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RELATED LITERATURE
FRIENDLY HELP FOR BABY'S HEALTH PUBLISHED IN PREVENTION MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 1993
The effects of friendly bacteria such as L. acidophilus in our
intestines have been well documented. Not only are they said to have a
positive effect on our health and well being but also, in addition, they are
implicated in the denaturation of certain carcinogenic compounds, reduction
of serum cholesterol and in the production of vitamins and hormones.
But it is not only adults who benefit from these friendly
bacteria. Breast-fed babies generally have a lower incidence of colic and
other digestive disturbances than bottle-fed babies, and this has been
attributed to friendly micro-organisms in the digestive system whose growth
is encouraged by mother's milk.
The acidophilus-type microorganisms that predominate in the
intestinal tracts of healthy, breast-fed infants are called Bifidobacteria.
These beneficial microorganisms account for up to 99 percent of a healthy,
breast-fed baby's intestinal flora.
Bifidobacteria are now believed to be very important to a
young child's well being. Research has shown that bottle-fed babies have far
fewer Bifidobacteria in their stools than breast-fed babies; and after
breast-fed babies have been weaned, the type of Bifidobacteria specific to
infants and small children, called Bifidobacterium infantis, is found only
in small numbers. These numbers continue to decline as the intestinal flora
shifts towards what is normally found in adults.
New Research--Scientific interest in Bifidobacteria has
continued to grow as new research has shown that breast-fed babies are much
less susceptible to infections than bottle-fed babies. For example, a study
of infant intestinal flora was conducted in a rural area of Guatemala. Out
of 210 babies born in the village, 109 were breast-fed. The breast-fed
infants showed high concentrations of Bifidobacteria--nearly 100 percent.
Only four of the breast-fed babies developed Shigella infections that can
cause severe diarrhea. But the rate of Shigella infection for the
non-breast-fed infants was much higher.
Bifidobacteria inhibit the colonization of the intestine by
invading disease causing-bacteria through competition for nutrients and
attachment sites. They also produce anti-microbial substances that inhibit
growth of common pathogens. Nutritionally, Bifidobacteria encourage better
weight gain in infants through nitrogen retention. They also assist in the
absorption of calcium and other vitamins and minerals and help to produce
lactose, the enzyme necessary for milk sugar digestion.
Natural Inoculation-Infants are inoculated with Bifidobacteria
infantis and other friendly microorganisms as they pass through the birth
canal. These friendly bacteria enter the baby's intestines through the mouth
and feverishly attempt to attach themselves to sites on the gastrointestinal
wall before other not-so-friendly microorganisms from the outside world try
to do the same. Breast-feeding then fosters the growth of Bifidobacteria,
particularly Bifidobacteria infantis. Babies delivered by Caesarian section
do not receive such a healthy head start with these friendly microorganisms.
If they are then bottle-fed as well, they end up with adult-type microflora
that are not optimal for their health.
Unstable Environment-Even in healthy, breast-fed infants,
however, the intestinal flora is relatively unstable. Small changes in an
infant's environment may upset the balance of these friendly microorganisms,
sometimes leading to bacterial "overgrowth" of the small intestine and
stomach, reducing nutrient absorption and causing other types of problems.
Sudden changes in diet, vaccination, common infections and
even sudden changes in the weather may cause such imbalances. Antibiotics,
steroids and certain other drugs may also cause major imbalances in the
microflora, with resultant diarrhea, thrush, or other problems.
Editors Note: OM-X Probiotic Capsules have been administered
successfully to infants and young children to control diarrhea, colic, etc.
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