Kids Can Probiotics Drinks Consumption?

Probiotic beverage made from fermented milk is known to help increase the good bacteria in the gut. For adults, the consumption of fermented milk may improve digestion and boost immunity. However, whether the benefits of both probiotic drinks can be enjoyed by children aged under 2 years? According to Jimmy Hariantono PhD, a microbiologist from Yakult Indonesia PT Persada, probiotic drinks may be given to children to increase the immune system. 

These drinks can be consumed occasionally as breast milk foods (solids) for children aged 6 months and above. Although as a food companion, Jimmy reminded that these drinks do not replace the function of primary breast milk. Taste the delicious probiotic drink can be beat flavor milk when given to children on a regular basis. Opinions expressed similar spsesialis physician son of UB Women & Children's Hospital, Dr. Atilla Dewanti, Sp.A. According to him, children aged 6-24 months is okay to drink probiotic though not as solid foods. Probiotic drinks, said Atilla, may be taken as an additional baby when they were attacked by diarrhea. The best dose to give to the baby has diarrhea is half to one dose a day. Prompts Atilla reinforced by a research scientists who discovered the benefits of these good bacteria in children, which reduces the duration of diarrhea and prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotic use. Research published in the American Academy of Pediatrics report this finding, children who were given probiotics from the start suffering from diarrhea due to viral infection is healed faster. Probiotics also may prevent diarrhea in children who take antibiotics. However, children who suffer from immune disorders or catheters should not be eating probiotics because it can cause serious infections.

 Dr.Tod Cooperman, researchers who conducted a study on probiotics states, which need to be considered is a new probiotic would benefit if taken alive. "It should be known that the probiotic organisms, either supplement or food and drink, often dead even before the product is labeled," he said. In his research, food and beverage products to children probitok only probiotic containing 7-21 percent of the amount referred to in the label. In order to keep the bacteria alive, the product should be stored in a place protected from heat, light and moisture Meanwhile, a nutritionist from the Polytechnic of Health Ministry of Health Jakarta II Anggraeni Dyah Ayu Purbasari have another opinion. 

He suggested that children aged 6-24 months should not be used to take probiotics or drink artificial drinks manufacturer. Parents should provide food and beverage intake as natural as possible in this phase. According to him, basically probiotic drinks can increase the good bacteria in the gut. But in the intestines of infants under 24 months of age were already there, so let the good bacteria is growing perfectly without additional supplements. 

This drink is more appropriate for adults who may need assistance digestive system. "So let the good bacteria is growing naturally. If after two years, children are exposed to other food is okay because his endurance has been perfect," he said. When associated with the function of the digestive system launch, Anggraeni said the baby could get breast milk from his mother. Unfortunately, breastfeeding in Indonesia is still limited to 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding campaign. In fact, WHO has given directives breast-feeding until the child is 24 months of age or older.