Children's Wellness

Do your children get what they need?

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Do your children get what they need?

Dec 1, 2021

Introduction
 

Maintaining good gut health is crucial for your children, as it is where the body receives the nutrients required for optimal growth and development. Problem in getting nutrients (Malabsorption) and problem in excreting waste (Constipation) are common digestive problem affecting children health:

Malabsorption1,2

Constipation3,4

Problem in…

Digesting and absorbing nutrients from foods

Passing stools

Symptoms

Diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, weight loss, growth retardation, weakness

Less than 3 bowel movements per week, difficult or painful in passing stools, hard and dry stools

Causes 

Digestive enzyme deficiencies, damage in the mucosal lining of the intestine, disrupted gut microflora, infection, certain medical conditions

Inadequate fiber and fluid intake, feeling anxiety, disrupted gut microflora, certain medical conditions

Complications

Malnutrition, fall sick easily, weight loss, delay development

Tear of the skin around the anus that cause pain and bleeding when passing stools, inability to control bowel movements

How prebiotic and probiotic help?

Probiotics help producing B vitamins, and enzymes to help digest foods5.  Prebiotic such as inulin can help to enhance mineral absorption.

Fermentation of prebiotic such as inulin by probiotic produces short-chain fatty acids which help to promote progression of feces through the colon.

Thus, it is also crucial to have a balance gut microflora by maintaining 85% of good bacteria and 15% of bad bacteria to keep the gut functioning well. 

Friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 when combine with prebiotic inulin help to improve gut health6,7,8:

  • boost friendly bacteria count
  • support digestive health 
  • increase calcium absorption 
  • improve bowel movement and prevent hard stool

A.B. Junior Pre & Pro contains 3 clinically tested ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 (probiotic), Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 (probiotic), and chicory inulin (prebiotic). It could help to boost gut health, improve bowel movement, and improve nutrient absorption. This is especially important for growing children.

References
 
  1. Pietzak, M.M., and Thomas, D.W, 2003. Childhood Malabsorption. Pediatrics in Review, 24(6): 195-206. 
  2. Zuvarox T, Belletieri C. Malabsorption Syndromes. [Updated 2021 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553106/
  3. Vriesman, M.H., Koppen, I.J.N., Camilleri, M., Di Lorenzo, C., and Benninga, M.A., 2020. Management of functional constipation in children and adults. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol., 17(1):21-39
  4. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 2020. Constipation. Retrieved 5 Oct, 2020 from https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Constipation/
  5. Linares, D.M., et.al., 2017. Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria with Potential to Design Natural Biofunctional Health-Promoting Dairy Foods. Front Microbiol., 8:846. 
  6. Nova, E., Viadel, B., Wärnberg, J., Carreres, J. E., & Marcos, A. (2011). Beneficial effects of a synbiotic supplement on self-perceived gastrointestinal well-being and immunoinflammatory status of healthy adults. Journal of medicinal food, 14(1-2), 79-85.
  7. Savard, P., Lamarche, B., Paradis, M. E., Thiboutot, H., Laurin, É., & Roy, D. (2011). Impact of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5-containing yoghurt, on fecal bacterial counts of healthy adults. International journal of food microbiology, 149(1), 50-57.
  8. Coudray, C., et.al., 1997. Effect of soluble or partly soluble dietary fibres supplementation on absorption and balance of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in healthy young men. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51(6):375-80
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