Many parents focus on their gut health as adults without realizing it’s equally essential for their infants to have good gut health. Babies need a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria to digest their mothers’ milk. They also need healthy gut bacteria to help their immune systems develop and function optimally. As a parent, it’s essential to understand the iron and probiotics gut health connection. Here’s what you should know about the role of both substances in your baby’s digestive health.
What Is Iron
Iron is a mineral that can be naturally found in various food products. It’s also sometimes added to food to fortify it. Getting sufficient iron from the diet can be challenging, especially for babies who can’t yet eat solid foods. Fortunately, iron supplements such as Wellements Organic Iron Drops are safe for babies to take. They contain a specially-selected source of iron that pediatricians recommend for its history of bioavailability and safety.
What Are Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help boost gut health. They help the body break down food and absorb nutrients from it. Naturally found in certain types of yogurt and fermented foods, gut health probiotics can benefit the body in many ways.
However, some types of probiotics may be too harsh for infants’ delicate stomachs. That’s why it’s crucial to find products containing gentle strains that will help support your baby’s digestive health. Wellements Organic Liquid Probiotic uses Lactospore, a gentle probiotic strain with a long history of safe use. This product can help improve your baby’s digestive and immune health when taken as recommended.
Importance of Iron & Probiotics for Gut Health
There is a link between gut health and iron absorption. Studies show that optimizing the body’s iron balance can reshape the gut microbiome to support digestion. Iron deficiency in infants can not only lead to anemia, but it can also negatively impact the gut microbiota. Unfortunately, iron deficiency in infants and children is pretty common. Babies born to mothers with anemia may be at a higher risk of experiencing the condition themselves. A quality iron supplement can help ensure your baby has sufficient iron to support optimal gut and overall health.
Like iron, probiotics are also essential for gut health. They help keep the digestive tract balanced with healthy microorganisms. In babies, probiotics may help with constipation and colic. If your baby seems to have trouble digesting your milk, adding a gentle probiotic supplement may help.
Benefits of Iron for Infant’s Gut Health
Many parents don’t think to give their babies iron supplements. But in children who don’t have sufficient iron, these supplements may provide the following benefits:
- Improved nutrient absorption
- Improved intestinal barrier function
- Improved infection resistance
These benefits can help your little one have a happier, more comfortable early life. Iron supplementation may also help lay the nutritional groundwork for your child’s development into a healthy adult.
Benefits of Probiotics for Infant’s Gut Health
When given in infancy, probiotics may help your little one in the following ways:
- Decrease intestinal distress
- Prevent diarrhea from antibiotic use
- Boost beneficial bacteria for optimal digestion
In addition to all these benefits, probiotics can help give your baby a well-balanced colony of gut bacteria. When gut bacteria are balanced, they can provide the support your baby needs to grow healthy and strong. They can also help your infant fight off illnesses and infections. If you want to give your baby the healthiest digestive start, consider giving them iron and probiotics.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8159756/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30418043/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8838803/#:~:text=Recent%20evidence%20suggests%20that%20iron,23%2C24%2C25%5D.