Babies
Being Cultured: Probiotics And Infant Health
By
Aug 20, 2007, 20:24

(NAPSI)-Surprisingly, one important way to support a healthy immune system may be-bacteria.

Probiotics are beneficial cultures-in other words, groups of "friendly" bacteria-that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits. These benefits range from aiding digestion to supporting a healthy immune system.

The Immune System and Probiotics

The body's immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to help protect and keep us healthy. One of the many ways the immune system works is by maintaining natural protective barriers, such as the lining of our digestive tracts, that help block germs and other unwanted outsiders from entering our bodies. In fact, the digestive tract is the largest organ in the human immune system, where about 70 percent of the immune system's cells are found.

Certain beneficial cultures can help reinforce this natural protective barrier for both infants and adults, so one way to help support a healthy immune system is by balancing the cultures that live in the digestive tract.

When babies are still in the womb, their digestive tracts are sterile, and no cultures are present. However, within days after birth, cultures begin to develop. What a baby is fed during the first few weeks and months makes a big difference in the types of cultures that begin to develop in his or her digestive tract. Babies who are breastfed have an abundance of one particular type of beneficial culture, called Bifidobacteria, in their digestive tracts. The digestive tracts of formula-fed babies contain significantly less Bifidobacteria.

Recently, a breakthrough new infant formula containing Bifidobacteria was introduced in the U.S. "Years of research have uncovered many benefits from eating a diet rich in probiotic nutrients," said pediatrician, author and educator Dr. Lillian Beard. "While breast milk is the best food for baby, it's exciting to see a new option for moms that offers the advantage of these beneficial cultures to help support a healthy immune system."

Nestlé® Good Start® Natural Cultures™ is the first and only infant formula to provide complete nutrition and the beneficial probiotic cultures Bifidus BL™. Research has shown that these cultures can help support a baby's healthy immune system in many ways, including increasing the levels of key antibodies and supporting the natural protective barrier in a baby's digestive tract.

Good Start Natural Cultures also contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development, plus Comfort Proteins®-gentle, 100 percent whey protein broken down to be easy to digest in a baby's developing tummy.

For more information, visit www.verybestbaby.com.

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