I often wonder where my wife gets all this information, and then shares it with me. Not too long ago, she gave me a lengthy explanation about baby probiotics. She mentioned that if a baby takes the probiotic while having formula, it can help alleviate stomach discomfort. Moreover, for babies who aren't exposed to sunlight, giving them products containing Vitamin D can kill two birds with one stone, she argued. All I did was listen.
So, what do we need to buy this time?
The product she mentioned is called 'Biogaia'. I've never been a fan of consuming probiotics or even multivitamins, so I wondered, "Do we really need to start this with the baby?" I've always been somewhat skeptical about supplements. Ever since she got pregnant, I've watched her consume iron, pro/prebiotics, vitamins, and more for the baby.
Now that her due date is approaching, she's becoming more mindful of things that can directly influence our baby's health, and one of them is Biogaia. She recommended it, and it seemed beneficial for our baby, so I considered buying it. However, it was more expensive than I thought.
Purchasing Biogaia
I searched for an intermediary purchasing site on the Smart Store and bought it there. At the time, there were good discounts and loyalty points, but upon writing this, I found other sites offering it for a cheaper price. It's wise to check for discounts and make a considered purchase. Direct purchases from regular sites like 'Rocket Delivery' can be twice as expensive, so it's better to shop around. I did buy it at a higher price in my haste, but the timing was perfect as it arrived just four days before the birth.
Product Description
I didn't pay much attention when buying because I trusted my wife's research. Now, as I write this blog, I've carefully gone through the product details.
Usage and Precautions
- Administer once daily, 5 drops each time.
- Shake well for 10 seconds before use.
- Squeeze gently and drop a few drops onto a spoon for the baby.
- Store in a dry place and out of children's reach.
- Use within 3 months of opening.
Ingredients
It claims to restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, and it contains the patented lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis. This strain naturally exists in our bodies and has outstanding adaptability, interacting continuously within us. It's been tested in over 150 clinical trials and is proven effective and safe for children.
However, it was challenging to understand, so I looked for explanatory blogs or YouTube channels on 'baby probiotics' and 'baby supplements'.
Needless to say, I was flooded with results. So, I started sifting through them, looking for credible information.
Vitamin D and Probiotics
The primary ingredients in Biogaia are Vitamin D and probiotics.
Vitamin D
My research suggests that a basic daily intake of 400IU is essential. Previously, it was administered after three months, but now it's recommended just a few days after birth. There's Vitamin D in formula milk, so if your baby is mainly on formula, you might not need to supplement. Especially in times like now with pollution and COVID-19 reducing our outdoor activities, it's crucial to supplement with Vitamin D. For breastfeeding mothers, while breast milk provides most nutrients, it often lacks sufficient iron and Vitamin D.
All breastfed infants should consume 400IU of Vitamin D daily, and if they don't, they risk developing rickets.
Rickets
- A condition caused by disruptions in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, leading to impaired bone development.
- Symptoms include bowed legs, hunched back, leg deformities, lymphedema, and cold extremities.
On the other hand, what about probiotics? My research from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that there isn't enough concrete evidence to support the benefits of pre/probiotics, especially for children with constipation. Other pediatricians suggest it might help with digestive issues, but there's little concrete evidence. Based on a report I found, while probiotics show promise for conditions like gastritis, IBS, infantile colic, and prevention of pediatric atopy, further studies are still needed.
In conclusion, it seems there's no harm in trying it for our baby. Some of the content mentioned was translated from English, so there might be inaccuracies. I'll leave the actual document links below for those interested in delving deeper.
Reference Links
Honestly, I was more thorough because it's for our baby. It feels like I've been doing preliminary research for a thesis. 😅
Study notes from April 2, 2023