http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/science/03milk.html?_r=1
We really enjoyed this article for many reasons– primarily because we agree with most of the content. However, what the authors fail to disclose to the readers is the very important purpose of these innate and specific composition prebiotics found in breast-milk fueling the right probiotic strain: B. infantis ATCC15697 aka B. infantis NLS strain.
Most mothers today, unfortunately, are not able to pass along this probiotic strain to their unborn child because most likely they have taken antibiotics, lived in a toxic environment, or they didn’t get it from their own mothers. We have seen the virtual disappearance of this probiotic strain from the infant’s GI tract in the Westernized world. Dr. Tannock et al. has published data suggesting that infants in Westernized countries such as Great Britain, the US, and New Zealand, no longer house the B. infantis strain, whereas children in Ghana were found to still have this probiotic strain present in their GI tract.
Although we agree that human breast milk has a unique composition of natural prebiotics, it cannot stimulate the growth of B. infantis if the mother is unable to pass it to her newborn infant. We have found that infants in Westernized countries possess other strains and species of Bifidobacteria, but do not have B. infantis (the most important strain for their development). Therefore, a mother should supplement herself, starting with the Third Trimester of her pregnancy, with a highly potent strain of B. infantis NLS. She can also can and should choose to supplement herself with other super-strains of probiotic bacteria while pregnant, to optimize the benefits of probiotics for her unborn child. Probiotics are safe to consume while pregnant.
Furthermore, when transitioning children from breast milk to table foods (which experts generally recommend the right age is around 1 year old), parents should avoid feeding grains, sugars, juices, and processed food, until the child is around 4 years old. Because of the blatant violation of these guidelines in Western Societies, many experts believe this is the cause of the HUGE rise in Celiac Disease, Gluten-Intolerance. On a further note, we believe obesity in Western countries is correlated with the microflora disruption by the indiscrimate use of antibiotics and the inclusion of fast-foods, which are full of simple sugars, carbohydrates, and lack nutrition.
NOTE: We never recommend taking a supplement with added prebiotics, like inulin or fructo-oligo-saccharides, because these artificial prebiotics can stimulate the growth of bad bacteria, as well as the good. You should always avoid commercial prebiotics.
Tell TAP: Do you give your infant a form of Bifidobacteria infantis or Did you take B. infantis while pregnant/nursing?
Hi,
I just read above and concluded that prebiotics are not used in Natren products because “prebiotics can stimulate the growth of bad bacteria as well as the good.” I have recently started taking a product with prebiotics in it. Are there studies showing the results that more of the bad bacteria start to grow in the gut than good? Is it just a fad and that is why more companies are using prebiotics? I’m like any other consumer who wants more information to be able to make the best decision possible. I’m also confused since I’ve read all positive results occur from taking prebiotics and this is the first time I’ve read that it may not be the best choice. I’m curious to hear any new information that I may be missing.
Thank you! Summer