Interested in learning more about probiotics? Read on to learn what probiotics are, where to get them, and the benefits of baby probiotics for treating conditions such as colic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore defining probiotics, it\u2019s important to understand the gut microbiota<\/a>. The gut contains a diverse community of trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Collectively, this community is known as the gut microbiota and plays a crucial role in human health.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nDysbiosis, or an imbalance of good and bad microbes, has been associated with the development of several diseases. For this reason, there is growing interest in finding ways to promote a healthy gut microbiota of beneficial microbes. That\u2019s where probiotics come in.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probiotics<\/a> are live microorganisms that provide a specific health benefit to humans when taken in adequate amounts. The word \u201cprobiotic\u201d comes from Greek and means \u201cfor life.\u201d<\/a> To be a probiotic, the microorganism must survive its transit through the gastrointestinal tract and reach the large intestine alive.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nProbiotics are most often bacteria but can also be yeasts. They are naturally present in some fermented foods, added to certain food products, and available as supplements. Probiotics have been researched to help treat a wide variety of conditions<\/a>, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and infant colic.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the Difference Between Probiotics and Fermented Foods?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nFermented foods <\/a>are foods that have undergone a process called fermentation. This is where microorganisms break down carbohydrates (such as sugars and starches) in the food, producing compounds like alcohol, organic acids, and gases. This process can alter the food’s taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Some examples of fermented foods include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Yogurt <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sauerkraut <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kimchi <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kombucha <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tempeh <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Miso <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kefir <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sourdough bread <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While fermented foods are made with microorganisms, not all fermented foods contain probiotics<\/a>. This is because the live microorganisms are often destroyed during processing (such as in sourdough bread) or might not survive transit through the stomach. A probiotic must reach the large intestine alive to exert its beneficial effects. Fermented foods that do contain live microbes after fermentation include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Yogurt <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kefir <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Uncooked Sauerkraut\u202f <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kimchi <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kombucha <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Only some fermented foods contain added probiotics<\/a>. One food to which probiotics are commonly added is yogurt. Many commercial yogurts have beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus <\/em>and Streptococcus thermophilus <\/em>added to them. To ensure your food product has live microorganisms, look for \u201clive and active cultures\u201d on the label. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a Probiotic Supplement?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nA probiotic supplement is a product that contains live beneficial bacteria and\/or yeasts that are believed to provide a health benefit when taken in the correct amounts. There isn\u2019t one probiotic that will treat all health conditions. Probiotics can be identified by their strain<\/a>, which includes their group (genus), species, subspecies, and strain designation. You need to choose the correct probiotic strain for the right reason to see a health benefit.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor example, Culturelle\u00ae\u2019s LGG <\/em>strain has been shown to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea<\/a> and reduce gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort<\/a>. In contrast, Escherichia coli <\/em>Nissle 1917 and VSL#3 effectively treat ulcerative colitis<\/a> when used alongside standard therapy. Since different strains have different health benefits, it\u2019s important to clearly understand what benefits you\u2019re hoping to get from probiotic supplementation. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDo Babies Need Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nA baby\u2019s gut microbiota<\/a> will mature during the first few years of life, becoming stable after about three years. Babies need to be exposed to beneficial bacteria during this time to ensure beneficial species colonize their gut.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nSome of the exposure to beneficial bacteria<\/a> is due to how the baby was born, with vaginal births having exposure to more beneficial microbes than births via C-section. However, breastfeeding remains the strongest variable influencing a baby\u2019s gut microbiota during the first year of life. If a baby is not able to be breastfed, baby probiotics may be beneficial for helping establish a healthy gut microbiota if the formula you\u2019re using does not contain probiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBaby probiotics can also be beneficial if your baby has colic. Studies show that certain strains of probiotics can help ease colic<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes Breast Milk Have Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nHuman breast milk<\/a> has a unique microbiota and plays a vital role in helping a baby\u2019s gut develop a healthy population of microorganisms after birth. Some of the beneficial bacteria<\/a> present in human breast milk include Bifidobacterium<\/em> species, Lactobacillus <\/em>species, and Staphylococcus <\/em>species. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBreast milk also contains human milk oligosaccharides<\/a> (HMOs). These are indigestible carbohydrates fermented by a baby\u2019s gut bacteria, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes Formula Contain Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor many reasons, some babies cannot be breastfed. Since formula becomes the sole source of nutrition for the first months of life in these cases, the formula needs to be as close as possible to human breast milk. While many infant formulas<\/a> lack the diverse communities of microorganisms found in human breast milk, some formulas have started including baby probiotics<\/a> in their product formulations.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe probiotics<\/a> added to infant formula in the correct amounts are safe and can ensure normal growth in healthy babies during infancy. Some of the probiotics added to infant formulas include Bifidobacterium <\/em>species and Lactobacillus <\/em>species. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn addition to adding probiotics to infant formulas, some infant formulas contain prebiotics<\/a>. Prebiotics are substances that cannot be digested by humans but are fermented by our beneficial gut microbes, benefiting overall health.\u202fHMOs are the prebiotics found in breastmilk. Some manufacturers have started adding prebiotics similar to HMOs to formula. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAre Probiotics Safe for Babies?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nStudies<\/a> show that probiotics are generally considered safe for healthy babies. However, probiotics contain live bacteria or yeasts, so they may not be recommended in certain situations<\/a>, such as if your baby is immunocompromised, has short-gut syndrome or is critically ill. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Benefits of Baby Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are several potential benefits<\/a> of baby probiotics, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Treatment of acute infectious diarrhea (LGG<\/em>). <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (LGG<\/em>, Bifidobacterium lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii)<\/em>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevention of eczema (LGG<\/em>). <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Treatment of colic<\/a> (Bifidobacterium longum subsp longum <\/em>and Pediococcus pentosaceus)<\/em>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Remember, probiotic benefits are strain-specific. To see the above benefits, you need to choose a probiotic strain shown in research to improve that condition. If you\u2019re unsure which strain to buy, talk with your doctor, dietitian, or pharmacist, or consult the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products Available in Canada<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBaby Probiotics to Treat Colic<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nColic<\/a> is common and typically affects babies in the first four months of life. Your baby may have colic if they are healthy but cry for longer than three hours per day with no known cause. When a baby has colic, they are difficult to soothe, which can greatly impact your and your baby’s mental well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\nStudies show that certain probiotics are effective at treating colic. Culturelle\u00ae Baby Calm + Colic Probiotics Drops<\/a> contain two probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium longum subsp longum <\/em>KABP\u2122 -042 strain and Pediococcus pentosaceus <\/em>KABP\u2122-041 strain. Research has shown that these strains can provide colic symptom relief in infants by reducing crying, fussing, and irritability in as little as seven days.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Banners-for-Website-Size-63-1024x461.webp\")
![\"colic](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\")
![\"colic](\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/18-791x1024.webp\")
![\"Culturelle](\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cult-baby_logo-300x213.webp\")
Dysbiosis, or an imbalance of good and bad microbes, has been associated with the development of several diseases. For this reason, there is growing interest in finding ways to promote a healthy gut microbiota of beneficial microbes. That\u2019s where probiotics come in.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probiotics<\/a> are live microorganisms that provide a specific health benefit to humans when taken in adequate amounts. The word \u201cprobiotic\u201d comes from Greek and means \u201cfor life.\u201d<\/a> To be a probiotic, the microorganism must survive its transit through the gastrointestinal tract and reach the large intestine alive.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Probiotics are most often bacteria but can also be yeasts. They are naturally present in some fermented foods, added to certain food products, and available as supplements. Probiotics have been researched to help treat a wide variety of conditions<\/a>, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and infant colic.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fermented foods <\/a>are foods that have undergone a process called fermentation. This is where microorganisms break down carbohydrates (such as sugars and starches) in the food, producing compounds like alcohol, organic acids, and gases. This process can alter the food’s taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Some examples of fermented foods include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n While fermented foods are made with microorganisms, not all fermented foods contain probiotics<\/a>. This is because the live microorganisms are often destroyed during processing (such as in sourdough bread) or might not survive transit through the stomach. A probiotic must reach the large intestine alive to exert its beneficial effects. Fermented foods that do contain live microbes after fermentation include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Only some fermented foods contain added probiotics<\/a>. One food to which probiotics are commonly added is yogurt. Many commercial yogurts have beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus <\/em>and Streptococcus thermophilus <\/em>added to them. To ensure your food product has live microorganisms, look for \u201clive and active cultures\u201d on the label. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A probiotic supplement is a product that contains live beneficial bacteria and\/or yeasts that are believed to provide a health benefit when taken in the correct amounts. There isn\u2019t one probiotic that will treat all health conditions. Probiotics can be identified by their strain<\/a>, which includes their group (genus), species, subspecies, and strain designation. You need to choose the correct probiotic strain for the right reason to see a health benefit.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, Culturelle\u00ae\u2019s LGG <\/em>strain has been shown to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea<\/a> and reduce gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort<\/a>. In contrast, Escherichia coli <\/em>Nissle 1917 and VSL#3 effectively treat ulcerative colitis<\/a> when used alongside standard therapy. Since different strains have different health benefits, it\u2019s important to clearly understand what benefits you\u2019re hoping to get from probiotic supplementation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A baby\u2019s gut microbiota<\/a> will mature during the first few years of life, becoming stable after about three years. Babies need to be exposed to beneficial bacteria during this time to ensure beneficial species colonize their gut.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the exposure to beneficial bacteria<\/a> is due to how the baby was born, with vaginal births having exposure to more beneficial microbes than births via C-section. However, breastfeeding remains the strongest variable influencing a baby\u2019s gut microbiota during the first year of life. If a baby is not able to be breastfed, baby probiotics may be beneficial for helping establish a healthy gut microbiota if the formula you\u2019re using does not contain probiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Baby probiotics can also be beneficial if your baby has colic. Studies show that certain strains of probiotics can help ease colic<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Human breast milk<\/a> has a unique microbiota and plays a vital role in helping a baby\u2019s gut develop a healthy population of microorganisms after birth. Some of the beneficial bacteria<\/a> present in human breast milk include Bifidobacterium<\/em> species, Lactobacillus <\/em>species, and Staphylococcus <\/em>species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Breast milk also contains human milk oligosaccharides<\/a> (HMOs). These are indigestible carbohydrates fermented by a baby\u2019s gut bacteria, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n For many reasons, some babies cannot be breastfed. Since formula becomes the sole source of nutrition for the first months of life in these cases, the formula needs to be as close as possible to human breast milk. While many infant formulas<\/a> lack the diverse communities of microorganisms found in human breast milk, some formulas have started including baby probiotics<\/a> in their product formulations.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n The probiotics<\/a> added to infant formula in the correct amounts are safe and can ensure normal growth in healthy babies during infancy. Some of the probiotics added to infant formulas include Bifidobacterium <\/em>species and Lactobacillus <\/em>species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to adding probiotics to infant formulas, some infant formulas contain prebiotics<\/a>. Prebiotics are substances that cannot be digested by humans but are fermented by our beneficial gut microbes, benefiting overall health.\u202fHMOs are the prebiotics found in breastmilk. Some manufacturers have started adding prebiotics similar to HMOs to formula. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies<\/a> show that probiotics are generally considered safe for healthy babies. However, probiotics contain live bacteria or yeasts, so they may not be recommended in certain situations<\/a>, such as if your baby is immunocompromised, has short-gut syndrome or is critically ill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several potential benefits<\/a> of baby probiotics, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, probiotic benefits are strain-specific. To see the above benefits, you need to choose a probiotic strain shown in research to improve that condition. If you\u2019re unsure which strain to buy, talk with your doctor, dietitian, or pharmacist, or consult the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products Available in Canada<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Colic<\/a> is common and typically affects babies in the first four months of life. Your baby may have colic if they are healthy but cry for longer than three hours per day with no known cause. When a baby has colic, they are difficult to soothe, which can greatly impact your and your baby’s mental well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that certain probiotics are effective at treating colic. Culturelle\u00ae Baby Calm + Colic Probiotics Drops<\/a> contain two probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium longum subsp longum <\/em>KABP\u2122 -042 strain and Pediococcus pentosaceus <\/em>KABP\u2122-041 strain. Research has shown that these strains can provide colic symptom relief in infants by reducing crying, fussing, and irritability in as little as seven days.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is the Difference Between Probiotics and Fermented Foods?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
What is a Probiotic Supplement?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do Babies Need Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Breast Milk Have Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Formula Contain Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are Probiotics Safe for Babies?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the Benefits of Baby Probiotics?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Baby Probiotics to Treat Colic<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n