Notes when choosing intestinal probiotic supplements

The article is professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Nguyen Thanh Hung - Head of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Supplementing beneficial bacteria for the intestines brings many benefits, especially for young children in the early stages of life, such as: balancing the microflora, creating an immune barrier to help children fight intestinal diseases, thereby helping children fight off intestinal diseases. maximum absorption of nutrients for growth needs. The following article will share about the notes on choosing a probiotic supplement for each specific case of diarrhea, constipation, anorexia.

When the digestive system is functioning smoothly, it will add enough nutrients to strengthen the immune system, increase the body's resistance to stay healthy, and limit disease.
Intestinal probiotics have many strains and their survival depends on many factors, in which preparation technology plays an important role to ensure that the number of spores entering the intestinal tract is intact, not destroyed by gastric juice.
On the other hand, for each child, the addition of beneficial bacteria depends on the purpose of the doctor, the child's parents, such as solving diarrhea or constipation or nutritional malabsorption, anorexia...
Currently , Bacillus subtilis is one of the probiotics recommended by nutritionists and endocrinologists because it has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in people taking antibiotics. antibiotics for diarrhea (Massimo Marzorati, 2020). In Vietnam, this strain has been studied by the National Institute of Nutrition and shows that up to 93% of children improve their constipation after using a probiotic containing a probiotic strain of Bacillus subtilis. These are considered evidences showing the effectiveness of the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis on digestive disorders of children in general and Vietnamese children in particular.

When the child is constipated, if not promptly supplemented with beneficial bacteria, it will lead to long-term stagnant stools in the intestine, causing bacterial infection. For a long time, the child has abdominal distension, discomfort, burning pain when defecating, reduced movement and contraction of the anal muscles. Supplementing with beneficial bacteria in this case will stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, break down food, help reduce the volume of stool, so that the child has easier bowel movements.
For children who are often constipated: in addition to supplementing with beneficial bacteria, it is recommended to add soluble fiber (such as Inulin, Fructose oligosaccharide (FOS)) to soften stools, helping children to deal with pain and discomfort. goat poop every time you go to the toilet. In addition to the role of soluble fiber, FOS also acts as a prebiotic to help create a nurturing environment for beneficial bacteria, thereby helping beneficial bacteria to grow better, a stronger intestinal immune system. FOS, when entering the intestine, has the ability to absorb water and expand to help soften stools, thereby effectively improving constipation.

For children with a poor immune system and anorexia, the addition of beneficial bacteria will help balance the child's microflora, help the child's intestinal tract be healthy, from which the child can absorb the most essential nutrients, from which the child gain weight and grow faster. However, to solve the problem of anorexia in children, mothers should combine probiotics with 3 herbs: Bach Truc, Hoai Son, Son Tra. Because these are herbs that help strengthen spleen and stomach, and at the same time produce enzymes that stimulate taste, making children eat more delicious, from which children can absorb maximum nutrients, strengthen the immune system effectively. nature.
For children with poor immunity, anorexia, slow absorption, a product that combines probiotics and herbs is a right choice for mothers.

When choosing a drug to increase intestinal bacteria, you need to pay attention to the following:
Choose a brand and pay attention to the number of beneficial bacteria and dosage form: you should choose a product with a reputable brand name for many years in the market. The number of beneficial bacteria should be large enough, about 10^8 cfu, enough to compete with harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract. Strain diversity and high viability: eg, Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus. GG... Stability: Prefer probiotics that are stable and do not need to be refrigerated. Contains Prebiotics: This is a food source that helps keep probiotics alive. For example: Fructose oligosaccharide (FOS),... Appropriate time to drink probiotics: In the morning, about 10-15 minutes before breakfast to ensure probiotics reach the digestive tract quickly. On the market today, there are many products containing beneficial bacteria, but not all products have a combination of probiotics and prebiotics as well as the assurance of content and quality according to the above requirements. You should consult an expert before choosing the right product.