Probiotics and Infant Health: What You Need To Know
The thought of bacteria (!) in a newborn baby’s gut is pretty freaky, but germaphobes rest assured: probiotics are the good kind of bacteria. The kind that support digestion, nutrient absorption, and healthy gut microbiome development.
In the case of a formula-feeding newborn, there’s a strong connection between probiotics and infant health. Let’s look at why probiotics are such an important ingredient in goat’s milk infant formula — and what to look for when comparing products.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when present in the gut in adequate amounts, contribute to a healthy gut environment. They’re part of the gut microbiome — the ecosystem of microorganisms that develops in your baby’s digestive tract from the first day of life.
You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yoghurt, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, and kimchi. A newborn baby, however, will get their probiotic intake exclusively from breast milk or infant formula.
The difference between probiotics and prebiotics
A good infant formula will contain both probiotics and prebiotics.
While probiotics are the live microorganisms that contribute to a healthy gut environment, prebiotics are what feed this bacteria. It’s really the combination of pro- and pre-biotics that makes infant formula function as closely to breast milk as possible.
Goat’s milk is naturally rich in prebiotics
An abundance of naturally occurring prebiotics called oligosaccharides are one of the key reasons goat’s milk formula over cow’s milk differs nutritionally from cow’s milk formula. Goat’s milk contains up to six times more oligosaccharides than cow’s milk, and these oligos are easier to digest than synthetic GOS or FOS prebiotics often added to cow’s milk formula.
In goat’s milk, there’s a significant presence of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) — making it compositionally closer to human breast milk. This is one of the many reasons that goat’s milk formula may be gentler on developing digestive systems.
The gut microbiome and infant health
A baby that’s just been born has a completely sterile gut — no bacteria at all. But as soon as they start feeding, their gut begins to build up a colony of microorganisms. This is a good thing.
Breastfeeding babies are naturally exposed to probiotics in their mothers’ milk, which help them establish a healthy gut microbiome. Breast milk contains over 200 types of oligosaccharides (prebiotics), which provide food for the good bacteria in the gut.
Research also suggests that the gut microbiome is connected to broader areas of wellness, including immune development and emotional wellbeing. A well-supported gut microbiome in early life may lay the foundation for long-term gut health.
Why are probiotics added to infant formula?
Formula-feeding newborns need probiotics in their food source to help support the gut microbiome development that breastfed babies receive naturally.
Probiotics in infant formula help to populate a little one’s gut with beneficial microorganisms, supporting the balance of the intestinal environment during this critical developmental window.
All infant formula sold in Australia is highly regulated under FSANZ Food Standards Code Standard 2.9.1, and any probiotics included must be safe and appropriate for infant use.
Types of probiotics in baby formula
The most common types of probiotics, in general, include:
- Lactobacillus –helps maintain a balanced gut environment and supports lactose digestion.
- Bifidobacterium –plays a key role in gut microbiome development, produces key vitamins, and contributes to healthy digestive function. *(Hint — this is the type of probiotic in Oli6 Goat Milk Formula.)*
- Streptococcus –some varieties help break down lactose and support gut colonisation.
- Saccharomyces Boulardii –supports overall gut function and is commonly studied in the context of antibiotic use.
When it comes to probiotics in baby formula specifically, a recent study found that the most common strains used by formula companies include:
- Streptococcus thermophilus
- Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938
- Bifidobacterium breve (BC50)
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12
- Lactobacillus fermentum (CECT5716)
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).
The choice of which probiotics to include in an infant formula is an important one. Oli6 has made this decision based on thorough research and testing.
The Oli6 advantage: Probiotic BB536
Oli6 Goat Milk Formula contains _Bifidobacterium longum_ BB536 — one of the most extensively researched probiotic strains used in infant formula globally. This strain has been the subject of numerous peer-reviewed studies examining its role in gut microbiome support.
Published research on BB536 documents its effects on gut microbiome modulation in infants. It is a well-characterised strain with a strong safety profile and a substantial evidence base behind its use in infant nutrition.
Paired with the naturally occurring oligosaccharides in goat’s milk, BB536 contributes to the synbiotic formulation that makes Oli6 a distinctive choice for families seeking gut-supportive formula.
Should I give my baby a probiotic supplement?
In an era of seemingly never-ending sickness brought about by daycare settings (AKA germ factories), the allure of over-the-counter supplement drops and gummies can be strong.
The thinking goes: if there’s such a strong link between probiotics and infant health, surely it can only be beneficial to give your little one extra probiotics?
Not necessarily. While some studies show a correlation between probiotic supplements and certain digestive outcomes, research on the effects of probiotic supplements on infants and children is still limited and variable.
One study found that breastfed babies given probiotic supplements didn’t show better health outcomes in infancy, and actually experienced more illness as toddlers.
Speak to your paediatrician before giving your little one probiotic supplements, especially if they’re already accessing probiotics via their infant formula or toddler milk drink.
A final word on probiotics in baby formula
Probiotics are an important part of infant gut health and microbiome development. Thankfully, all infant formula in Australia is highly regulated, and all the options you’ll find at Coles or Woolworths will be nutritionally complete.
For little ones with tummy sensitivities, Oli6 Goat Milk Formula is a great easy-to-digest formula option, boasting all the nutritional benefits of goat’s milk plus a carefully selected probiotic strain. Find it at your local supermarket or Chemist Warehouse, or shop online.
—
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics in baby formula?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that contribute to a healthy gut environment. Prebiotics are the food source that nourishes those microorganisms. A formula containing both — like goat’s milk formula with its natural oligosaccharides — offers a synbiotic combination that supports gut microbiome development.
Are probiotics in baby formula safe?
Yes. Probiotics in infant formula sold in Australia are assessed for safety under FSANZ Food Standards Code. The strains added are selected for their safety profile and appropriateness for infant use. Always consult your paediatrician if you have questions about your baby’s specific needs.
What probiotic is in Oli6 Goat Milk Formula?
Oli6 contains _Bifidobacterium longum_ BB536, one of the most extensively researched probiotic strains used in infant formula globally. It has been studied for its effects on gut microbiome support in infants.
Should I give my formula-fed baby a probiotic supplement as well?
Speak to your paediatrician before adding any probiotic supplements. If your baby is already receiving probiotics through their formula, additional supplementation may not be necessary and the research on combined supplementation is limited.
Why does goat’s milk formula have more natural prebiotics than cow’s milk formula?
Goat’s milk naturally contains up to six times more oligosaccharides than cow’s milk. Five of these oligosaccharides are also found in human breast milk. This natural prebiotic richness is one reason goat’s milk formula may support digestive comfort in some babies.
—
