A study published in the journal Cell outlines how these beneficial bacteria can lead to healthy immune system development, which can then reduce the risk of allergies and autoimmune conditions in later years. “We often see increased colic, fussiness, gas, diaper rash, and eczema in babies that don’t possess enough of this healthy bacteria,” says Amna Husain, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Pure Direct Pediatrics.
What Is B. Infantis?
According to Grace Clark-Hibbs, MDN, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and gut health expert, B. infantis is the main bacterium found in the gut of breastfed infants. “It is responsible for a variety of health benefits for the infant, including developing the immune system, protecting against inflammation, and strengthening the gut wall,” she says.
Study Details
The study, which included 268 babies from Sweden and California, used extensive blood testing to determine the level of B. infantis present in the bloodstream of each baby. Those with higher levels of these beneficial bacteria also had higher levels of anti-inflammatory markers. By the same token, infants with low levels of B. infantis, which has the unique ability to metabolize beneficial sugars in breast milk called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), displayed higher levels of systemic inflammation and disordered development of their immune cells.
Causes of Low Levels of B. Infantis
There are several factors, all of which occur at birth or shortly after, that influence an infant’s level of B. infantis. Sadly, estimates indicate that as many as 90% of infants don’t have adequate levels of these beneficial bacteria. “The infant’s microbiome is influenced by how they were delivered (vaginal vs. C-section), whether they are breastfed or not, and whether the mom was on antibiotics during pregnancy or while breastfeeding,” says Clark-Hibbs. “Studies have shown that infants who were delivered via C-section and/or are not breastfed through at least the first 6 months of life are more likely to have a microbiome that is out of balance. All of these factors will lead to a large portion of infants having inadequate amounts of the crucial bacteria, B. infantis, in their guts," she explains.
Type of birth
Babies who are born vaginally are exposed to the healthy bacteria in their mom’s birth canal. In a C-section birth, this doesn’t happen, which can lead to lower lifetime levels of beneficial bacteria.
Method of feeding
Breastfed babies are naturally exposed to a host of prebiotics and probiotics that simply haven’t yet been added to infant formulas. “Most infant formulas do not contain probiotics unless you buy a brand from a health food store—like a plant-based or non-dairy formula," says Heather Hanks, a nutritionist with Life Insurance Star. “Most of the time, parents and caregivers will need to add probiotics to formula as an additional supplement.” An example of such a probiotic is Evivo, which Dr. Husain says is clinically proven to reduce potentially pathogenic gut bacteria by up to 80%.
Increased use of antibiotics
Antibiotic exposure at birth is another source of the issue. There’s a great deal of research indicating that antibiotic use destroys beneficial gut bacteria, and this occurs during childbirth as well.
How to Help Establish a Healthy Microbiome
Breastfeeding an infant is the best way to ensure they get adequate levels of B. infantis. The bacteria thrive on the sugars present in human breast milk, and thus will increase levels in the infant’s body. If breastfeeding isn’t possible and donor milk also isn’t feasible, parents can consider probiotic and prebiotic supplementation. “I recommend a probiotic that contains B. infantis EVC001, which has been shown to be well tolerated in breastfed infants,” says Dr. Husain. “This can help to efficiently colonize the infant gut, resulting in a significant reduction of pathogenic bacteria and enteric inflammation.” However, it’s important to note that parents should always consult with their baby’s pediatrician before adding anything to baby’s diet. The risk of possible allergens is the biggest issue.
