Prebiotics For Babies: Why Do They Need, Types, And Benefits

Learn how prebiotics improve gut functioning and promote babies’ overall health.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ashraf Kasem, MS Dr. Ashraf Kasem Dr. Ashraf KasemMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on YouTube Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology Experience: 10 years
Written by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
Fact-checked by , MSc, MA, BEd Ghazia Shah MSc, MA, BEd Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
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Benefits Of Prebiotics For Babies

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Prebiotics for babies may help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. At the 6th Meeting of the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) in 2008, dietary prebiotics was defined as “a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health” (1).

Thus, prebiotics are different from probiotics and have different functions, which is elaborated in this article. This post also discusses whether babies require prebiotics and their benefits, safety, and food sources.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • If your baby is fed breast milk, they can safely get prebiotics from it.
  • Galactooligosaccharides, fructans, starch, and glucose-derived oligosaccharides are some prebiotics that babies can get from foods.
  • Prebiotics can strengthen a baby’s immunity and confer many more benefits, such as curing diarrhea, atopic eczema, and allergic dermatitis.

Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics For Babies

Probiotics are foods that provide the body with good bacteria.

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Prebiotics are often confused with probiotics. There are differences in them though, that can be best understood through their definitions provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2).

Probiotics are food supplements that contain viable/live good bacteria that cause alterations in the bacterial colonies of the host’s intestines. These bacteria keep the gut healthy.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the favorable growth and activity of one or more probiotic bacteria present in the gut.

Therefore, probiotics for babies are food matter that provide the body with good bacteria, while prebiotics work as ‘food’ for the gut bacteria itself. Healthy gut flora leads to their adequate population, which in turn keeps the digestive system functioning well.

Are Prebiotics Safe For Babies?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), prebiotics added to infant formula do not appear to be harmful to healthy infants, but there is currently not enough evidence to support the routine use of prebiotics in formula.

Do Babies Need Prebiotics?

Breastfed babies get the prebiotics from the milk.

Image: Shutterstock

It is not entirely known if babies need prebiotics. If your baby is fed on breast milk, then they can safely get the prebiotics from it. If your baby is on a formula diet, then you will have to speak to your doctor about introducing a prebiotic infant formula since standard infant formula may contain little or no prebiotics.

A study noted that babies who were fed prebiotic infant formula had gut microbiotaiThe microorganisms present in the GI tract that aid in different body functions. similar to breastfed infants and showed better stool consistency (3). However, it is not known if prebiotic infant formula-fed infants have an advantage over standard infant formula-fed babies in the long term. Speak to your doctor about the pros and cons of prebiotic infant formula for your baby.

What Are Different Types Of Prebiotics?

There are several types of prebiotics. The majority of the prebiotics are a subset of carbohydrate group called oligosaccharide. The following are the different variations of oligosaccharides that work as prebiotics (1) (4).

  1. Galactooligosaccharides: It comes from the sugar called galactose, which is commonly found in milk, including human milk, and milk products like yogurt, etc.
  1. Fructans: This category consists of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide. Inulin is generally found in root vegetables. Fructose is found in several fruits and vegetables.
Root vegetables have inulin and fructo-oligosaccharide.

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Starch and glucose-derived oligosaccharides: These often result from the breakdown of large molecules of starch and glucose. Starch is commonly found in grains, while glucose is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

What Are The Benefits Of Prebiotics For Babies?

Prebiotics help in managing atopic eczema in babies.

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Prebiotics are considered functional foods because they provide health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition (5).

A few not very conclusive studies, prove the efficacy of prebiotics in managing the following conditions in babies:

  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Atopic eczema
  • Recurrent wheezing
  • Allergic urticariaiAlso known as hives, characterized by raised, itchy bumps on the skin due to an allergic reaction.
  • Allergic dermatitisiAn inflammation of the skin accompanied by itchiness and dryness commonly triggered by an allergen.
  • Diarrhea
  • Chronic ulcerative colitisiAn autoimmune disorder that causes sores, bleeding, and diarrhea in the colon and rectum.

Enriching the baby’s formula with prebiotics is also said to lower the pH of stool, stimulate bowel movements, and aid in improving the consistency of stool (3). Prebiotics might lead to an overall improvement in the population of the gut microbiota.

protip_icon Did you know?
Prebiotics nourish the bacteria in the gut that produce vital vitamins, such as vitamin B, which is necessary for metabolism, and vitamin K, which encourages healthy blood clotting (9).

Food Sources That Contain Prebiotics For Babies

Palm fruit is a natural source of prebiotics.

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Although they are available as supplements, prebiotics occur naturally in several common foods. The following are some natural sources of prebiotics for babies (2) (4) (5).

  • Human milk and prebiotic infant formula – only source of prebiotics for babies younger than six months
  • Chicory root
  • Yogurt
  • Buttermilk
  • Palm fruit
  • Jackfruit
  • Rambutan
  • Young coconut
  • Okra
  • Onion
  • Artichoke
  • Asparagus
  • Banana
  • Garlic
  • Soybean
  • Beans
  • Cereals


protip_icon Things to know
Some other food sources that contain prebiotics are sugar beet, honey, wheat, barley, tomato, and rye (1).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should babies take prebiotics or probiotics?

Adding prebiotics and probiotics to the infant formula may stimulate the growth and multiplication of gut bacteria similar to that present in the guts of breastfed babies (6).

2. What prebiotics are added to infant formula?

The European Scientific Committee on food has approved supplementing the infant formula by combining galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). 2′-flucosyllactose, an oligosaccharide commonly found in human breast milk, is also being added to infant formula in recent times. However, The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend the routine use of prebiotic supplemented formula as it lacks research (7) (8).

3. Are there any side effects of prebiotics in babies?

Studies show no adverse effects from prebiotics added to baby formula (2). However, scientific studies also do not establish the safety of other marketed prebiotics. Therefore, consult a pediatrician before giving any marketed prebiotic to babies.

4. At what age can babies start taking prebiotics?

Babies can start taking prebiotics from six months of age. It is important to note that prebiotic baby formula can be given to infants before six months of age.

5. Is it safe to give prebiotics to premature babies?

A study reports prebiotic supplementation in premature babies is safe and may have health benefits (10). However, consult a pediatrician before giving any prebiotic supplement to your baby.

Prebiotics are substances present in food that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. The presence of natural prebiotics in human milk indicates the need to introduce supplemental prebiotics in the baby’s food (2). Many foods, such as buttermilk, jackfruit, and tender coconut, contain prebiotics. Prebiotics for babies may help improve their gut health, digestion, immunity, and resistance to allergies. A balanced diet of solids after six months and continued breastfeeding can provide infants with the required prebiotics. However, you should check with a pediatrician if you wish to add prebiotic supplements to your baby’s diet.

Infographic: Foods That Can Provide Prebiotics To Babies

Prebiotics are available as supplements but may not be suitable for babies. It is best that babies get the required prebiotics from their food. Scroll through the infographic below to identify dietary sources of prebiotics suitable for babies. Save and share it with parents of other infants too!

dietary sources of prebiotics for babies (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Prebiotics For Babies: Why Do They Need Types And Benefits

Prebiotics for Babies_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Are you wondering if you should give probiotics to your child? Learn the pros and cons of giving probiotics to your little one with the following video and make an informed decision.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Dorna Davani-Davari et al.; Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications; U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Probiotics and Prebiotics in Pediatrics; Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Vandenplas Y, De Greef E, and Veereman G, Prebiotics in infant formula; U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Paiboon Thammarutwasik et al.; Prebiotics – A Review; Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology.
5. Prebiotics; Journal of probiotics and health.
6. Helena Parracho, et al.; Probiotics and prebiotics in infant nutrition; The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.
7. Ana Močić Pavić, Iva Hojsak; Supplementation of prebiotics in infant formula; Nutrition and Dietary Supplements.
8. José Maldonado, Probiotics and Prebiotics in Infant Formulae; Intechopen
9. Starin McKeen et al.; Infant Complementary Feeding of Prebiotics for the Microbiome and Immunity; U.S. National Library of Medicine (2019).
10. Ravisha Srinivasjois et al; Prebiotic supplementation in preterm neonates: updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials; U.S. National Library of Medicine (2013).

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Dr. Ashraf Kasem
Dr. Ashraf KasemMS
Dr. Ashraf Kasem is a pediatric specialist with 10 years experience in pediatrics, neonatology and pediatric nutrition. Having a pediatrics practice in Mansoura, Egypt, he is an influencer in Egypt and Arabic countries with more than 500,000 followers on his Facebook page.

Read full bio of Dr. Ashraf Kasem
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

Read full bio of Ghazia Shah
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