Prebiotics & Probiotics - FAQs

1. What are prebiotics and probiotics?

The origin of the term is the Greek word Bios, meaning life or living organisms. The prefix ‘pre’ means coming before and ‘pro’ means supporting. Prebiotics thus prepare the way for the Probiotics – the live beneficial bacteria which are naturally found in our bodies.

Prebiotics are commonly called ‘food for bugs’. Prebiotics are the fiber compounds that pass through the upper part of the digestive tract. Because they are not digested by humans they act instead as a food source to help the essential beneficial bacteria grow and
multiply in the infant’s gut. Prebiotics are thus not probiotic bacteria but provide a substrate serving instead to stimulate the growth and activity of the beneficial probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics – The term used for these friendly and harmless bacteria which help move food through the body and fight off all the harmful bacteria that can invade the infant’s gut the digestive system and small and large intestines. Probiotics colonize the large bowel or colon influence and thus inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, helping to improve digestion and enhance mineral absorption as well as to strengthen the baby’s immune system. In short, pre and probiotics reduce the ‘bad bacteria’ and increase the ‘good bacteria’ in the gut.

2. Does breast milk contain Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Breastmilk contains both prebiotics and probiotics. Yet breastmilk is far more than a list of ingredients and much more than nutrition. Breastmilk is a living substance; the bioactive components of breastmilk are critical for enhanced growth of babies, as well as their development and immunological protection. This is because breastmilk contains white blood cells called leukocytes, the cells of the immune system which defend the body against infectious diseases and invaders. These live components are active and effective in protecting and promoting the health of infants and young children; some of these components interact to boost their function. See http://ibfan.org/issue-scientific-breastfeeding

Breastmilk composition does not remain constant but instead adapts to closely match the changing needs of the infant. Breastmilk is a dynamic substance, individualized, and evolving to
suit each baby’s age and stage of development. As the baby grows older, the mother’s breastmilk produces more antibodies and lymphocytes to help the baby resist infections caused
by pathogens, the harmful bacteria, and viruses present in the environment. Therefore, human milk composition uniquely and exactly matches the needs of the infant at every age and stage
of development. Hence breastmilk can never be duplicated or copied artificially.

3. What Prebiotics are found in breast milk?

Breastmilk contains its own wide variety of prebiotics, called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). In adults, diets with high-fiber foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, berries, and greens contain naturally occurring prebiotics. Newborn babies cannot, of course, eat any of these foods and thus acquire prebiotics indirectly through breastmilk. HMOs are abundant and unique to human milk. Research has shown that HMOs are not just ‘food
for bugs’ but in fact, have an anti-adhesive and antimicrobial effect that may prevent pathogens from attaching to the surfaces of infant mucosa, thus lowering the risk for viral, bacterial and protozoan parasite infections.» Many other possibilities are listed, including lowering the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm babies. See ‘Human milk oligosaccharides: Every baby needs a sugar mama’:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22513036

4. What Probiotic bacteria are found in breast milk?

Breastmilk also contains a specific probiotic Bifidus factor that supports the growth of the beneficial Lactobacillus group of bacteria in the infant’s intestines. This Lactobacillus group
is part of the lactic acid bacteria which help to protect the baby against other harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment in which these toxic invaders cannot survive. At the same time, breastmilk contains lactoferrin, enzymes, and other agents to protect the baby against viruses and provide an anti-inflammatory effect. See American Pregnancy Association: ‘What’s in Breastmilk?’: http://americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/whatsinbreastmilk.html

5. Are any Prebiotics and Probiotics found in formulas?

All infant formulas (milk-based and soy-based) are industrially processed and therefore inert products, without any of the live cells or anti-infective substances which are found in breastmilk and act as antibacterial, anti-viral or anti-parasitic agents. Formula manufacturers are therefore trying to replicate the prebiotics and probiotics found in human milk and add them to formula. These influence the ‘gut flora’ of formula-fed infants that is the good bacteria or microbiota in their intestinal tract.

6. When were Prebiotics and Probiotics added to formulas?

Scientists are constantly identifying new components in breastmilk, to add to the long list of beneficial substances that are already researched: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, plus vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and hormones. As research reveals the incredible complexity and value of breastmilk, formula companies are constantly trying to add the newest constituent to formula.
However, since 2002 there has been a steady increase in the number of promotional claims for the health and nutrition benefits of added prebiotics and probiotics – and claims that formula is ‘modeled on’ or ‘patterned after’ breastmilk.

7. Why are Probiotics ineffective in formulas?

Probiotic bacteria have to be alive when administered orally and then remain alive when they pass through the digestive system so that they improve the balance of other bacteria in the gut. They have to be safe for their intended use and not produce toxins or side-effects. They must also be supplied in adequate amounts to produce sufficient beneficial activity. High numbers are critical for probiotic bacteria to survive during the digestive process and then to arrive in sufficient amounts in the large intestine. The numbers in each dose of added probiotics are thus counted in millions or even billions, but it is uncertain how many actually maintain viability, that stays alive and remains active when they reach their destination in the large bowel.

In addition, each human body responds differently to probiotics. The Summary of the 2014 ESPGHAN Opinion (see Q8) states «The safety and effects of one probiotic microorganism should not be extrapolated to other probiotic microorganisms « and explains that « Probiotic effects are strain-specific; thus the efficacy and safety of each should be established and recommendations for using these strains should be made accordingly. This is because each one of the probiotic bacteria not only has a family name but also a species and sub-species name, followed by a series of letters and numbers which identify the particular strain. As stated by S. Bengmark the (genetic) difference between one probiotic bacterium and the other is larger than the difference between a man and a goldfish.

See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861940

8. What is Prebiotic function?

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of good bacteria in the gut.

9. What is the role of bacteria in our gut?

Bacteria in our gut that provide health benefits are called gut friendly bacteria. These help in improving the gut health, metabolism, and boost immunity.

10. How Prebiotics in Breast milk regularize baby's bowl movements?

Breast milk is not only the best source of essential nutrients but is a good source of prebiotic oligosaccharides and water. Both these components play a vital role in regularizing the bowel movements. Prebiotics help in promoting a healthy gut improves digestion, hence, promote softer stool in babies.
Hydration is equally important in this aspect and breast milk (during exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months) is sufficient enough for maintaining hydration in babies.

11. What is GOS & FOS?

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo- oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics, which is derived from lactose (milk sugar) and chicory roots.

12. What is the role of Prebiotics in baby’s immunity?

Babies are born with an immature system and the maturity-onset starts at 1 year. Breastfeeding is the best way to boost a baby’s immunity. Mother’s milk contains all required nutrients and bioactive compounds like prebiotics, antibodies, beneficial bacteria that pay the path for building immunity.

13. How to identify the colic pain in babies?

Crying for hours and not be soothed after feeding or rocking, bloated tummy, clenching fists and tightening stomach muscles may indicate colic. If you see these symptoms please contact your health care professional to confirm.

14. Does breast milk strengthens baby's immunity?

Yes, breast milk contains many beneficial components that help support and strengthen the baby’s immune system. Breast milk along with energy provides antibodies, lysozymes, prebiotics, beneficial bacteria, etc which help in building strong immunity to fight against infections.

15. Does Prebiotics help with constipation in babies?

Studies suggest that prebiotic oligosaccharides in breast milk, have a positive impact on stool consistency and frequency. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut, improving gut health, and digestion. Hence, regularizing the bowel movements and promoting softer stools in babies.

16. Are Prebiotics good for diarrhea?

Breast milk is an important source of nutrition and bioactive compounds like prebiotic oligosaccharides, that help to establish the balance of bacteria in the gut. Research supports the fact that healthy gut bacteria composition, enhances both gut health and digestion. To reduce instances of diarrhea due to infections, improving gut health through the baby’s diet is crucial.

17. Does Breast milk has Prebiotics?

Yes, breast milk does have prebiotics. Oligosaccharides are the 3rd largest component of breast milk. They have a prebiotic effect as they stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut, prevent the growth of bad bacteria, and confer immunity.

18. Does Prebiotics help in cough & cold?

The immune system is a complex network that protects the body from infections. Prebiotics help to establish a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut leading to a healthy and stronger gut. Gut being the largest immune organ, with 70-80% immunity coming through the gut, there is no surprise that a healthy gut contributes to a stronger immune system to fight against various infections like cold, cough, fever.

19. How Prebiotics helps digestive system?

Prebiotics act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote their growth and activity, prevent the growth of bad bacteria, making the gut stronger and healthy. This results in a resilient digestive system.

20. Does healthy gut prevents infections in the baby?

Gut being the largest immune organ, play an important role in protecting against various infections. It comprises of friendly bacteria which promotes optimum functioning and development of gut health. Stronger gut confers stronger immunity against infection-causing bacteria, viruses, etc.

21. What are the types of immunity?

Innate and Adaptive Immunity. The innate immunity is the natural immunity, we are born with whereas adaptive immunity is something we acquire in response to exposure to invading pathogens over a period.

22. How GOS, FOS (Prebiotics) strengthens immunity?

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics, which help in maintaining a healthy gut system by promoting the growth of good bacteria and reducing the growth of bad bacteria. It is a stimulating factor for the postnatal development of the immune system, fights antigens, and lays the foundation for a healthy body.

23. Does Prebiotics causes diarrhea?

No, prebiotics does not give you diarrhea. Prebiotic oligosaccharides {Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)-Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)} inhibit growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria (bad bacteria), enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria. Research supports the fact that healthy gut bacteria composition, enhances both gut health and digestion and may support the reduction of incidences of diarrhea.

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