What is the best bacteria to give to children up to a year. What are probiotics and which ones are best? Mother's milk is a natural probiotic

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 a baby's life, they will take an active part in the processes of digestion, become protected from harmful microbes and external factors, and 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 fermented 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.

Every parent wants their child to be healthy. It is especially important to monitor the condition of the child in the first months after birth. The immune system of a newborn is weak, and the microflora of the body is constantly fighting pathogenic organisms, the intestines adjust to new food. It is important to stimulate the immune system to prevent various viral diseases. For this, doctors recommend using probiotics for babies. These drugs are necessary to activate the activity of beneficial microorganisms, help stop the pathological process in the child's body. Today we will talk about the effectiveness of probiotics for the intestines of a child, as well as which probiotics are best for a child.

Before moving on to the list of probiotics for children, we will find out the answer to the question "Probiotics for children - what is it?". Everyone knows that in the human body there are many beneficial bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract and mucous surfaces. However, they can exist only in a favorable environment, which is often invaded by pathogenic microorganisms. If their number begins to exceed purely beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria, then dysbacteriosis and other diseases develop.

When a baby is born, there are no bacteria in his intestines at all. They appear during feeding, forming the intestinal microflora. Therefore, a fragile body doubly needs probiotics for the intestines of children. The list of these drugs is quite large, but more on that below.

Probiotics are medicines for children that contain strains of live beneficial bacteria. It is with their help that you can restore the intestinal microflora, improve immunity. If it is correct, timely prescribe probiotics for children under one year old, protective reactions of the body will be formed

Probiotics for a child have a number of useful properties:

• They produce vitamins of groups B, K, enzymes, folic acid;
• Remove toxins;
• Reduce the permeability of the intestinal mucosa;
• Probiotics for children after taking antibiotics help eliminate the threat of dysbacteriosis. After all, antibiotics not only help fight a certain disease, but also destroy the beneficial microflora of the children's intestines. This causes gas formation, constipation, diarrhea, colic;
• They treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract caused by rotaviruses, as well as severe diseases that depress the immune system (HIV, tuberculosis, oncological diseases);
• Help with constipation in children caused by innovations in nutrition. Probiotics for a child help restore the number of bacteria that contribute to the normalization of digestion;
• Probiotics are prescribed for babies for respiratory diseases (ARI, influenza), as they reduce immunity, make the child's body less resistant to infections;
• Helps to digest protein, carbohydrate food.

Form of production of probiotics for children

Probiotics for a child are distinguished by the form of release: liquid and dry. Liquid probiotics for babies are useful in that they preserve the viability of bacteria, the medicine begins to act immediately after entering the body. Other advantages of the liquid form are convenient dosage, the ability to add other drugs or vitamins if necessary.

Dry probiotics for the intestines are less useful for children, since they begin to act after about 8 hours. During this time, part of the drug leaves the body. However, such drugs are stored longer, with an average shelf life of 2 years. To make dry probiotics, bacteria are first frozen and then dried in a vacuum chamber. Thus, the activity of beneficial microorganisms is suspended until they get into favorable conditions of existence.

When thinking about which probiotics are best for a child, the liquid form is definitely the one to go for. It starts acting faster, allows you to accurately measure the required dose, and has a higher concentration of beneficial bacteria. In addition, liquid probiotics are more beneficial for children, since the bacteria do not undergo drying, they live in a familiar environment.

Note that probiotics for babies are more convenient to use in liquid form. And when the child is already able to take tablet preparations, you can use dry probiotics for children from a year old. However, doctors still recommend the use of liquid probiotics even for a child of 4-6 years old.

Classification of probiotics for the intestines for children

The list of probiotics for children includes drugs that differ not only in the form of release, but also in composition. It may contain yeast, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, etc. In modern medicine, depending on the composition, probiotics for children are divided into:

• One-component, containing 1 type of beneficial bacteria;
• Two-component, including several types (strains) of bacteria;
• Combined probiotics for children, which contain prebiotics / prebiotics that increase the beneficial effects of bacteria:
• Sorbated. Their uniqueness is that beneficial bacteria are fixed on activated carbon (sorbent).

The most effective probiotics for children are combined and two-component drugs. Monocomponents are prescribed if it is known exactly which bacteria stamp is missing in the child's body.

Probiotics for children: how to choose

It is quite difficult to choose probiotics. The list of drugs for children presented on the shelves of modern pharmacies is quite large. We will give some tips on how to choose the right probiotics for your child yourself. However, it is best to consult a doctor so that probiotics in children give only a positive result. The specialist will be able to choose the appropriate drug depending on the disease.

Firstly, the composition should not contain dyes and flavors. Secondly, pay attention to the amount of beneficial bacteria, they should be at least 10⁷ CFU. Thirdly, do not forget to check the expiration date, liquid forms do not last long. Fourth, we recommend choosing manufacturers that have been working with children's probiotics for a long time.

The choice of children's probiotic depending on the disease

Probiotics for children - drugs designed to fight diseases, increase the immunity of the child. Depending on the composition, the effectiveness of the drug in the fight against a particular disease is also determined.

• With dysbacteriosis, it is recommended that a child take probiotics containing one strain of bacteria (bifidobacteria). Most often, such probiotics are needed by infants who eat milk formulas or drank a course of antibiotics. The best probiotics for children are Linex, Hilak Forte;
• Severe intestinal infections, such as acute infectious diarrhea, are best treated with combined preparations containing sorbents. It is also important to consider combining probiotics with antibiotics, which are often prescribed for such diseases. We recommend using Biovestin, Bifidumbacterin;
• The list of probiotics for the intestines from constipation for children includes Bifiform, Biogaya, Simbifer. It is important to use them for at least 7 days.

Probiotics for children: names

Parents often ask: “What are the best probiotics for children?”. It is difficult to answer this question exactly, each drug has its own goals. Consider a list of popular gut probiotics for kids.

Linex is one of the most popular and recognizable combination probiotics. Available in the form of capsules, powder, so this probiotic is suitable for a child from 1 year old. However, it is often prescribed to infants with dysbacteriosis, colic.

Bifiform is available as drops, powder, capsules and chewable tablets. It is prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, deterioration of the immune system. The uniqueness of the drug in the content of a nutrient medium for the reproduction and growth of beneficial bacteria. You can use probiotics for babies under 2 years old in the form of drops, powder. Probiotics for a 2-year-old child can already be given in the form of capsules, and probiotics for a 3-year-old child can be given as chewable tablets. Bifid-containing probiotics for children include Bifiliz, Bifidumbacterin, Probifor.

Probiotics for babies: names

The list of probiotics for newborns is slightly different, since babies are vulnerable, drugs require more research. The list contains drugs exclusively in liquid form or in powder form.

BioGaia drops are intended for children from the first day of life, they can be used for colic, constipation. These probiotics are prescribed for formula-fed babies. Not recommended for children with diabetes, impaired renal function.

Symbiter acidophilus in the composition contains the maximum number of microorganisms useful for the newborn. Available in the form of a powder, which must be mixed with milk, warm water.

Hilak Forte is prescribed for the treatment of dysbacteriosis, constipation, bloating, this probiotic is often used for children after antibiotics. Can be taken from the first days of life. Contains only metabolic products produced by healthy intestinal flora.

How to take probiotics for a child

It is important not only to choose the right probiotic for the baby from the list, but also to give it to the child correctly. The drug should be taken 60 minutes after a meal or 20-60 minutes before a meal.

To make it easier for the child to take the medicine, dilute it with a little water. Any children's probiotic is taken as a course for 1-3 weeks, depending on the doctor's prescription. If diarrhea was the recommendation for admission, it is enough to take the medicine for 2-4 days until the stool is completely normal.

List of probiotics for children in a table

It is known that, while in the mother's womb, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrients through the blood. His digestive organs and gastrointestinal tract in this period are, as it were, in the "waiting" mode.

Lacto- and bifidobacteria obtained in the form of preparations for newborns are sometimes extremely important, because the baby's body does not always manage to easily adapt to a new "non-sterile" environment for it.

Features of the formation of microflora in infants

It turns out that many different microorganisms live in the intestines of young children. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli together represent about a third of the total mass of crumbs' feces.

Having been born into the world, the child finds himself in a new unfamiliar environment, where most of the microorganisms inhabiting it are pathogenic.

"Settlement" of the infant's gastrointestinal tract with predominantly beneficial bifidobacteria guarantees him the development of strong immunity.

Thanks to specially designed preparations, bifidus and lactobacilli for newborns are now available in a convenient form. They are prescribed for babies in order to improve the bacterial balance in the intestines and suppress pathogens.

Lack of beneficial and excess of pathogenic bacteria: consequences

The conditionally pathogenic microbes involved in building the microflora of an infant include the following:

• clostridia;
• klebsiella;
• mushrooms of the genus Candida.

Active reproduction of such microscopic living creatures begins if there are not enough lacto- and bifidobacteria in the child's body. Then there is an urgent need to take drugs that can help the immune system cope with the harmful "inhabitants" of the intestine.

When bifidobacteria and lactobacilli become less than normal, and pathogenic microorganisms acquire an advantage in numbers, problems begin in the baby's body. In particular:

1. infectious processes develop;
2. dysbacteriosis occurs;
3. loose stools appear, regurgitation becomes more frequent;
4. possible pronounced discomfort in the abdomen in crumbs.

Such a condition of the child, as a rule, does not need special therapy. Dysbacteriosis appears in a newborn or older baby when there are fewer bifidobacteria than the above harmful bacteria. At the same time, this condition cannot be called an independent pathology. It only accompanies the inflammatory processes present in the body of the baby.

The main indications for the use of drugs

Despite the safety and harmlessness of preparations containing the necessary bacteria, they should not be used unless absolutely necessary. As a rule, the pediatrician will prescribe appropriate medications for the baby if:

• intestinal colic constantly occurs;

(For more information on how to get rid of colic, see the course Soft tummy >>>)

• periodically swollen stomach;
• frequent and profuse regurgitation;
• meager weight gain;
• disorders, constipation, lack of normal stool;
• the mother has diabetes mellitus or serious infectious diseases;
• premature difficult childbirth;
• pregnancy was accompanied by preeclampsia;
• inability to breastfeed.

It is important to note that breastfeeding a baby eliminates the need to take drugs containing bifidus or lactobacilli. Your baby will get everything they need through mother's milk.

How to choose the best prebiotic or probiotic?

To choose from a variety of modern probiotics and prebiotics (the former are single-component preparations, and the latter are a set of corresponding microorganisms), first of all, you need to consult a specialist.

Lacto- and bifidobacteria for children are present in the proper amount in preparations that have long won the trust of specialists. These include:

1. Bifidumbacterin, a drug with a fairly wide spectrum of action, helps not only in the treatment of dysbacteriosis or intestinal infection, but also in the treatment of rickets, diathesis and allergic rashes. The preparation contains mainly bifidobacteria. For newborns, Bifidumbacterin can be dangerous because it contains lactose. It often serves as a strong allergen. The most common analogue of the drug is Bifiform. >>>
2. Acylact is another type of probiotic that contains lactobacilli. Such a drug is prescribed for acute intestinal infections, as well as as a component of the complex therapy of atopic dermatitis. Compared to the previous probiotic, Acylact does not contain lactose.
3. Linex is a complex prebiotic containing potato starch, lactose, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. The main purpose of the drug is the treatment of dysbacteriosis.
4. Lactobacterin is prescribed most often as a prophylactic medication to eliminate the symptoms of dysbacteriosis.

How to take Lactobacterin?

If there is any doubt about the peculiarities of using any of the above medicines (including Lactobacterin), instructions for use for newborns will help to avoid very common mistakes.

For example, the manufacturer of this medication leaves recommendations on the duration of the course of treatment in it. In particular, with dysbacteriosis, regardless of etiology, 3-4 weeks are considered the most optimal period.

In the absence of the expected result of treatment within 2 weeks, you should contact the doctors to get a referral for a re-examination of the intestinal microflora.

Based on the results of laboratory studies, the specialist must adjust the therapeutic regimen. It is possible to consolidate the therapeutic effect obtained from Lactobacterin or to achieve a better result in cases of no changes in the child's gastrointestinal tract by repeating the course of taking the medication.

Here, in the instructions, the manufacturer describes in detail how to breed and drink Lactobacterin for newborns:

• To give the baby the drug, you need to dissolve the contents of the vial with boiled water at room temperature at the rate of 5 ml (1 tsp) of water per 1 dose of the drug.
• You should drink the entire volume of the resulting therapeutic solution 30-40 minutes before eating.
• During the day, depending on the age of the child, he can be prescribed from 3 to 5 doses 2-3 times a day.
• The finished mixture must be drunk quickly, otherwise the beneficial properties in it are quickly neutralized.

What is the difference between bifido- and lactobacilli?

Probably, the difference between bifido- and lacto- is immediately clear to a few. Meanwhile, the first microorganisms inhabit the intestines of breastfed children.

The second group is lactobacilli, as the intake of breast milk decreases, bifidobacteria are expelled and settled in the gastrointestinal tract instead of them. In an adult, the number of living bifidus is 20 times less than in infants.

For the normal functioning of the digestive organs and the gastrointestinal tract, both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria must be present in sufficient quantities.

The difference between them also lies in the fact that the latter contribute to the activation of the absorption of valuable substances within the gastrointestinal tract. They also help in the process of peristalsis to ensure the normal process of emptying from the intestinal masses.

The main task of lactobacilli, unlike bifido-, is the formation of lactic acid from lactose, which is so necessary for the full digestion of food.

Based on experience with the use of probiotics and prebiotics for newborns and infants (up to 1 year), it is preferable to use drugs in liquid form. Droplets immediately begin to act, getting into the body.

Regardless of which remedy will be prescribed by a specialist - Linex, Bifidumbacterin or Lactobacterin for newborns, reviews of any of them allow us to be sure of the correct choice.

In the treatment of babies, parents have to deal with different groups of drugs. One of them is probiotics, which are very popular now and are prescribed both for changes in the composition of the intestinal microflora in diseases, and for the prevention of digestive problems. Let's take a closer look at this group of drugs and find out which of the probiotics is best given to children.

Probiotics are medicines with biological activity containing live bacteria that belong to the representatives of the normal intestinal flora.

Indications for use

The scope of probiotics is associated mainly with various disorders of the digestive function. Such drugs are indicated for:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• infectious diarrhea.
• Diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics.
• Acute infectious diseases.
• Allergic skin lesions.
• Hepatic encephalopathy.
• Constipation.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis.

Contraindications

Probiotics should not be prescribed for pathologies that affect the functioning of the immune system, for example, with HIV, leukemia, after radiation therapy, organ transplantation, and in some other conditions.

Difference from prebiotics

The names of these two groups of drugs are very similar, so they are often confused. It should be noted that the action of both prebiotics and probiotics is similar, because each of the groups of these agents normalizes the intestinal microflora. That is why both groups are used in combination to treat digestive problems, including dysbacteriosis. As for the differences, to avoid confusion, you need to remember that:

• Probiotics are live microorganisms that belong to the normal intestinal microflora.
• Prebiotics are organic chemicals that have the ability to create excellent conditions for the reproduction of normal intestinal microflora.

What are probiotics, why are they needed and how do they differ from prebiotics, see the video of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia.

History of creation

The first probiotic that humanity studied and began to use for the production of lactic acid products was called the Bulgarian lactobacillus. This microorganism was isolated in Bulgaria from plant materials. Probiotics got their modern name in the 20th century in the 80s. It is based on the phrase "for life", which is fully consistent with the purpose of such drugs. The first preparations were single-component and included one type of bacteria. Later, they began to produce mixtures of microorganisms, as well as their complexes with prebiotic substances.

requirements for probiotics

Probiotics should contain strains of those microorganisms whose effect is clinically proven. It is also important that the preparations are suitable for age, since the intestinal microbiocenosis differs at different ages. No less important requirements for drugs of the probiotic group are safety, resistance to antibiotics and acid resistance.

Should they be used by breastfed babies?

In breastfed infants, dysbacteriosis occurs much less frequently than in artificial babies, since mother's milk gives the baby a sufficient number of beneficial microorganisms.

How to choose the best?

The study, during which it was determined whether the composition indicated on the package corresponds to the real composition of the probiotic, revealed that Linex, Biogaya, Laktomun and Bifiform preparations fully comply with all data. The second stage of the study was to determine the amount of the drug that enters the intestine. This stage found that 40 to 90% of the bacteria of most products do not reach the intestinal lumen. Only Bifiform was able to overcome the hydrochloric acid of the stomach without loss and entered the intestines in the right amount.

When choosing a probiotic, use these tips:

• Read the product label carefully to make sure you get the strains of microorganisms you need for treatment and that the expiration date of the probiotic is not violated.
• It is better not to order such funds on the Internet, as you risk getting a fake or expired drug.
• Choose a product from a trusted manufacturer who has proven himself. For companies that have been working with probiotics for a long time, it is important that their products are of high quality and that their reputation does not suffer.

According to the study, Bifiform turned out to be the best probiotic.

We often speak well of Biogay

How to use?

Both capsule and liquid forms of probiotics should be taken after meals about an hour or 20-60 minutes before meals. To reduce the difficulty in taking the right dose of the drug, the medicine can be stirred in a small amount of water.

It is important to follow the dosage and frequency of taking the probiotic recommended by the doctor, as well as monitor the storage conditions of the drug. Most often, the course of taking such a drug is 2-3 weeks. When prescribed to eliminate diarrhea, the probiotic is taken 2-4 days until the stool normalizes.

Probiotics should not be included in the daily diet of crumbs. See more about this in the program of Dr. Komarovsky.

Probiotics (eubiotics) are live microorganisms that are normal flora of the human intestinal tract. These are non-pathogenic, that is, beneficial bacteria, yeast, which have resistance to opportunistic or pathogenic microorganisms. They perform a lot of useful functions in the intestinal tract, produce biotin, folic acid, vitamin K, ensure the restoration of normal microflora in the mucous membranes of the human body and in the gastrointestinal tract, strengthen the immune system, and protect against exposure to toxic substances.

Therefore, a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of microbiocenosis in the intestine, imbalance, dysbiosis, lead to various serious diseases in children and adults. With such clinical syndromes as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as well as with, the effect of the use of probiotics, analogues has been proven). However, according to the US Gastroenterological Association, today there are not enough scientific studies and data confirming which probiotic from the list of drugs in this group is most appropriate to use in the treatment of specific diseases or conditions of the body.

Today, probiotics for children are used mainly for the following conditions and diseases:

• Diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics - in this case, one of the best probiotic preparations is considered. The Saccharomyces boulardii contained in it stops antibiotic-associated diarrhea and prevents relapses.
• Diarrhea caused by infections, primarily in children with rotavirus infection, in this case, the use of lactobacilli Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus is most preferable.
• - in this case, combined probiotics, as well as monocomponent lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, help to normalize bowel movements.

Classification of probiotics for children and adults

There are several generations of drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora:

• 1 generation - these are monocomponent preparations that contain only 1 strain of bacteria - colibacterin, lactobacterin, bifidumbacterin
• 2nd generation - self-eliminating antagonists - sporobacterin, biosporin, bactisubtil
• 3rd generation - multicomponent preparations that include a combination of several strains of bacteria and additives - Lineks, analogues, Bifiliz, Atsilakt, etc.
• 4th generation - adsorbed bifido-containing probiotics, these are living bacteria of normal flora immobilized on a sorbent - Probifor, Bifidumbacterin Forte, Florin Forte.

Probiotics are also classified according to the type of bacteria they contain. Almost all probiotics are produced in Russia, with the exception of foreign analogues Linex, Enterol, Bifiform.

Unfortunately, almost 20% of the tested expensive dietary supplements do not contain the number of useful, living microorganisms declared on the label, some industrial strains are not capable of long-term colonization in the large intestine, since they are not adapted to the human body. A big disadvantage of imported probiotics is the presence in them of bacterial strains that are not adapted for the population of people living in Russia and Ukraine.

Even the best probiotic with illiterate use can provoke quite serious complications, such as urolithiasis, cholelithiasis, allergic reactions, obesity, cytokine imbalance. Any drug should be used only on the advice of a doctor.

Probiotics - 1st generation drug list

With dysbacteriosis of the 1st degree in a child, bifidumbacterin and lactobacterin can be used to correct the microflora and prevent diseases. However, in acute intestinal infections, these probiotics should be combined with sorbents and other biological products. A drug such as Colibacterin is usually used for torpid colitis, so it is practically not used to treat children.

Before use, dry preparations are dissolved in boiled cool water 1 dose -1 teaspoon of water, the prepared solution is taken immediately half an hour before meals 2-3 r / day.

Bifidumbacterin dry Release form: tablets. capsules, lyophilisate for solution preparation. Ingredients: Live bifidobacteria bifidum Manufacturer - Russia Price 70-90 rubles	Manufacturer - Russia Price: an average of 90-120 rubles.	Release form: lyophilisate for solution preparation Ingredients: live bacteria of Escherichia coli strain M17 dried in a cultivation medium, with the addition of a gelatin-sucrose protective mixture

It is logical to add Biobacton and its analogues to this list of monopreparations, since it includes only acidophilus bacillus, which is active against conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms. Although chronologically, Biobacton cannot belong to the 1st generation of probiotics, it is a more modern drug. It is recommended for the treatment of children from birth with viral and bacterial intestinal infections, while taking antibiotics.

Biobacton dry Release form: lyophilisate for solution preparation Ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus Manufacturer - Russia	Release form: capsules Other complex forms of Narine are also produced (Narine Forte, Narine milk concentrate) Ingredients: dietary supplement acidophilic form of lactobacterin Producer - Armenia Price: 150 rubles	Primadophilus capsules Release form: capsules There are other complex forms of Primadophilus Ingredients: This is a dietary supplement, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Manufacturer - USA Price: 90 capsules 600-650 rubles.

2nd generation probiotics for children

The composition of probiotics of the 2nd generation includes yeast-like fungi and spores of bacilli. And although spore bacilli and fungi are not an integral part of the microflora, however, when they enter the gastrointestinal tract, they are able to perform the functions of beneficial bacteria - they suppress pathogenic microorganisms. Self-eliminating antagonists are recommended for children with acute non-infectious diarrhea, as well as with mild forms of intestinal infections and with subcompensated dysbacteriosis. The course of treatment should not be more than 5-7 days, in the future, probiotics from normal microflora should be added to therapy.

• Flonivin BS, Bactisubtil - they contain spores of the B. cereus IP 5832 bacillus, which are able to exhibit broad spectrum antibacterial properties, providing antidiarrheal and antimicrobial effects. These spores are quite resistant to the effects of gastric juice, and their transition to vegetative forms is carried out in the intestine, restoring its microflora.
• Sporobacterin and bactisporin - contain Bacillus subtilis 3H, a live antagonistically active strain selected for the property of chromosomal resistance to the antibiotic - rimfapicin.
• Enterol - contains yeast-like fungi Saccharomycetes, it is indicated for the treatment of diarrhea while taking antibiotics, since its activity against clostridium has been proven
• Biosporin is a spore drug that combines lichieniform bacilli
• Eubicor is a modern dietary supplement, which contains dietary fiber, inactivated yeast culture, enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Release form: capsules Composition: B.cereus IP 5832 freeze-dried spores Manufacturer - France Price: 20 caps. 420-500 rub.	Release form: suspension, lyophilizate Ingredients: live active strain of Bacillus subtilis, resistant to the antibiotic - rimfapicin Manufacturer - Russia Price: 250-300 rubles.	Release form: tablets and lyophilisate Composition: aerobic saprophytes of the genus Bacillus (dried strains): B. Subtilis and B. Licheniformis. Manufacturer - Russia Price: 200 rubles.

3rd generation probiotics - analogues of Linex

The list of 3rd generation probiotics is a combined preparation, that is, they can consist of several symbiotic strains of the same type of bacteria - Acipol, Acilact, or different types - Linex, Bifiform. In this case, there is an increase in the action of bacteria, moreover, other active substances are added to many combined preparations that can also enhance the effectiveness of the probiotic.

For example, kefir fungus polysaccharide is added to Acipol, lysozyme or lactose monosaccharide is added to Bifiliz, and lactulose is added to Bifiform. Such drugs are used to treat moderate acute intestinal infections, in severe forms they are used as part of complex therapy.

Release form: capsules for children Linex Sachet (BAA), Linex Baby powder, Linex capsules Composition: bifidobacteria, enterococci, lactobacilli Producer - Slovenia Price: capsules 16 pcs. 250 rubles, Baby powder 300 rubles, Linex for children Sachet 10 pcs. 370 rub. Linex immuno 30 caps. 500 rub.	Release form: Baby drops, Kids chewable tablets, Kompeks, Toddler Ingredients: Baby - bifidobacteria, enterococci, Kids and Malysh - additionally vitamin B1, B6, Complex - also inulin plant fibers Manufacturer - Denmark Price: Baby drops 400 rubles. Bifiform Kids, Kid 350 rubles, Bifiform capsules 30 pcs 300 rubles.	Release form: rectal suppositories, lyophilisate for suspension Ingredients: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lysozyme Manufacturer - Russia Price 400-560 rubles.

Release form: capsules, tablets, lyophilisate Ingredients: kefir fungi and acidophilic lactobacilli Manufacturer - Russia Price: 250-280 rubles.	Release form: tablets, lyophilisate for suspension preparation, suppositories Ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus Manufacturer - Russia Price: 10 bottles of 5 doses 330 rubles.

4th generation probiotics

These drugs include Probiform, Florin Forte and Bifidumbacterin forte. Their difference is that these are sorbed probiotics, which include bifidobacteria immobilized on particles of activated crushed carbon, they have a stronger protective effect than conventional analogues.

Bifidumbacterin forte is actively used in ARVI, having a detoxifying effect, in various gastroenterological diseases, in dysbacteriosis of varying severity. However, it is contraindicated in children with, and is also not used for gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus infection.

Probifor is considered a very effective antidiarrheal and detoxifying agent, the best probiotic. This is an enhanced form, since the number of bifidobacteria in it is much larger (10 times) than in Bifidumbacterin forte.

It is used even in severe forms of acute intestinal infection as the only drug of etiotropic therapy, as well as in dysbacteriosis, in diseases of the colon. Studies conducted to determine its effectiveness in shigellosis have shown that its effect is comparable to the effect of the use of fluoroquinolones (antibiotics), only without side effects. Probifor stops diarrhea in patients in intensive care units as effectively as the combined use of Enterol and Bifiliz for 2-3 days.

Release form: powder, capsules Composition: Bifidobacterium bifidum adsorbed on activated carbon Manufacturer - Russia Price: powder 6 pcs 350 rub. 10 pieces 500 rubles, 30 pieces 1400 rubles. capsules 10 pcs 530 rub.	Release form: capsules, powder Composition: bifidobacteria adsorbed on activated carbon particles Manufacturer - Russia Price: powder 10 pcs. 120 rubles, 30 pcs. 340 rubles, capsules 10 pcs. 140 rubles, 30 pcs. 330 rub.	Release form: powder Ingredients: bifidobacteria adsorbed on carbon, lactobacilli Manufacturer - Russia Price: powder 10 pcs. 140 rubles, 30 pcs. 450-550 rub.

Synbiotics - combined preparations

Synbiotics are combined dietary supplements that contain both probiotics and prebiotics. One of these means is - dietary supplement Maxilak. It contains a prebiotic component - oligofructose and 9 cultures of beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria include:

• 1 stepococcus, 1 lactococcus
• 3 cultures of bifidobacteria
• 4 cultures of lactobacilli

Of the 9 beneficial bacteria, 7 cultures make up the "normal" microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, performing all the functions of the intestinal microflora of the intestine. The rest of the cultures that make up Maxilac are not natural inhabitants of the microflora of the human large and small intestines, but they effectively affect many diseases of both the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory and immune systems.

• Manufacturer: Poland
• Price 10 caps. 300-360 rub.

Treatment of children with probiotics - which drug to choose?

What is the best probiotic for a child? The choice of the best probiotic for the treatment of children in each specific clinical case with various nosological diseases is not an easy task for the doctor. In childhood, it is very important to rationally use probiotics and the choice from the list of drugs depends on the type of lesion, the severity of the disease and the degree of disturbance of the intestinal microflora.

Probiotics for newborns. For newborns, premature babies, infants up to a year old for the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis (restoration of intestinal microflora after), cessation of diarrhea, general improvement in physical condition and development, the following drugs are recommended:

• Linex, Acipol, Lactobacterin, Bifidumbacterin forte - 14-28 days
• Probifor - course of therapy 7-10 days
• Bifiliz - 7-14 days

Respiratory diseases- SARS, infectious mononucleosis in children, pneumonia, bronchitis, false croup () - the same drugs in short courses, no more than 5 days.

Viral hepatitis- increased doses of 5-10 powders of Bifidumbacterin forte 3-6 r / day or 1 powder of Probifor 2-3 r / day in a course of 5-7 days.

allergic reactions, dermatoses in children - Acylact, Lactobacterin, Bifidumbacterin forte 2-3 weeks or Probifor 5-7 days

Diabetes in a child- long-term use up to 6 weeks and repeated courses with any probiotics of different generations are recommended.

Prevention of infectious diseases in children- 2-3 times during the year to conduct seasonal courses - Bifiliz, Bifidumbacterin forte.

Correction of intestinal dysbacteriosis with probiotics is made taking into account the degree of its severity (1-3 degrees). In clinical practice, when choosing a probiotic for the treatment of children, the following rules are recommended:

• With a lack of lactobacilli in the analysis for dysbacteriosis, it is not necessary to prescribe lactobacilli. When correcting dysbiosis, preference is always given to bifid-containing drugs, since the basis of the microflora of the large intestine is bifidobacteria and they restore such disorders.
• Monopreparations containing only 1 type of bacteria Lactobactrin and Bifidumbacterin are indicated only for mild forms of intestinal infections and 1 degree of dysbacteriosis. At 2-3 degrees of dysbacteriosis, drugs of the 3rd and 4th generation are recommended - Probifor, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin forte. In severe colitis, infectious enterocolitis, Probifor is indicated, an alternative may be the simultaneous administration of Enterol + Bifiliz or large doses of Bifidumbacterin forte.
• Probiotics for children with lactobacilli are best used in conjunction with bifidus, which suppress diaphoretic microorganisms and protect the colonic mucosa.
• With ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, with acute gastroenteritis of infectious etiology, with a deficiency of lactobacilli in the proximal gastrointestinal tract, lacto-containing probiotics are prescribed - Gastrofarm, Acipol, Lactobacterin, Acylact, Biobacton, Linex.
• Koli-containing probiotics - a list of these drugs Bioflor, Colibacterin, Bifikol for the treatment of children are used with caution, only for strict indications.
• Duration of therapy with probiotics of the 1st generation - 4 weeks, 2nd generation - 5-10 days in the future, taking lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, 3-4th generation - no more than 5-7 days with acute food intoxications and intestinal infections.
• If taking drugs from the list of probiotics does not lead to an effect, it is necessary to change the tactics of treatment, it is possible to prescribe prebiotics, intestinal antiseptics, bacteriophages.

Specialist studies have shown that the use of probiotics in other pathologies of extraintestinal localization also has an effect from therapy, since probiotics have the property of improving metabolism and immunomodulatory effects.