How To Boost The Immune System Of A Formula-Fed Baby, Naturally

The changing of seasons can be stressful and worrying for families that have a young infant. It can break your heart to see them unwell, and you wish for nothing more than to take the discomfort away. So what can you do to boost their immune system and reduce the likelihood of a cold developing, or at least help them fight it faster?

Over the last decade or so there has been an explosion of research in the field of probiotics, and the role they play in immune system development. Put simply, probiotics are “friendly” bacteria that when taken, make the body their home and pass on an array of benefits to us. We’ve known for a long time now that probiotics help digestion, but what the science now shows is that by influencing the functioning and development of the body’s entire immune system, they also assist in protecting us against infections such as colds.

Evidence also shows that formula fed babies have a very different composition of bacteria in their body, when compared to breastfed babies. It is suggested that this difference in bacterial balance can influence how an infants’ immune system functions in the early years of life. This can be down to many things including the natural presence of “friendly” bacteria in breastmilk, and also special types of carbohydrates known as “oligosaccharides”. These oligosaccharides in breastmilk act as a prebiotic, meaning they feed the friendly gut bugs, helping them to flourish and subsequently support the immune system.

Understanding this, scientists have gone on to investigate the benefit of mixing oligosaccharides (specifically galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)) into formula, or giving probiotics. The results are very promising, and it seems that by mixing GOS and FOS into formula, you can help your little one achieve a balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines which is very similar to that of breastfed babies. What’s more, this bacteria food has been shown to boost the immune functioning of the formula fed infants, whilst also improving their gut health.

Giving probiotics has also been shown to help beneficially stimulate and regulate the immune system, contributing further to reduced infection risk, and a significantly lower risk of developing allergy-related conditions such as eczema and food allergies.

Of course, there are many factors which impact a child’s risk of infection such as rest, good nutrition and minimised exposure to individuals who are sick. However, if you want to give little one’s immune system a boost, and support their little tummy, adding the right prebiotic blend and probiotics to their formula (if you are unable to breast feed) is a great move.

It is good to remember also that exposure to germs, and the occasional cold, is not such a bad thing for a little one. Think of the immune system like the brain, it needs exposure to new things in order to learn and become smarter – and consider bacteria and other microbes as the teachers.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. To find out which supplement is right for you, consult your healthcare practitioner. 

For more information visit www.bioceuticals.com.au