Meet the essential gut bacteria every baby needs—but most babies are missing

As a parent, I know you’re all too familiar with the ongoing battle to keep your little one clean from messes and free from harmful germs. However, while we often associate bacteria with illness, it’s crucial to note that not all bacteria are bad. In fact, bacteria play a vital role in shaping a baby’s immune system. One such beneficial bacterium is Bifidobacterium infantis (B. infantis), which plays an essential part in breast milk digestion. 

In my role as a neonatologist, I am wholly committed to providing the best possible care for sick babies, and one of the key aspects of their well-being is nutrition. Breastmilk contains a rich blend of nutrients that are specially tailored to support the development and health of newborns. My goal is to ensure that every ounce of breastmilk these babies receive is utilized to its fullest potential, helping them thrive and grow. By working closely with families and other healthcare professionals, I strive to create a nurturing environment where these babies can receive the best start in life.

Recent studies from 2021 reveal a concerning trend: More than 90% of infants born in the US now lack B. infantis, though the bacterium was abundant in babies in the early 1900s. This bacterium is still prevalent in many global communities, such as the Old Order Mennonites. But why is this critical bacterium suddenly missing from babies’ microbiomes, and how can we help restore it in an infant’s gut?

What is the role of B. infantis?

B. infantis resides in the lower intestine, where it interacts with nutrients passing through the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the important nutrients B. infantis interacts with are human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), a class of important carbohydrates found in breast milk. Notably, babies cannot digest HMOs on their own without the help of B. infantis.

Without this beneficial bacterium, HMOs pass undigested through an infant’s digestive tract.  Scientists believe this incomplete digestion of HMOs can hinder the immune system’s natural development.

That’s where baby probiotics come in. Evivo, an infant probiotic that contains B. infantis EVC001, is uniquely capable of helping babies fully digest HMOs. Babies who consume Evivo along with breast milk have shown 100% colonization of this beneficial bacterium in their gut, maximizing breast milk benefits and promoting overall gut health. 

A healthy gut microbiome comes with big benefits—less gas, fussiness, sleeplessness, diaper rash and colic-associated symptoms, to name a few. 

Why is B. infantis missing?

Modern lifestyle and birthing practices over the last few generations are thought to have inadvertently contributed to the decline of B. infantis in many babies:

• Widespread antibiotic usage: Since the 1940s, antibiotic use has drastically increased. While essential, antibiotics can wipe out good bacteria alongside bad ones, including B. infantis. 
• Increased Cesarean delivery rates: Babies born via C-section often miss out on obtaining their mom’s gastrointestinal flora, which they would typically get during vaginal delivery. With C-sections accounting for 31% of deliveries in the US, this has reduced the natural colonization of beneficial bacteria. However, even the majority of babies delivered vaginally are missing B. infantis, likely as a result of other lifestyle factors coming into play. 
• Formula feeding: Although formula feeding is a crucial option for many families, it doesn’t foster B. infantis colonization as effectively as breastfeeding, which naturally transfers more beneficial bacteria to infants.

How can we reintroduce B. infantis to our babies?

Researchers from the University of California at Davis have unraveled the significance of B. infantis in digesting HMOs in breast milk—a symbiotic partnership that has existed since ancient times. Their pioneering work led to the creation of the Evivo infant probiotic. This powder, when mixed with a small quantity of breast milk and given once daily, colonizes babies’ gut with B. infantis EVC001. This not only allows them to efficiently digest HMOs but also produces key metabolites that direct the immune system to respond appropriately to foreign organisms. By incorporating Evivo into your baby’s feeding routine, you can support their immune system development.

Breastfeeding and Evivo: A natural partnership

As parents, our priority is our children’s well-being, and understanding the importance of beneficial bacteria like B. infantis empowers us to make informed choices. Though many infants lack B. infantis in their gut, Evivo offers a simple and effective solution, helping to provide a foundation for better health.

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