PROBIOTIC

AND
ITS ROLE IN INFANT DIET

“Bad digestion is the root of all evil”

Hippocrates (400 B.C.)
 PRESENTER

• Company –

• Presenter – Aden Ashenafi (Belane)

Nutritionist & food scientist (BSc, MSc)
14 years experience in the field of nutrition
Engaged in food science researcher
Founder of Intellect Trading PLC
 PROBIOTICS

Live microorganisms, which when

administered in adequate amounts confer a
health benefit on the host.
(WHO, 2001)

To date , No legal definition of probiotics exists!!

 GUT MICROBIOTA
OVERVIEW

Total bacterial cells in our gut outnumber

all our body cells ten times.
> 400 bacterial species in an individual
> 50 genera
> 17 families
80-90% non-culturable
BACTERIAL DIVERSITY
IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN
 WHERE DO INFANTS AND CHILDREN
GET MICROFLORA
Mother’s microbiota
- Maternal vaginal flora
- Intestinal flora
- Breast milk

The species depends on

- Mode of delivery
- Birth environment
- Diet
- Genetics
CONTINUED……………….

Vaginally born have higher number of

Bifidobacterium and more diverse than C-section
delivered ones

The microbiota of a new-born develops rapidly

after the birth, however depending on diet and
infection it can rapidly reduce too

Fully established microbiota within one to two

years
Spatial and temporal aspects of
intestinal microbiota composition
MODE OF DELIVERY
(V.D VS C.S)
 MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEM
GUT AND BEYOND
• Pathogen inhibition
Lowering pH by producing lactic acid

Producing wide range of antimicrobials (bacteriocins, organic

acids, H2O2)

Competitive exclusion for the attachment to epithelia

Competition for nutrients

Improvement of intestinal barrier function (tightening)

Stimulation of mucosal and systemic host immunity
 MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEM
GUT AND BEYOND

Vitamin and mineral

Produce vitamins (Vitamin B6 and vitamin K)

Aid in minerals absorption (e.g. calcium, zinc- due

to increased intestinal acidity)
 MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEM
GUT AND BEYOND

Immunity
Improvement of intestinal barrier function

Adherence and colonization of the gut

Controlled transfer of dietary antigens

Stimulation of mucosal and systemic host immunity

 Antibiotic associated diarrhea
Infection Antibiotic treatment

Disturbance of microbial ecosystem

Probiotics Pathogenic bacteria overgrowth

Diarrhoea
ALLERGY AND FOOD INTOLERANCE

Allergy
Immunomodulation and reduced autoimmune
attack

Intolerance
Lactose digestion - Production of β- D- galactosidase
OTHER REPORTED BENEFITS
WHY INTRODUCE PROBIOTICS AT 6 MONTHS

Risk of
allergy/
intolerance

Risk of Increased Risk Digestion

bacterial (morbidity ? & stunt maturation
infection growth)

Antibodies
 BENEFITS OF BIFIDOBACTERIUM
IN INFANTS
• Facilitates the maturation of the immune system

• Enhancing the production Iga

• Enhancing the mechanisms responsible for oral
tolerance (Isolauri 2001, Romagnani 2004,Tiemessen 2004 )
CONTINUED ………
“Barrier”
Tightening of epithelial tissue in the gut. This in turn
prevents allergies and intolerances
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS
RELATED TO GUT MICROBIOTA
 BRIDGING THE GAP
DURING COMPLIMENTARY FEEDING