Study shows Lallemand’s probiotics help microflora in babies

Published: 14-Sep-2022

Canadian Health claims show probiotics can help formula-fed babies develop a similar microflora as to breast-fed ones

For the first time a health authority has recognised that probiotics, particularly Lallemand Health Solutions strains Bifidobacteria infantis Rosell -33, and Bifidobacteria bifidum Rosell -71, can help formula-fed babies develop a similar microflora as to breast-fed infants.

These claims, from Canadian Health, are that B. infantis Rosell -33 and B. bifidum Rosell -71 help to maintain a baby-like microflora in infants (for formula-fed infants) and helps to balance formula-fed baby’s microflora similar to breast-fed infants.

“Our R&D and Regulatory teams strike again. The science and work carefully achieved during the past years assessing the safety and beneficial impact of these strains on a baby-specific microflora continue to receive official acknowledgements. This is a huge step in demonstrating that our probiotics can contribute to support normal gut and immune maturation in early life,” said Solange Henoud, VP of Regulatory and Compliance at Lallemand Health Solutions.

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study [Manzano, 2017], B. infantis Rosell -33 was deemed safe and well tolerate in 221 healthy three- to twelve-month-old infants. A post-hoc analysis [De Andres, 2018] based on a sample of infants from the Manzano 2017 study, showed B. infantis Rosell -33: maintain a baby-specific microbiome profile rich in bacteria able to digest lactose such as Bifidobacteria, regardless of any influencing factors (diets, birth mode, etc.).

The science and work carefully achieved during the past years assessing the safety and beneficial impact of these strains on a baby-specific microflora continue to receive official acknowledgements. This is a huge step in demonstrating that our probiotics can contribute to support normal gut and immune maturation in early life

Henoud added: “This news is the icing on the cake! Indeed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously formally and publicly endorsed that the usage of these specific strains in infants’ formula is Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS). An achievement that was followed by several other health authorities, under different jurisdictions, such as the listing by the Chinese authorities and Canadian Food Directorate as a new infant formula ingredient – needless to say that these lists are very narrow and only few specific strains are permitted for such use.”

By opposition, in the placebo group, there were a significant increase in common constituents of healthy adult gut microbiota, and a decrease of Bifidobacteria (most specifically bifidum and B. breve). It also tends to increase the anti-inflammatory IL-10/IL-12 ratio during the 8-week period of intake, whereas placebo turns towards a pro-inflammatory state.

Both strains can be formulated in adapted galenic formats such as sachets, sticks and drops or in raw powder to be added directly in infant formulas, opening doors to great innovations.

The intestinal microflora of infants should contain a high proportion of Bifidobacteria during their first year of life to be well preserved and balanced and to maintain a healthy gut development and integrity to help them better digest milk. Growing up, until their third year, infants will acquire and develop their microflora until they reach a more stable stage. The two bifidobacteria strains, (B. infantis Rosell -33 and B. bifidum Rosell -71) encourage a smooth and timely evolution of the microflora from birth up to three years old, when the microflora reaches an adult-like stage.

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