Probiotics for mother and baby
A combination of four particular strains of probiotics taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been shown to support maternal flora balance and glucose metabolism and assist in baby’s behavioural, immune (especially skin conditions) and gastrointestinal health.
The species studied are Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis (BB-12); Bifidobacterium breve (M-16v) and Bifidobacterium longum (BB536).
Behavioural problems in later childhood
In a 2015 randomised trial, 159 mother–baby pairs were given 10 billion LGG daily prenatally and until six months. At the age of 13 years, no children in the LGG group had developed behavioural complaints associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), compared to 17% of the control group. In addition, the study also measured the level of Bifidobacterium species bacteria, which was significantly lower in affected children.
Childhood eczema and immune development
LGG is well known with multiple randomised trials showing a reduction in atrophy (allergy and eczema) when taken in the last trimester and during infancy. LGG has an impressive body of evidence confirming efficacy at a dose of 20 billion per day in the last trimester and throughout breastfeeding, of 10 billion when given directly to infants.
Glucose transport
Up to 10% of pregnant women experience glucose transport problems. In late pregnancy, increases in serum insulin are often accompanied by insulin resistance… A 2009 randomised controlled trial demonstrated that a combination of 10 billion CFU of each strain (BB‑12 and LGG) assists maternal glucose metabolism when taken during pregnancy. In 2011, LGG and BB-12 were also demonstrated to help reduce the occurrence of central weight gain following pregnancy.
Infant flora population
Beneficial gut bacteria is initiated by contact with vaginal microflora during birth, and matures under breast milk and environmental influences.
LGG when given to infants, enhances the relative levels of key microflora, namely, B. breve, B. longum (BB536). A dose of 10 billion B. longum (BB536) can help establish a healthy intestinal microbiota in early life and improve T helper cell immune response.