Understanding Dysbiosis in Children

Understanding Dysbiosis in Children


 

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Avoid the Threats of Dybiosis with the Triple Protection Benefits of Similac Tummicare HW3+

When children are born via cesarean section, they are denied exposure to healthy microbes that they would otherwise acquire as they exit the birth canal naturally. This disruption can cause dysbiosis.1

What is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, the vast community of microorganisms that reside in our intestines. In a healthy gut, "good" bacteria outnumber "bad" bacteria, creating a stable environment for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. However, in dysbiosis, this balance is disrupted, potentially leading to a variety of health problems in children.

Dysbiosis Symptoms 

Dysbiosis is an imbalance of microorganisms in the gut. Children afflicted with dysbiosis can exhibit symptoms such as:

Increased Risk of Allergies and Autoimmune Conditions

A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in training the developing immune system. Dysbiosis can disrupt this training process, leading to an overactive immune response. This can manifest as allergies, where the body mistakenly attacks harmless substances, or even autoimmune conditions, where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

Digestive discomfort

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion by breaking down food particles and aiding in nutrient absorption. When this balance is disrupted in dysbiosis, digestive issues become common. Children may experience:

  • Bloating: An uncomfortable feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. 
  • Gas: Excess gas production due to bacterial fermentation in the gut.
  • Constipation: Difficulty passing stool due to sluggish movement of food through the intestines.
  • Diarrhea: Frequent loose stools caused by irritation and inflammation in the gut

Reduced Immunity

The gut microbiome is heavily involved in immune function. It helps to:

  • Fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
  • Produce immune-modulating molecules.
  • Regulate the inflammatory response. Dysbiosis can weaken these functions, making children more susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites

Additional Potential Consequences

While research is ongoing, some studies suggest a link between dysbiosis and other conditions in children, such as:

  • Nutritional deficiencies: If the gut microbiome is not functioning properly, it may hinder the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Weight gain or loss: Dysbiosis can affect metabolism and energy balance.
  • Mood and behavior: The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis, and some studies suggest a link between dysbiosis and conditions like anxiety and depression.

A Holistic Solution to Gut dysbiosis

Similac TummiCare HW3+’s unique formula can help address the manifestations of dysbiosis. With its Triple Comfort Blend of Partially Hydrolyzed Whey, 2’-FL HMO and nucleotides, your kid is given Triple Protection to:

  • help reduce allergy risks by up to 25%3
  • help ease tummy troubles4 and
  • help boost immunity & reduce the risks of common infections by up to 66%5 (vs formula with no 2’-FL supplementation)

Children who suffer from dysbiosis deserve thoughtful care. Similac TummiCare HW3+ helps nurture their delicate digestive system and support their gut health and immunity.

  1. Restoring microbes in infants born by cesarean section. (2016, July 13). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/restoring-microbes-infants-born-cesarean-section
  2. Salas Garcia, M., Yee, A., Gilbert, J., & Dsouza, M. (2018). Dysbiosis in Children Born by  Caesarean Section. Annals of Nutrition @ Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1159/000492168
  3. Von Berg, et al. Allergy. 2016;71(2):210-219.
  4. Reverri E, et al. Nutrients. 2018;10(10):1346.
  5. Marriage BJ, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015;61(6):649.

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