How can Prebiotics support baby`s Natural immune system?

The intestine is populated with trillions of friendly bacteria, which colonise the gut after birth. Once settled, these friendly bacteria form an integral part of the body’s Natural immune system. These consist of:

Mechanical barrier
The gut is constantly exposed to micro-organisms from food and so a thick mucosal gut barrier is important in defending the body against potentially harmful bacteria. The friendly bacteria ferment the prebiotics to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These SCFA are then used as an energy source by the cells lining the gut. This enables them to produce thicker mucus to help maintain the mucosal defence barrier.

Chemical barrier
Fermenting prebiotics creates acidic conditions in the gut, resulting in an antibacterial environment. This is considered important in inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.

Biological system
Friendly bacteria also protect the body against colonisation of harmful bacteria by competing for nutrients, competing for adhesion sites on the gut wall, and by producing antibacterial substances.

Immune system
About two-thirds of the body’s immune system is located in the gut mucosa. The gut flora is important in the development and function of the immune system. When friendly bacteria attach themselves to the cells lining the intestine, they are thought to inform the body to enhance numbers, and aid maturation and activity of those cells involved in immunity and defence.