The bacteria in the baby's intestine must be balanced and exactly in number. Why? Good bacteria are "soldiers" who are tasked with strengthening the baby's immune system to fight the attacks of bad bacteria that can cause illness or health problems. So, in the baby's intestines the number and type of good bacteria must be more than the bad bacteria.
Now, one way to maintain the balance of bacteria (microbiota) in the baby's intestine is to provide breast milk or breast milk exclusively in the first six months. Then what about babies who drink formula milk? Does it mean that the bacteria balance is messed up? Check out the answer below.
Know the role of bacteria in the baby's immune system
At birth, babies have a smaller number and variety of bacteria than adults. Bacteroides and Lactobacillus are groups of intestinal bacteria that play a large role in improving the baby's immune system. The composition of the bacteria will resemble that of an adult after three years.
So, the first two to three years of the baby's life are important times for the development of good intestinal bacteria. The presence of disorders during this period may be related to several childhood diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergies, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and obesity. The normal and balanced composition of intestinal bacteria is also thought to prevent diabetes.
Why is breast milk important to maintain bacterial balance?
According to recommendations from the World Health Organization or WHO, babies are given exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Then added with complementary food until the first year. Breast milk can be continued until the age of two years.
Breast milk has a variety of functions that are good for babies. The nutrient content in breast milk is in accordance with the baby's intestine because it is easily digested. Breast milk contains passive immunity from the mother, lactoferrin and other substances that play a role in helping the baby's immune system. A study concluded that consumption of breast milk, especially during the first 6 months of life is important in the development of infant immunity.
The most important content in breast milk and related to the development of bacteria in the baby's intestine is Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO). HMOs are oligosaccharides or carbohydrate molecules that are sugar in the human body. Unfortunately, HMOs are only found in breast milk, not in formula milk.
Why is this HMO important? HMOs are sugars that cannot be absorbed by the small intestine. These oligosaccharides will be fermented by intestinal bacteria to become an energy source for cells of the large intestine and become a material for Bacteroides growth.
In addition, there are also short chain fatty acids (SCFA), one of which is lactic acid, which can be used for the growth of Lactobacillus.
Bacterial balance in the intestines of babies who drink breast milk and formula milk
The difference in oligosaccharides causes differences between intestinal bacteria of infants who consume breast milk and formula milk. When compared, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus predominate in infants who consume breast milk. These two bacteria help ripen the baby's immune system and help defend the baby's intestinal tissue.
Whereas in infants who consume formula milk, most bacteria come from Enterococcus and Enterobacteria. As a result, the formation of the baby's immune system becomes less optimal. Therefore, you should try breast milk for the baby. Do not use formula milk carelessly if you have not been consulted and recommended by a doctor.