AB-Biotics’ probiotic blend reduces infant FGIDs and colic, study finds

22 Mar 2022 --- AB-Biotics’ blend of two probiotic strains – Bifidobacterium longum KABP042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP041 – has been found in a study to alleviate functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants.

AB-Biotics’ formula was also found to lower the severity of colic and functional constipation. FGIDs are brain-gut interaction disorders.

“These new findings show probiotic strains potential to impact the gut ecosystem of babies, with effects seen on FGIDs symptomatology,” Miquel Bonachera, executive director and co-founder at AB Biotics, tells NutritionInsight.

“The two-strain probiotic formula was developed to offer a high-quality probiotic mix with specific benefits that synergically work to support gut microbiota maturation in babies. Each of the two strains was selected for their complementary properties, to create a formula able to impact infants’ health.”

“Growing evidence demonstrates the important role of probiotics during the first 1,000 days – from the moment a child is conceived until they have reached two years of age,” says Sergi Audivert Brugue, executive director at AB-Biotics.

“The benefits of probiotics in gut health, especially, are gaining rising interest in the infant nutrition space, including their potential role in FGIDs, which causes significant discomfort in infants and distress for parents,” Brugue adds.

Protecting the intestinal barrier
There are few effective approaches to improve FGIDs in newborns at the moment, and research establishing the mechanisms, safety and health advantages of probiotics in this field is sparse and contradictory.

AB-Biotics’ probiotic adhered to the human intestinal epithelium effectively via multiple mechanisms. The findings also showed that the formula protects the intestinal barrier synergistically by controlling the expression of tight junction proteins, which are necessary for barrier integrity.The findings highlight AB-Biotics’ probiotic strains may be effective and safe for infant gut health (Credit: AB-Biotics).

Both strains produced organic acids and antimicrobials, which show that they can inhibit a wide range of pathogens.

The study findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge about the safety and efficacy of AB-Biotics’ probiotic strains in infants. According to AB-Biotics, its probiotic strains formula is simple and specially created for infant gut health.

Investigating effects on infant colic and constipation
In a separate study, the formula’s safety, tolerability and efficacy in babies with baby colic and functional constipation were also investigated.

The study found that a daily dose of AB-Biotics’ probiotic strains for 14 days was safe and effective at reducing the severity of FGIDs and lowering colic and constipation symptoms in 36 infants.

Furthermore, the efficiency of AB-Biotics’ probiotic strains was independent of feeding type (breastfed or formula), method of birth delivery or usage of other medications.

While most of the study has focused on the effect of the strains in combination, Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP041 has shown promise in intestinal inflammation when used alone.

Previously, the AB-Kolicare probiotic blend from AB-Biotics helped minimize crying and fussing in babies with colic. In a separate study, BioGaia’s L.reuteri Protectis DSM 17938 probiotic strain reduced pain intensity in children with functional abdominal discomfort.

By Nicole Kerr