Gut bacteria for newborns. Which probiotics for children to choose: a comparison of probiotics. Lack of beneficial and excess of pathogenic bacteria: consequences

Probiotics are biologically active preparations, they include live bacteria of the intestinal microflora. Probiotics for babies are useful as a prevention of dysbacteriosis.

Why do babies need probiotics

Probiotic preparations pass through the entire gastrointestinal tract and stop in the large intestine. Microorganisms attach to the mucosa, forming colonies of beneficial bacteria. Enzymes, aminocarboxylic acids, substances with antibiotic properties are the result of the vital activity of probiotics.

At the same time, they suppress the growth of harmful microflora, improve immunity, and contribute to the formation of protective functions of the body. Probiotics begin to be given to children in the first years of life, if there is no lactose intolerance.

Probiotics for newborns can:

• Synthesize proteolytic enzymes, B vitamins, organic acids, and other substances that inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms;
• Displace pathogenic flora;
• Increase the production of mucoproteins, cytokines and antibodies;
• Promote the absorption of carbohydrates and proteins;
• Reduce gastric permeability.

And this is not a complete list.

Discovery history

Bulgarian stick is the first probiotic that was used to prepare food products that have a healing effect. It happened about 10 thousand years ago, but to this day a similar technology is used in certain regions of our country and neighboring countries. The discovery of Lactobacillus bolgaricus has changed the production of dairy products: from now on they have become not only tasty, but also more useful.

Microorganisms received their name "probiotics" only in the 80s of the last century. They restore the balance between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Thanks to probiotics, the body better resists the growth of tumors and infections, the gastrointestinal tract normalizes, and the skin condition improves.

On a note. People are born without bacteria, acquire them gradually. The very first meeting with them occurs when passing through the birth canal. That is why it is believed that natural childbirth is better than caesarean section.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics are different concepts that have only a similar name. Prebiotics complement the action of probiotics. Prebiotics normalize the intestinal microflora. Prebiotics are prescribed for dysbacteriosis, pain in the abdomen, stool disorders, increased gas formation.

Prebiotics are a chemical organic substance that promotes the reproduction of normal microflora. That is, probiotics are living bacteria and organisms, and prebiotics create the conditions for their normal existence. Prebiotics are constantly confused with probiotics due to the identical name and similar field of application.

Dosage forms of probiotics and types

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Dry probiotics

Dry probiotics are cultures of the body that have a powdered appearance. The dry form is formed by soft drying, in which the biomaterial is first subjected to severe freezing, and then placed in a vacuum. In an airless chamber, all the liquid disappears, but the bacteria do not die, but only suspend their vital activity.

The shelf life of such drugs can reach 2 years, which is undoubtedly a big plus. But during lyophilization, the quality of bacteria worsens, they cannot join the intestinal epithelium. Exit from hibernation takes about 10 hours, during which time probiotics will simply leave the human body.

Liquid release form

The liquid form better contributes to the preservation of the vital activity of organisms. Bacteria come to life within 2 hours. The drug in liquid form is convenient to dose, other ingredients, such as prebiotics, can be added to the composition.

Types of drugs

Domestic pediatricians, epidemiologists and biologists produce over a hundred drugs enriched with probiotics. The list looks like this:

1. Monocomponent, consisting of one type, for example, Lactobacterin;
2. Polycomponent, consisting of several types, for example,;
3. Combination preparations consisting of prebiotics and probiotics, for example;
4. Sorbated, having a sorbent in their composition, for example, Florin forte;

Monocomponent ones are prescribed in case of a shortage of a particular type of bacteria; multicomponent probiotics are considered more effective in the fight against pathogenic flora. The pediatrician will recommend which probiotics should be taken in each individual case.

On a note. Probiotics are not capable of defeating diseases. It is believed that the therapeutic effect of probiotic preparations is exaggerated.

Probiotics for newborns

The neonatal period is one month. At this time, the baby's body adapts to the new world. The child is deprived of the sterile environment that the mother's body provided him. When a baby is born, the first thing he encounters is harmful bacteria and microorganisms. They begin to settle on the skin, mucous membranes and on the walls of the intestine already during the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

After the bacteria will enter the body with breast milk or when using the mixture, forming their numerous colonies.

Contact with medical personnel with other people and objects - all this affects the formation of the intestinal microflora.

The microflora consists of both beneficial (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) and harmful microorganisms. The first will begin to protect the small organism from pathogenic environmental factors, synthesize vitamins, and also contribute to the formation of the immune system.

The latter negatively affect the body only after certain conditions, for example, when the amount of useful ones is significantly reduced. They are replaced by conditionally pathogenic flora - E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella bacteria. This leads to the development of dysbacteriosis.

Mother's milk is a natural probiotic

Nature has created the best probiotic for babies - this is mother's milk. Breastfeeding is the best way to build a healthy immune system in babies. Despite the achievements of the food industry, artificial mixtures do not give much to a growing organism. To benefit more, they are enriched with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.

Modern mixtures are as close as possible in composition to mother's milk. Unfortunately, many children are deprived of natural feeding for one reason or another. Therefore, in Russia and in many European countries, the number of babies who grew up on the mixture is increasing every day.

Despite the fact that scientific and technological progress has stepped far, it is impossible to create mixtures that would not differ in any way from natural milk.

Nature cannot be deceived: children who have grown up on an artificial mixture have more poor health. Today, biochemists, pediatricians and nutritionists are trying to create mixtures that can help the baby resist intestinal infections.

Scientists have already succeeded in creating milk mixtures in which prebiotics are added.

Probiotics after taking antibiotics

Dysbacteriosis almost always appears after taking antibiotics. After all, they indiscriminately destroy all microorganisms, thereby harming the beneficial microflora. The stool becomes liquid or, conversely, the child cannot go to the toilet normally, bloating appears, increased gas formation, and often the occurrence of intestinal colic.

For the prevention of dysbacteriosis and colic, babies are prescribed, which is allowed to be given from the first days of life. It contains metabolic products produced by healthy intestinal microflora. Hilak Forte destroys harmful bacteria, improves the condition of the intestines after antibiotics.

is one of the most effective probiotics with antagonistic action. This drug normalizes the qualitative and quantitative composition of beneficial bacteria.

After antibiotics, it is always necessary to give medicines that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the intestines. For example, young patients with constipation are prescribed the Liveo dietary supplement, which contains four beneficial strains of bacteria. Reception of prebiotics and probiotics lasts about one month. This time is enough for a complete recovery of the body.

In order for the body to recover faster after taking antibiotics, it is necessary to adjust the diet. It is necessary to exclude fried, high-calorie and fatty foods, which are hard to digest and contribute to the formation of colic. Give your baby a diet rich in fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the intestines and is good for constipation.

On a note. In 1965, Lilly and Stillwell coined the term "probiotic".

Probiotics for colic

Many sleepless nights are caused by the fact that children begin to suffer from colic. Every fourth baby suffers from this disease. The pain from colic lasts up to about four months.

The cause of the occurrence is still not fully known, as well as one remedy suitable for everyone that would help in each case.

Previously, medicine claimed that it is better to take probiotics for colic. However, this view was refuted, as it was based on a study in which children from only one group took part.

For example, the study did not take into account babies who grew up using formula. Australian and Canadian scientists have questioned the need for probiotics for colic. To prove this point, they gave 150 babies a placebo for colic and another probiotics for a month. At the same time, special attention was paid to the general condition of infants and the state of the intestinal microflora. It turned out that the subjects who received a placebo cried and acted less than children from the second group.

General well-being worsened only in babies who ate artificial mixtures. Newborns who were fed naturally still did well. These scientific studies suggest that probiotic preparations do not eliminate colic problems.

Do probiotics really help?

After illnesses, when the treatment was carried out with antibiotics, the child needs to restore the intestinal microflora. This is where probiotics and prebiotics come in. Preparations with useful microflora are prescribed not only for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: they are indicated in order to strengthen immunity, to prevent viral diseases, and also in a number of other cases. How effective are they, which ones are considered the best? Consider the mechanism of their work, the main indications, and also learn about the most effective drugs.

How it works?

When a person is healthy, millions of bacteria live in his body - useful and not very good, most of which help break down nutrients. Sometimes the balance of microflora is disturbed for some reason, then there are fewer beneficial microorganisms. This can happen as a result of taking a course of therapy with drugs that kill the bacteria that caused the disease, and at the same time cleanse the intestines of all other types of microorganisms. As a result, the work of the digestive tract is disrupted, which in turn leads to a decrease in immunity.

In order for the digestive tract of babies to function optimally, and respiratory infections do not occur too often, an optimal balance of intestinal microflora is necessary. Probiotics for children contain many beneficial lactobacteria and bifidobacteria that help strengthen the immune system. These drugs are prescribed by pediatricians to eliminate bloating and painful colic that disturb sleep and reduce the appetite of newborns and infants. And for older children, a course of probiotics allows you to quickly get rid of dysbacteriosis provoked by antibiotic therapy or food poisoning. Parents should not forget that medicines can be given to babies only after examination by a pediatrician.

Characteristic features of drugs

The intestines of the child are inhabited by numerous microorganisms. They constantly grow and multiply, take part in various biochemical reactions. More than 80% of the microflora are beneficial lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli, which are characterized by a normal fermentation action. The remaining 15% of microorganisms belong to conditionally pathogenic microflora. They do not show any negative effect as long as the number of beneficial bacteria is at an optimal level. Conditionally pathogenic microflora is rapidly activated when such pathological conditions occur in children:

• respiratory and intestinal infections;
• intoxication with spoiled food;
• poisoning with poisons of plant and animal origin, household chemicals, pharmacological preparations.

Probiotics are used to contain the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and populate the intestines of babies with beneficial bacteria. They contain live lyophilized cultures of Escherichia coli, bifido- and lactobacilli. After penetration into the intestines of children, beneficial microorganisms begin to grow rapidly, releasing substances that create an acidic environment in the process of vital activity. This environment is extremely unfavorable for harmful bacteria and fungi. They are not able to reproduce in the created conditions, so their number in the intestines is significantly reduced.

Useful properties of medicines

When breastfeeding, the child receives with mother's milk not only nutrients and biologically active substances, but also all the beneficial bacteria he needs. They are directly involved in the formation of the baby's immunity, ensure proper digestion and peristalsis. In children with a normal state of biocenosis, there is no excessive gas formation - the main cause of painful colic. But a child who is bottle-fed often suffers from bloating due to a deficiency of lacto- and bifidobacteria. Probiotics for newborns from colic are prescribed with the development of such clinical manifestations and pathological conditions:

• loss of appetite;
• underweight;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• sleep problems caused by increased gas formation.

Therefore, pediatricians recommend giving probiotics to parents of such babies along with drinking water or fruit purees. After a week of course treatment, the work of the gastrointestinal tract of children is completely restored.

Iron-deficiency anemia

If the baby’s intestines lack beneficial bacteria, then this negatively affects the synthesis and absorption of many water- and fat-soluble vitamins. The body is especially acutely aware of the deficiency of cyanocobalamin, which is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis. The production and absorption of vitamin K, which is responsible for the condition of blood vessels, is also disrupted.

Pediatricians often diagnose iron deficiency anemia in children with dysbacteriosis. The disease is characterized by pronounced external symptoms:

• pale skin;
• fragility of the nail plates;
• severe hair loss.

After a two-week intake of probiotics in capsules or solutions, the child's intestines are colonized by lactobacilli, and the synthesis of the most important vitamins is resumed.

Colic, constipation, diarrhea

Children suffering from chronic constipation or diarrhea are always prescribed probiotics in addition to fixatives or laxatives. Their inclusion in the therapeutic scheme does not depend on the cause of the pathological condition. Probiotics help to normalize peristalsis, provoked by intestinal infections or food intoxication. Diarrhea often occurs in babies with respiratory pathologies (flu, acute tonsillitis, bronchitis) that develop against a background of elevated body temperature.

Recommendation: All infectious diseases can cause a dangerous state of dehydration in a child. To restore the water and electrolyte balance, pediatricians prescribe not only rehydration solutions, but also probiotics in liquid dosage forms.

Few parents know that constipation or diarrhea often occurs in a child who is acutely experiencing a stressful situation. In these cases, in addition to consulting a child psychologist, babies are prescribed a course of probiotics. The gradual colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria contributes to the proper motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

Strengthening the body's defenses

Probiotics are directly involved in increasing the protective forces of the child's body to viral and bacterial infectious agents. First of all, the strengthening of immunity occurs due to the inhibition of growth and active reproduction of opportunistic microflora. With a decrease in the number of lacto- and bifidobacteria, the following are activated:

• staphylococci;
• enteroviruses;
• coli.

They secrete toxic products of their vital activity into the intestinal lumen, provoking the appearance of inflammatory processes. This leads to the development of intestinal infections, disruption of the digestive tract. The relationship between the state of the intestinal biocenosis and the response of the immune system to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and viruses into the child's body has also been proven. Taking probiotics in capsules or solutions promotes increased production of antibodies, leukocytes and T-lymphocytes when foreign proteins are in the systemic circulation. In the absence of dysbacteriosis, allergic reactions occur much less often in babies, recovery is significantly accelerated during the treatment of respiratory diseases.

What are probiotics

Manufacturers produce children's probiotics in the form of capsules, dragees, powder intended for dissolution in water, and drops for internal use. Each dosage form has its own advantages and disadvantages. Liquid preparations are highly bioavailable:

• quickly create the maximum therapeutic concentration in the child's body;
• easily adsorbed by tissues.

But they are also characterized by a very serious drawback - most of the bifidus and lactobacilli are destroyed in the stomach by caustic hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

Warning: Liquid probiotics are taken more frequently and in higher doses than tablet formulations. In this way, the number of beneficial bacteria destroyed is compensated

stomach juice.

Unlike liquid probiotics, pills and capsules are not as quickly absorbed in the baby's body. It takes a certain time to dissolve the protective shells. But on the other hand, almost all beneficial bacteria reach the lumen of the colon, where they grow and actively multiply. In order for probiotics in solid dosage forms to begin to show a therapeutic effect faster, pediatricians recommend giving babies more water, sweet and sour berry or fruit drinks, juices, compotes.

Dry probiotics

To prepare such probiotics, useful biomass is first frozen and then dried. A sparing temperature regime is used, in which the bacteria are not destroyed, but fall into a state of suspended animation. The result is a light dry powder. When it is dissolved in any liquid, the vital activity of beneficial bacteria is completely restored. The most popular liquid antibiotics include the following drugs:

• Lactobacterin;
• Acipol;
• Linex;
• Bifiform;
• Bifidumbacterin.

Medicines are designed to eliminate negative symptoms in children from the first day of life. During lyophilization, some bacteria lose their ability to attach to the mucosa of the large intestine. This increases the period of their activation, and some beneficial bacteria are excreted with feces, without having time to show their therapeutic effect.

Liquid probiotics

Many drugs from this group of probiotics can also be used to treat dysbacteriosis in newborns and infants. They are very convenient to measure, which minimizes the likelihood of overdose. After penetration into the gastrointestinal tract of the child, active reproduction of lacto- and bifidobacteria is noted already after 1-2 hours. The most effective liquid probiotics are:

• Euflorin-B;
• Hilak Forte;
• Floristin;
• Trilact;
• Narilak forte.

Liquid probiotics are prescribed for children to normalize metabolic processes, increase the absorption of nutrients and biologically active substances. The drugs improve the functioning of the liver, stimulate the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. Manufacturers often add prebiotics to liquid dosage forms of probiotics. These organic compounds create a favorable environment in the large intestine for the rapid growth of bifidus and lactobacilli.

Types of Probiotics

On the shelves of pharmacies, probiotics for the treatment of babies are presented in a wide range. Of course, one of the main criteria for choosing drugs is the convenience of dosing and application. But when prescribing probiotics, pediatricians focus on the qualitative and quantitative composition of probiotics. If you suspect an intestinal infection, an autoimmune disease or dysbacteriosis, a series of laboratory tests is performed. According to the results of the analyzes, the state of the intestinal biocenosis is established. The pediatrician chooses a probiotic that helps to eliminate the deficiency of bacteria, confirmed by laboratory diagnostics.

This is interesting: As a result of laboratory tests, it was found that the preparations of many foreign manufacturers do not contain the declared amount of beneficial microorganisms. And domestic probiotics are more adapted to the body of Russian babies.

• Monocomponent - Bifidumbacterin, Colibacterin, Lactobacterin. Probiotics in this group contain only one type of beneficial microorganisms;
• Polycomponent - Lineks, Bifiform, Bifikol. The composition of the preparations may include 2-3 types of beneficial bacteria. Usually they are E. coli, enterococci, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria;
• Combined - Acipol, Bifiliz, Narine. Medicines contain beneficial microorganisms and organic substances, which are a nutrient medium for them. Such "tasty" additives for bacteria are polysaccharides and acidophilus fungi.

Recently, pharmacological preparations have been synthesized that combine the properties of probiotics and adsorbents - Florin Forte and Bifidumbacterin Forte. Pediatricians prescribe such drugs to babies who have been diagnosed with poisoning or an intestinal infection. The composition of the preparations includes the smallest particles of activated carbon, which attract harmful bacteria and toxic products of their vital activity to their surface. And beneficial microorganisms at this time begin to populate the digestive tract of the child.

How to give probiotics to babies

Daily and single dosages of drugs, as well as the duration of therapy, are determined by the attending physician. It takes into account the results of laboratory tests, general health, weight and age of the child. The duration of treatment can vary from a week to a month. Probiotics for formula-fed newborns are prescribed by pediatricians in small courses, between which there is a 10-day break. This allows the child's body to learn to independently increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

If there are no special conditions for use in the annotation for probiotics, then doctors recommend giving solutions or capsules to children half an hour before meals 1-3 times a day. This method of use helps beneficial bacteria not to get under the influence of gastric juice and is completely adsorbed in the intestines. Dosages and frequency of administration also depend on the disease diagnosed in children.

The normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract consists of probiotics (eubiotics) and opportunistic microorganisms (streptococci, staphylococci). Bacteria of the first group are responsible for colonization resistance - suppression of the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria and maintaining the required level of immunity. The second group of microorganisms is capable of provoking pathological processes. In children, 80-90% of the intestinal microflora is formed from probiotics. Imbalance causes a change in the digestive, metabolic processes.

Mechanism of action

Eubiotics enter the gastrointestinal tract and, after passing it, are retained in the large intestine. Beneficial microorganisms attach to the walls of the mucous membranes, forming colonies of cells.

The activity of bacteria contributes to:

• synthesis of vitamins (B6, K, B12);
• secretion of substances with antibiotic properties;
• faster digestion of food;
• elimination of toxins;
• normalization of the motor function of the intestine.

The most important ability of eubiotics is to suppress the growth of pathological microorganisms.

Release forms

There are 2 main types of probiotics: bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Each of them has a certain effect on the body. Probiotics also include: lactic acid streptococcus, non-pathogenic varieties of Escherichia coli, enterococci, yeast fungi.

Eubiotics are produced in liquid (drops or suspensions) and dry versions (capsules, powders, suppositories, tablets).

Liquid bacteria are activated shortly after entering the human body.

Dry eubiotics are diluted with water before use. Bacteria begin to work after about 8 hours. Over such a long period of time, part of the microorganisms has time to leave the body and the effectiveness of therapy decreases. Preparations consisting of dry bacteria are stored for up to 2 years.

For newborns, probiotics are prescribed in liquid or powder form; capsules are more often prescribed for children older than 3 years.

Differences in composition

According to the type of microorganisms included in their composition, eubiotics are divided into groups.

The main ones are those that include:

• bifidobacteria - Bifidumbacterin, Primadophilus, Floristin;
• colibacillus - Colibacterin, Bifiform;
• lactobacilli - Acylact, Lactobacterin, Gastrofarm;
• yeast-like fungi, saccharomycetes, bacilli - Baktisubtil, Baktisporin.

Enterococcal microorganisms are found only in Bifiform and Linex.

Medicines that stabilize the balance of microflora differ in composition.

Exist:

• one-component - have the same type of bacteria (Colibacterin, Bifidumbacterin);
• two-component - combine several types of microorganisms (Bifinorm, Polibakterin);
• combined - consist of eubiotics and additional substances (Kipacid, Bioflor).

The last two options for products with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are most often recommended for children. Single-component drugs are rarely prescribed.

Generations of drugs

By the time of creation, there is a separate classification of funds. There are 4 generations of drugs:

• 1 generation - includes 1 type of bacteria(Effidigest, Probifor, Bifidumbacterin). The average duration of treatment is 1 month;
• 2 generation - unites microorganisms that are not inhabitants of the intestine (Enterol, Sporobacterin). The drugs are prescribed for 5-10 days;
• 3rd generation - combine several types of bacteria and additional substances (Acilact, Linex, Primadophilus Bifidus, Protozymes). Accepted for about a week;
• 4th generation - microorganisms fixed on the sorbent (Florin Forte, Probifor). They are usually prescribed for up to 7 days.

A contraindication for the appointment of eubiotics is only individual intolerance.

List of the best eubiotics for kids

A wide variety of agents are known, including combinations of the necessary microorganisms. List of effective probiotics for stabilizing the intestines in children:

• - Sold in powder and capsule form. The drug combines lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and enterococci facium. Appointed from 1 year. A complex of bacteria is recommended to normalize the microflora in children after antibiotics;
• Bifiform- is created in powder, tablet, capsule, drip form. Combines bifidobacteria and enterococci facium. Prescribed from 6 months. Children under 2 years of age are prescribed drops, powders, and older children - tablets;
• - Sold in powder, capsule form, as well as in the form of candles. The powder form is allowed for children from birth, capsules and suppositories - from 3 years;
• Normoflorin- are produced in the form of drops. Combines lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and can be prescribed for children of all ages;
• Acipol- Available in capsules. Combines acidophilic lactobacilli and polysaccharides of kefir fungi. Allowed from 3 months;
• Hilak Forte- Sold in the form of drops. Includes lactobacilli, Escherichia coli, enterobacteria. It is prescribed for children over 2 years old;
• Colibacterin- powder form of release. Combines live strains of Escherichia coli. Appointed from six months;
• - Sold in powder and capsule form. Contains Saccharomyces boulardii. Having fulfilled their purpose, the mushrooms leave the human body. The powder form is allowed for children from birth.

A specialist should choose an effective medication based on the cause of the bacterial imbalance and symptoms.

The choice of drug depending on the disease

In the treatment of viral hepatitis, Bifidumbacterin, Probifor is used.

Newborns, to stabilize the microflora, are usually prescribed products without lactose and cow's milk protein:

• Narine;
• Normoflorin-L;
• Normoflorin-B;

After antibiotic therapy there is a high risk of dysbacteriosis. To normalize the balance of microorganisms most often prescribed:

• Hilak Forte;
• Acipol;
• Bifiliz;

In diabetes mellitus, probiotics of different generations are prescribed in repeated courses.

In the treatment of respiratory diseases, it is recommended:

• Symbifer;
• Bifiform;
• Biogaya.

In uncomplicated intestinal infections, Lactobactrin and Bifidumbacterin are effective.

With dermatosis, allergies appoint:

• Acylact;

With enterocolitis of infectious origin, Probifor, Linex are prescribed.

With erosive and ulcerative pathologies of the stomach and duodenum, one of the lactic-containing drugs is selected:

• Gastrofarm;
• Acipol;
• Biobacton;
• Acylact.

Fungal infection of the intestine requires the appointment of Bifidumbacterin, Bifiform.

For the prevention of infectious pathologies in babies, the doctor may recommend seasonal courses of Bifidumbacterin forte, Bifiliz.

Features of the use of eubiotics

It is important to use probiotics according to the scheme prescribed by a specialist. Preparations with bacteria should be drunk 3-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals. Treatment can last from 1-2 days to a month. The powder form must not be diluted with boiling water - the effectiveness of the treatment will decrease. Leftover medicines should not be stored. Capsules and tablets should be consumed without crushing. In case of high acidity of gastric juice, it is recommended to drink a little bicarbonate mineral water before taking probiotics.

Infant formulas with probiotics

Mixtures that combine bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are used to reduce the frequency of regurgitation in children and normalize bowel function.

Popular products are:

• Agusha-2;
• Samper Bifidus;
• NAS fermented milk;
• Nutrilon Omneo 1;
• Frisolak gold;
• Unstable prebio;
• Similac Premium;
• Hipp combo;
• Nutrilak premium;
• Lactofidus;
• Humana with prebiotics.

Probiotics are an indispensable part of the normal microflora of the stomach. An imbalance of microorganisms can be corrected with medicines containing beneficial bacteria. Funds are issued in different forms. The combination of components in them is also different. The list of drugs is very extensive. Treatment should be prescribed by a specialist.

Probiotics are biologically active preparations, which include live bacteria of the normal intestinal microflora. Probiotics for children prevent the development of dysbacteriosis and have a therapeutic effect in case of manifestations of the disease. Timely appointment of probiotics in children of the first year of life contributes to the formation of protective reactions of the body against aggressive factors of pathogenic microflora.

Lactobacillus bolgaricus is considered to be the first probiotic that mankind began to use for the preparation of medicinal foods. The only microorganism whose name mentions the area where it was isolated from plant cells.

The discovery of the Bulgarian lactobacillus became the basis for the production of lactic acid products endowed with healing and excellent taste. And although they were first prepared more than 8 thousand years ago, the technology for the production of cheese and yogurt in certain areas of Central Asia, Russia and Ukraine is still used.

In the 1980s, microorganisms capable of normalizing the intestinal flora were given the name "probiotics". It fully reflects the purpose of drugs - "for life." By restoring the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, probiotics show the best qualities in protecting the body from infections and cancer, normalize digestion, relieve skin manifestations and synthesize vitamins.

Dosage forms

Dry

The very first probiotics are represented exclusively by dry cultures of microorganisms. For drying, the lyophilization method is used. First, the biomaterial is strongly frozen, and then drying occurs in a vacuum chamber with the evaporation of all liquid. Bacteria do not die, but go into a state of suspended animation - the suspension of vital activity, which will resume under more favorable conditions.

The advantage of dry probiotics is their long shelf life (in ampoules, tablets, capsules or vials), which can reach up to 2 years. However, there are also disadvantages. Lyophilization weakens the beneficial qualities of bacteria, reduces their ability to attach to the intestinal epithelium. It will take about 8 hours for the bacteria to get out of hibernation and begin vigorous activity - the time during which some of them leave the body.

Liquid

The production of liquid forms of probiotic preparations preserves their viability in an environment where the metabolic products of microorganisms are also found. Bacteria begin to show their activity within a couple of hours after ingestion. Liquid forms of probiotics are easily dosed in drops and are widely used in pediatric practice for the treatment of children under one year old.

These drugs have another advantage. Various ingredients can be added to their composition. For example, prebiotics. They provide food for beneficial microorganisms, increase their reproduction, colonization and effective properties for the normalization of the biological environment of the intestine.

Assortment by groups

Russian epidemiologists, pediatricians and biologists have approved more than a hundred types of drugs containing beneficial bacteria for the body of a child of any age category. They can be:

• monocomponent, that is, contain only one type of microorganisms: "Bifidumbacterin", "Lactobacterin", "Colibacterin", "Bactisporin";
• polycomponent, which include several types of beneficial microorganisms: "Bifiform" (enterococci and bifidobacteria), "Bifikol" (Escherichia coli and bifidobacteria), "Linex" (lacto- and bifidobacteria, enterococci), "Bifiform Malysh" (lacto- and bifidobacteria );
• combined preparations, including microorganisms and additives that enhance the action of beneficial bacteria, that is, probiotics and prebiotics: "Acipol" (a polysaccharide of kefir fungi and lactobacilli), "Bifiliz" (lysozyme and bifidumbacteria);
• sorbed, represented by bacterial colonies fixed on the sorbent: "Florin forte" (lacto- and bifidumbacteria adsorbed on activated carbon), "Bifidumbacterin forte" (bifidumbacteria on activated carbon).

Monocomponent preparations are indicated if an insufficient amount of bacteria of a particular species is accurately identified. More effective in terms of activity against harmful microorganisms: polycomponent and combined probiotics.

Mechanism of action

After ingestion, probiotic preparations, having passed the entire digestive tract, are retained in the optimal environment of the large intestine.

Beneficial bacteria adhere (attach) to mucous membranes, forming colonies of cells of the same type. As a result of their vital activity, active substances with antibiotic properties, amino acids and enzymes are formed. By suppressing the growth of harmful microflora, they normalize intestinal motility, the balance of microflora, synthesize vitamins and substances necessary to improve immunity.

For newborns

The neonatal period is 28 days, during which the baby's body adapts to new living conditions. The rupture of the fetal bladder, from which childbirth begins, forever deprives him of a sterile habitat and opens the way to a new world. The first thing a newborn will meet will be microorganisms.

Invisibles will begin to actively settle on the skin, mucous membranes and in the intestines even during the child's passage through the birth canal. They will continue to form their colony families with breast milk entering the intestines, take advantage of the opportunity during contact with the mother, medical personnel and care items.

Among the huge army of bacteria, both useful and conditionally harmful representatives will form the intestinal microflora. The first are lactobacteria and bifidobacteria, as well as a type of Escherichia coli with normal enzymatic properties. From the first days of life, the crumbs will take an active part in the processes of digestion, will be protected from harmful microbes and external factors, will begin to synthesize vitamins and substances for the formation of immunity.

Representatives of the second group do not show their harmful properties until suitable conditions for aggression arise. And the main one is the reduction in the number of beneficial microorganisms. Conditionally harmful flora (Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Citrobacter, fungi, Escherichia coli with altered properties) will begin to intensively occupy their niche in the intestines, causing dysbacteriosis.

The main probiotics in this crucial period of life will be lacto- and bifidobacteria, which are part of mother's milk. Natural feeding is a natural source of useful biomaterial for building the baby's immune system.

Artificial feeding deprives the child of important microorganisms in establishing the balance of the intestinal flora. These are children from the risk group, prone to frequent diseases, and in the first place - to dysbacteriosis. That is why all mixtures for artificial feeding are enriched with lacto- and bifidobacteria, and the diet of a newborn child, on the recommendation of a doctor, can be supplemented with sour-milk mixtures.

If necessary, from the first days of life, probiotic preparations without lactose and cow's milk protein are indicated:

• "Bifiform Baby";
• "Normoflorin-L" (lactobacilli);
• "Normoflorin-B" (bifidobacteria and prebiotic lactitol);
• "Narine";
• "Liveo Malysh" (bifidobacteria, prebiotic fructooligosaccharide and an auxiliary component from vegetable oil triglycerides): to normalize stools.

During antibiotic treatment

The need to prescribe antibiotics is always associated with the threat of dysbacteriosis. Antibiotics do not differ in selectivity to microorganisms. Destroying pathogenic bacteria, they cause irreparable harm to the beneficial intestinal microflora. As a result, after treatment, there are signs of dysbacteriosis - loose stools or a tendency to constipation, bloating, flatulence, intestinal colic.

To maintain the balance of microflora while taking antibiotics, it is advisable to prevent dysbacteriosis with microorganisms resistant to antibacterial drugs. Probiotics and prebiotics for children give a good result.

Better than others in pediatric practice, Hilak Forte showed itself without contraindications to children from the first days of life. This prebiotic contains metabolic products that are produced by normal intestinal microflora, cause the death of pathogenic microbes and make room for the development of beneficial microorganisms.

Of the probiotics, Linex is the most effective. Its composition of lacto-, bifidobacteria and strains of enterococci has an antagonistic effect against pathogenic microbes and normalizes the qualitative and quantitative composition of beneficial bacteria.

After taking antibiotics, a course of drugs with a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora is prescribed. The duration of taking prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics (a complex of prebiotics and probiotics in one preparation), vitamins with prebiotic components is from 3 to 4 weeks.

A good effect for babies is given by the appointment of "Liveo" with 4 useful strains of bacteria in the composition, "Linex". The list of prebiotics includes Hilak Forte and Pikovit Prebiotic.

The organization of the diet and its composition will help to normalize the intestinal flora after the appointment of antibiotics. After suffering illnesses, you should not give your baby fatty and high-calorie carbohydrate foods. Juices, fruits and vegetables in the diet will bring more benefits to the restoring body. Rich in vegetable fiber, they will provide “food” for beneficial bacteria, accelerate their growth and help to quickly balance the normal composition of the microflora.

Efficiency

Comments and reviews of parents about the effectiveness of the treatment of dysbacteriosis in children under one year old and at the age of several years are ambiguous. The same drugs can work wonders after three doses in one child and not work with long-term treatment in another.

The answer to this question is given by the “School of Dr. Komarovsky”. Popular for his well-founded conclusions, TV presenter, pediatrician and candidate of medical sciences Yevgeny Komarovsky explains the problem in an accessible way.

In his opinion, as such, the diagnosis of "intestinal dysbacteriosis" does not exist. This condition is the result of a certain cause affecting the digestive system. The most common factors that provoke an imbalance in the intestinal microflora:

• infectious diseases;
• violation of the diet in qualitative and quantitative terms;
• change in living conditions;
• stress.

Until the cause is eliminated, no probiotics, prebiotics or vitamins will be able to normalize the intestinal microflora. In order to prevent dysbacteriosis, Komarovsky recommends, first of all, to establish a diet, exclude feeding the child between meals set in time, introduces foods into the diet, the list of which is regulated by the age of the baby.