Probiotic blend may support gastrointestinal health in infants, says recent study
A recent study found that a special blend of two probiotic strains may help reduce the severity of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants.
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A recent study in Frontiers of Microbiology1 found that a special blend of two probiotic strains– Bifidobacterium longum KABP042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP041 – from AB Biotics (Newark, CA) may help reduce the severity of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). FGID is recognized as a gut-brain axis disorder by Rome IV criteria that characterized by regurgitation, infant colic, and functional constipation. One in two infants develop FGID during the first six months of life.
In vitro characterization found that the strains tolerate gastric and bile salt challenges, and efficiently adhere to human intestinal epithelium. This is accomplished through multiple mechanisms, which when combined synergistically induce the expression of Caco-2 tight junction proteins. These proteins are essential for the maintenance of barrier integrity. Researchers also found that both strains inhibit pathogens through the productions of organic salts and antimicrobial compounds.
Researchers also conducted an exploratory, observational, pilot study involving 36 infants diagnosed with at least one type of FGID (infant colic and/or functional constipation). Results showed that the strains were well tolerated and FGID severity was signification reduced after 14 days of supplementation.
“Growing evidence demonstrates the important role of probiotics during the first 1,000 days – that is from the moment a child is conceived until they have reached two years of age (24 months),” said Sergi Audivert Brugue, executive director, AB-Biotics, in a press release. “The benefits of probiotics in gut health, especially, is gaining rising interest in the infant nutrition space, including their potential role in FGIDs, a condition which causes significant discomfort in infants and distress for parents. The new clinical evidence published in the Frontier journal is an exciting step forward for innovation in the field, which we hope can be translated into novel probiotic solutions targeted towards gut health-related issues, such as FGID, one day.”
Reference
- Asto E et al. “Probiotic Pproperties of Bifidobacterium longum KABP042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP041 show potential to counteract functional gastrointestinal disorders in an observational pilot trial in infants.” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 12 (2022), https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.741391
