The role of prebiotics in early nutrition
It is never too early to focus on nutrition, as the foundation for a healthy life begins in infancy. Early-life nutrition is critical for development, with long-lasting impact on health. Prebiotics, such as inulin and oligofructose from chicory root, are natural components that can play a significant role in supporting gut health and immunity from infancy through childhood. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), found in breast milk, are the first prebiotics infants encounter. These compounds promote the colonization of the gut with beneficial bifidobacteria, shaping the microbiota composition and offering protection against harmful bacteria. High levels of bifidobacteria in breastfed infants are linked to a healthier gut, digestion and stronger immune system.
When breastfeeding is not an option, infant formulas enriched with prebiotics like inulin and oligofructose can help replicate some of these benefits. Derived from chicory root, inulin and oligofructose have a “bifidogenic effect”, selectively stimulating the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut. This supports a microbiota composition closer to that of breastfed infants which is linked to several benefits.
Benefits for infants and toddlers
Adding prebiotics like inulin and oligofructose to infant and follow-on formulas has been scientifically shown to:
- Support gut microbiota development: Encouraging the colonization of the gut with bifidobacteria helps create a healthier microbiota environment.
- Improve stool consistency: Softer stools help address common issues like constipation in formula-fed infants, supporting digestive well-being.
- Strengthen the immune system: A balanced gut microbiota supports the development of immunity, reducing susceptibility to infections.
These benefits are not limited to infancy, as research indicates they extend into toddlerhood and early childhood, continuing to support digestive health and immune function.
Proven safety and effectiveness
Prebiotic inulin and oligofructose are natural and suitable ingredients, globally used in infant and toddler nutrition. Scientific studies confirm their safety and efficacy, ensuring good tolerance and normal growth as well as supporting a beneficial microbiota and a healthy overall development.
A healthy start
Inulin and oligofructose help bridge the prebiotic gap between breastfed and formula-fed nutrition. By promoting gut health, supporting immunity and improving bowel habits, these natural ingredients provide crucial benefits during a child’s early years, laying a strong foundation for future well-being. Learn more about how chicory root fibers benefit health during childhood and adolescence.
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References
Closa-Monasterolo R, Gispert-Llaurado M, Luque V et al. (2013) Safety and efficacy of inulin and oligofructose supplementation in infant formula: results from a randomized clinical trial. Clin Nutr 32(6): 918–927. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23498848
Closa-Monasterolo R, Ferré N, Castillejo-DeVillasante G et al. (2017) The use of inulin-type fructans improves stool consistency in constipated children. A randomised clinical trial: pilot study. Int J Food Sci Nutr 68(5):587–594. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09637486.2016.1263605
Lohner S, Kullenberg D, Antes G et al. (2014) Prebiotics in healthy infants and children for prevention of acute infectious diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 72(8): 523–531. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24903007
Neumer F, Urraca O, Alonso J et al. (2021) Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Prebiotic Enriched Infant Formula—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 13(4): 1276. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1276
Skórka et al. (2018) Infant formulae supplemented with prebiotics: Are they better than unsupplemented formulae? An updated systematic review. Br J Nutr 119(7):1–16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29457570
Wopereis H, Oozeer R, Knipping K et al. (2014) The first thousand days – intestinal microbiology of early life: establishing a symbiosis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 25(5): 428–438. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pai.12232/epdf