Key Elements Critical to the Development of an Infant’s Immune System

One of the latest findings on infant protection by Dr. Bengt Björkstén.

Dr. Bengt Björkstén clearly establishes the need for probiotic bacteria in infant nutrition, particularly among Caesarian-born infants. Caesarian-born infants experience a delay in the development of healthy levels of bifidobacteria in the gut. It takes many Caesarian-born infants up to 6 months to have a dominant presence of bifidobacteria in their intestines.

What is Bifidobacteria?

They are one of the more common species of good bacteria. Some bifidobacteria are being used as probiotics which can be added to food.

An infant acquires good bacteria basically during the birth process thru passage in the birth canal, when breastfeeding and through the environment.

thru passage in the birth canal – when an infant is delivered vaginally, it comes in contact with the mother’s bacteria in the birth canal.

breastfeeding – breastmilk contains bifidobacteria and lactobacilli

thru the environment – when the infant is exposed to pets or siblings at home

Benefits of bifidobacteria:

• aid in digestion
• train and strengthen the infants immune system
• provide protection against infection and allergies
• prevent some forms of tumor growth

Clinical studies have shown the protective benefits of probiotic bacteria against infectious diarrhea, diarrhea resulting from antiboitic therapy, infantile colic and lactose intolerance. The key to a strong immune system that protects well against infections and allergic disease is through the establishment of healthy levels of bifidobacteria in the gut.

Dr. Bengt Björkstén, M.D., Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm

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Tagged as: bacteria, breastfeeding, Yz