How Prebiotics Help the Baby Immune System

The first year of life is a critical period for a baby’s development, especially when it comes to building a robust immune system. A baby's immune system is not fully developed at birth, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

However, science reveals that a healthy gut, supported by prebiotics, can significantly bolster a baby’s immune system.

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are fibers that act as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. They help maintain a balanced gut microbiome by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are crucial for overall health (Roberfroid et al., 2010).

Unlike probiotics, which introduce live bacteria into the body, prebiotics nourish the bacteria already present, making them a foundational element for long-term gut health.

Have more questions about the differences between prebiotics vs probiotics? Check out our blog here.

The Gut-Immune System Connection

Approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, making gut health critical for immune defense (Round & Mazmanian, 2009).

A baby’s gut microbiome starts developing at birth and continues to evolve, influenced by factors such as delivery method, breastfeeding, and diet.

Prebiotics play a key role in shaping this gut environment, ensuring that beneficial bacteria thrive while harmful pathogens are kept at bay.

When prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria, these microbes produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate. SCFAs have anti-inflammatory properties and strengthen the intestinal barrier, preventing harmful microbes from entering the bloodstream (Koh et al., 2016).

This interplay between prebiotics and gut bacteria ultimately enhances immune system function.

Learn more about how C-Section births can impact your baby's gut health.

How Prebiotics Support Baby Immune Health

Strengthening the Gut Lining

The gut lining acts as a barrier, preventing harmful bacteria and toxins from entering the body. Prebiotics support the production of SCFAs, which strengthen the gut lining and reduce the risk of infections and allergies (Kelly et al., 2015).

Promoting Beneficial Bacteria

By selectively feeding beneficial bacteria, prebiotics ensure that the gut microbiome remains balanced. A healthy gut microbiome improves antibody production and helps the immune system respond more effectively to pathogens (Wopereis et al., 2014).

HMOs can help increase good bacteria like bifidobacteria in your baby's gut, but 9 out of 10 babies have a microbiome deficiency. Learn more about how a targeted combination of HMOs + Bifidobacteria can help set your baby up for long-term health.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system. SCFAs produced by gut bacteria fed with prebiotics help regulate immune responses, reducing unnecessary inflammation (Makki et al., 2018).

Supporting Development During Breastfeeding

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), naturally occurring prebiotics in breast milk, are specifically designed to nourish an infant's gut bacteria. For formula-fed babies, prebiotic supplements can mimic these effects, ensuring similar immune support (Plaza-Díaz et al., 2019).

Sources of Prebiotics for Babies

Breastmilk is the natural source of prebiotics for infants. For formula-fed babies, choosing formulas with prebiotics like HMOs can provide similar benefits. Additionally, prebiotic supplements likeBeginbaby Prebiotic + Probiotic with HMO offer targeted support for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, combining the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics for optimal gut and immune health.

Summary

Prebiotics help build a robust immune system by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiome, and reducing inflammation. Supporting gut health early on lays a strong foundation for a baby’s lifelong health and resilience.