Feeding
Send this article to a friendHow Prebiotics Help Protect
Prebiotics – natural protection for your babyMany people often think of all bacteria as bad. But certain types of bacteria have protective qualities that help guard us against illness and infection. Some of these friendly bacteria exist naturally in our gut. Their role includes fighting off potentially harmful bacteria which could cause infections and keep them from entering our system.
Prebiotics are food for the friendly bacteria. Found naturally in breastmilk and foods such as bananas, onions and chicory, prebiotics encourage the friendly bacteria to flourish, helping to support our natural defences. This is achieved by increasing the levels of friendly bacteria and decreasing the levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria within the gut.
Aptamil have been researching prebiotics for many years and are continuing to explore what other potential benefits they may confer.
Supports the immune system
Prebiotics support the growth of friendly bacteria, which support the body's natural defences in various ways.
The protective role of prebiotics in breastmilk
These diagrams compare the different levels of friendly bacteria in the gut of babies who are breast fed and those who have been fed on infant milk that doesn't contain prebiotics.
The ongoing importance of prebiotics for your baby
Whether or not you breast feed, it is important to provide an ongoing source of prebiotics to encourage your baby's friendly bacteria to flourish.
Our dedicated research team has helped us understand the importance of prebiotics in supporting a baby's natural defences.
Important Notice
Breast feeding is best or babies and provides many benefits. Infant milk is intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed. It is recommended that infant milks but used only on the advice of an independent doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist. Breast feeding is best begun immediately after birth and the decision not to breast feed is difficult to reverse. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breast milk. It is important that, in preparation for and during breast feeding, you eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you use an infant milk, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for use carefully. Improper use of an infant milk or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. The social and financial implications of using and infant milk should be taken into consideration. Follow-on milk should be used only as part of a mixed diet and not as a breast milk substitute before 6 months.
