’s growth, both in mental and physical development.
3 mins to read
5 Things You Need To Know About Protein
What is “protein”, anyway? If we remember our high school biology right, it’s one of the building blocks of life, right?
4 mins to read
Preventing Childhood Allergies: Is it Possible?
Sneezing, wheezing, tearing up; these are some of the symptoms you may have seen in others with allergies.
2 mins to read
The Difference between Bacteria and Viruses
There are countless microorganisms living and moving around us every day.
3 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen — and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.
2 mins to read
Congratulations on reaching 1000 days!
Did you know? By completing the First 1000 Days Nutrition Programme, you’ve learned how to increase your toddler’s chances for healthy growth and development.
4 mins to read
Key Vitamins and Minerals: The Building Blocks for Childrens Health.
Understand the importance of vitamins and minerals in your child’s diet.
5 mins to read
Related tools
