A gut flora in development
At birth, a baby's gut is still almost empty. The intestinal flora builds up in the first years of life, through birth, breastfeeding and later solid food, among other things. Only around the age of three does its composition resemble that of an adult. In breastfed babies, Bifidobacterium infantis is often the predominant species.
Seven strains
Infant Probiotics Powder contains five Bifidobacterium strains (B. infantis, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. longum and B. lactis) and two Lactobacillus strains (L. gasseri and L. salivarius). B. infantis makes up half of the formula. It contains no spore-forming strains, no strains that produce D-lactate, no prebiotics and no additives.
Use in young children
A 20 mg scoop contains 1.45 billion CFU; a 15-gram jar holds around 750 scoops. Mix it into cool or lukewarm food once a day. Only give probiotics to a baby or young child in consultation with the GP, the child health clinic or the paediatrician, and certainly not without medical advice to premature babies or children with a weakened immune system.
Smidge Infant Probiotics Powder
From an early age, our gastrointestinal system develops and our intestinal flora is slowly built up. Complete colonisation occurs only around the third year of life. Smidge Infant Probiotics Powder is specially formulated for babies and young children who are building up their digestive system, although the formula is also suitable for adults. The formula contains 7 different histamine-neutral bacterial strains and is free from D-lactate-producing and spore-forming probiotic strains. Moreover, the product contains no prebiotics or additives and is free of all common allergens, so that even the youngest among us can tolerate these probiotics well.
Characteristics of Smidge Infant Probiotics Powder
Specifically developed for children, Smidge Infant Probiotics Powder contains the 7 well-tolerated, histamine-neutral or histamine-degrading probiotic strains Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium lactis. Although the formula has been developed for young children, these probiotics can also be used by adults. Bifidobacterium infantis, the bacterial strain often dominant in the digestive tract of breastfed babies, makes up 50% of this formula. These probiotics suit children, sensitive users and diets such as paleo, Body Ecology, GAPS, SIBO, AIP or ketogenic. The bacterial strains do not produce D-lactate, and the supplement is free from inulin and other prebiotics, as well as from known allergens such as gluten, soy, dairy, casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, nuts and maize. The product comes with a handy measuring scoop and should be stored in a cool, dry place. It is wise to consult a doctor before giving probiotics to children.
About the intestinal flora
Our intestinal flora is a very complex ecosystem, about as unique as our fingerprint! In our intestinal flora, also called the microbiome, essential substances are produced, including vitamins and neurotransmitters. The microbiome also plays a key role in the digestion of food and in the proper absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The microbiome is therefore an extremely important ecosystem in our body. For all these processes to run smoothly, the body works together with the microbes present in the intestines, including bacteria. These intestinal bacteria can be divided into desirable and less desirable bacteria, and into passing species and permanent residents. A normal intestinal flora is in balance.
How do bacteria and enzymes work?
Billions of microorganisms live in our intestinal flora, each with its own function within the larger whole of our digestion. So there is a partnership between our body and the bacteria that populate our gut. When these species are in balance with each other, we speak of a healthy intestinal flora. Enzymes are able to speed up specific processes in our body, sometimes as much as a trillion times! They are little chemical factories that are rightly called the workhorses of our body. Digestive enzymes therefore act as a kind of catalyst in our intestinal system. You are not what you eat, but what you absorb. So cherish these little helpers in your intestinal system!
Benefits
Carefully composed blend of 7 neutral bacterial strains. Contains 1.45 billion CFUs per 20 mg dose. Mild formulation specifically aimed at young children, but can also be used by adults. Smidge Infant Probiotics is made from histamine-neutral or histamine-degrading bacterial strains and is free from D-lactate-producing and spore-forming probiotic strains. Smidge Infant Probiotics is hypoallergenic and contains no added substances.
The unravelling of our intestinal flora
We are gaining more and more insight into the workings and important functions of our intestinal flora, but in fact we still know very little about this mysterious organ in our body. The knowledge we have now is probably just the tip of the iceberg! For example, we are slowly beginning to understand the special ways in which bacteria communicate with each other via a mechanism known as quorum sensing. This mechanism allows bacteria, by secreting signal molecules, to be in constant conversation with each other and to attune their behaviour to each other. Among other things, they can tell how many of their own kind are present, and then trigger a synchronised response once a certain number is reached. Friendly bacteria communicate and work together via quorum sensing, a phenomenon that remains as fascinating as it is mysterious to many researchers.
The history of probiotics
The term probiotics was first used by the German physician Werner Kollath, who describes probiotics as active substances that are essential for a healthy life. However, the development and use of probiotics are much older. The first use dates back to the Neolithic period, between 10,000 and 5,000 BC. Because herders in the Middle East at the time stored their milk in goatskin bags, which were exposed to the burning sun during the day, the milk began to ferment. During this time, the use of other fermented foods, such as kefir, beer and wine, also emerged. It was not until much later, in the 19th century, that people discovered which processes underlie this and what their importance was. The French chemist and biologist Louis Pasteur in particular was significant with his theory that the cause of many diseases was a minuscule living being, which he called a microorganism. This important discovery in medical science eventually led to many other insights, such as the development of vaccines, the sterilisation of instruments and wound dressings, and the pasteurisation of foods.
Compiled with care
Smidge is committed to quality. The products are composed with care in small batches, and no unnecessary ingredients are added. This makes the products widely applicable and suitable for everyone, including those who are hypersensitive or have allergies. The products are composed on the basis of the latest insights and contain specific, neutral bacterial strains that are well tolerated by almost everyone. People who follow diets such as the GAPS diet or the paleo diet can also take Smidge products with peace of mind.
About Smidge
The three founders of Smidge, formerly Organic3, create supplements with the main objective of providing essential nutrients that can support a healthy digestive system and help maximise the absorption of nutrient-rich food. The passion for their business stems from their own experiences of overcoming illness. All three have personally found that good nutrition is the key to good health, and they are eager to help guide others on the path to wellbeing through nutrition. The supplements are natural, fresh and made without additives, making the products suitable for the most sensitive of users as well. The name Smidge means a small quantity, underscoring the fact that they always produce their products in small batches in order to guarantee extra quality. This not only prevents unpleasant side effects, but also provides the best possible result. Their vision, research and experience have led to unique products, with formulations inspired by the work of Dr Weston A. Price and Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride.
