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Probiotics aid preemies, help with skincare |
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Thursday, 03 July 2008 |
Adding to mounting evidence that probiotics might have myriad health benefits, researchers now say friendly bacteria provide support for preterm newborns.
A July 1 Reuters story reports on a study that observed significant improvements in gut health in bottle-fed preemies who ingested the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri.
Compared with babies who were formula fed without the addition of the probiotic, those who were breast-fed or given L. reuteri were less likely to spit up or cry. The probiotic- and breast-fed groups also had significant increases in bowel movements, according to the story.
What’s more, bottle-fed newborns given the probiotic exhibited gastrointestinal motility patterns similar to those of breast-fed infants.
In addition, a small story in the August issue of Natural Solutions magazine asserts probiotics might promote skin health. The magazine cites research that says friendly bacteria strengthens the skin’s acid mantle – oil and sweat on its surface – that provides protection against pathogens and free radicals.
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