Optibac Probiotics For Babies and Children 10: At birth, infancy and childhood the types of friendly bacteria that naturally live in the intestines are very different from the types found in adulthood and old age. Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium bifidum in Optibac Probiotics For Babies & Children 10are the dominant and most important beneficial cultures found in healthy infants and children during the early years and have unique benefits in supporting digestion, immunity, and resistance to infection. Developed especially for babies, toddlers and children, this friendly bacteria supplement contains a unique blend of 3 of the most scientifically researched strains for children from 0 to 12 years, as well as FOS fibres and added Vitamin D3 to help maintain immune health.
In cases of vaginal birth, a newborn swallows what will become its first healthy intestinal microflora as it passes through the mother's birth canal. This is nature's way for mothers to inoculate their babies and provide them with a foundation of healthy bacteria for future health. Caesarian babies and preterm babies unfortunately do not receive the full benefits of these healthy material bacteria. Following birth, development of the infant's microflora is influenced by diet (breast milk formula), environment, and medication such as antibiotics.
Benefits of Optibac Probiotics For Babies and Children 10:
- OptiBac Probiotics specialise entirely in live cultures, and only use strains of the highest quality, with extensive research behind them.
- Contains no added sugars or flavourings.
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten free.
- Suitable for use during pregnancy.
Our in-house pharmacist, Shabir Daya has written an article about Optibac Probiotics For Babies and Children 10: What Can’t Probiotics Do?
Directions: Best taken with a meal, preferably with breakfast. Simply mix with your child's favourite cool, non-acidic foods or drinks – try sprinkling the powder over cereal, mixing it with yogurt, or dissolve in water or milk. Can be taken with formula milk - simply add to the bottle once it has cooled down to room temperature (as heat reduces the viability of natural bacteria). For breastfed babies, powder can be applied to nipple or clean finger for baby to suckle. Recommended amount: Babies & Children can be given to children, from birth to 12 year old with the following recommendations: Give 1 sachet daily. If desired or professionally directed, can be increased to 2 sachets a day. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of direct sunlight. Do not exceed the daily dose.
Also available in larger 30 sachet size.
Please note this product may contain tiny traces of dairy and/or soy, and is therefore not recommended to those with a strict allergy to dairy. It should be fine however, for those with lactose intolerance.
Live cultures are not recommended for those with serious medical conditions e.g. those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery; unless under a doctor's care. Keep out of reach of children.
Gut health supplements are not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. If taking probiotic supplements for gut health, note that these should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are taking any medications or have a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before use. Optibac supplements will not cause dependency and may be used on an ongoing basis.
Stabiliser: maltodextrin (natural source); Fructooligosaccharides (FOS 0.5g); Live cultures: Bifidobacterium breve M-16V®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001; Vitamin D3 (2.5 µg100IU, 50% NRV*)
*Nutrient Reference Value
Each sachet contains 3 billion live cultures guaranteed until the date of expiry.
Can you give a child too many friendly bacteria?
Live cultures are very safe (1,2) and you can’t ‘overdose’ on them. But in general, it's best to stick to our recommended daily amount of 1-2 sachets - especially if your child takes other vitamin supplements containing Vitamin D – and keep an eye on their daily Vitamin D intake. If you have any concerns, please contact our nutrition team.
References
(1). Athalye-Jap G et al. (2017). Bifidobacterium breve M-16V as a probiotic for preterm infants: A strain specific review. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 42 (4): 677-688. (2). Manzoni, P. et al (2011) Routine Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG administration in VLBW infants
How do I choose the best friendly bacteria supplement for my child?
It's best to choose a high-quality children’s live cultures supplement which has been specifically researched and designed for kids. Optibac Babies & Children contains three friendly bacteria strains which have been scientifically tested in thousands of babies and children (1,2,3,4,5).
References
(1). Athalye-Jape G et al (2017) Bifidobacterium breve M-16V as a probiotic for preterm infants: A strain specific review. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 42(4): 677-688 (2). Manzoni, P et al (2011) Routine Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG administration in VLBW infants (3). Wickens K et al (2008) A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Atopic dermatitis and skin disease122 (4): 788-794. (4). Kumpu, M. et al (2012) Milk containing probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and respiratory illness in children: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (66) 1020-1023 (5). Hojsak, I., Snovak, N., et al. (2010) ‘Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in children who attend day care centers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’, Clinical Nutrition, 29(3). doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2009.09.008.
Is Optibac Babies & Children a vegetarian supplement?
Yes, Optibac Babies & Children is vegetarian, and it’s also gluten and dairy-free. There is no dairy present at any stage of the manufacturing and the friendly bacteria strains are vegan, but the added Vitamin D3 is vegetarian.
What are children’s friendly bacteria?
Live cultures for children are dietary supplements containing types of friendly bacteria commonly found in a child’s gut. Optibac Babies & Children contains Bifidobacterium breve M-16V ®and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG which have been scientifically researched in children (1,2) and are particularly suitable for a child’s developing digestive system.
References
(1). Athalye-Jape G et al. (2017). Bifidobacterium breve M-16V as a probiotic for preterm infants: A strain specific review. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 42 (4): 677-688. (2).Manzoni, P. et al (2011) Routine Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG administration in VLBW infants: A retrospective, 6-year cohort study. Early Human Development (87) 35–38.
When is the best time of day to give Optibac Babies & Children?
We recommend giving Optibac Babies & Children with the first meal of the day when stomach acidity is at its most neutral. Giving children their friendly bacteria at this time, with food, helps to buffer the delicate live cultures against stomach acids, and ensures that they pass safely through this harsh environment and into the gut.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of young children. Do not exceed the daily dose. If pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you are taking medication, or on medical care, consult your physician prior to use. While we work to ensure that product information on our website is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. All information about the products on our website is provided for information purposes only. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented on our website. Please always read the labels, warnings, and directions provided with the product before using or consuming a product. In the event of any safety concerns or for any other information about a product please carefully read any instructions provided on the label or packaging and contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is not intended to substitute for advice given by medical practitioner, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements about products are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The customer reviews are only moderated for offensive content – they should not be regarded as medical or health advice; no reliance should therefore be placed on them; and they are not endorsed by Victoria Health. If you have any health problems or questions regarding the suitability of any product please contact a health professional. Products are not medicinal unless otherwise stated. Victoria Health accepts no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products by manufacturers or other third parties. This does not affect your statutory rights.
