The Role of Prebiotics in Children’s Health

In this blog we will share about the importance of boosting your children's health with the power of prebiotics and learn how prebiotic fibre plays an essential role by nourishing the gut and supporting a healthy microbiome.

The strength of a child's gut microbiome is integral to their overall well-being. It bolsters immune function, aids digestion, reduces the risk of constipation, and even improves mood and cognitive abilities.

Furthermore, emerging studies are showing links to the gut microbiome, the gut-brain axis, and autism. (1) This underscores the importance of prebiotics in children's daily diets. Yet most children (and their parents!) aren't getting enough prebiotics in their diets—let alone fibre!

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics, a specific type of dietary fibre, play an essential role in children's health, as they significantly enhance gut health and support overall well-being.

Prebiotics are the special type of food that 'friendly' gut bacteria (probiotics) that reside in the gut microbiome need to flourish and create a healthier, happier human bean!

Think of the gut microbiome as a pond, and the live fish are the probiotics. Those fish need certain types of food not only to survive but also to thrive and flourish - creating a healthy pond, teaming with life.  That food that nourishes the fish? Prebiotics!

What's the #1 Source of Prebiotics?

Inulin (chicory root fibre) is the leading prebiotic fibre source, and it's what's in ió fibrewater. It is commonly included in many infant formulas due to its proven benefits for a baby's health - and long-term health for children and adults.

All prebiotics are fibre...but only a few foods are prebiotic!

Certain foods contain prebiotic fibre - however, you would need to eat a significant amount to achieve the daily recommended amount.

Although there isn't a recommended daily intake of prebiotics specifically for children (yet!), the foods that have prebiotics in them that also account for daily fibre intake is unrealistic. For example, a 2-year-old would need to eat 6-10 slightly green bananas daily, which is clearly never going to happen! Another food with prebiotics is onions, and a child of the same age would need to eat 3 onions. Daily.

Not to fret! We have an easy (and delicious!) solution for boosting fibre and prebiotics in children (and adults!) below!!!

The Fibre Gap in Children's Diets

It's alarming that 96% of children in the UK don't consume enough dietary fibre, according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey.(2)

This deficiency can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems and difficulties maintaining optimal health as they grow.

Fibre is essential for digestion and children's overall well-being, supporting everything from immune function to emotional health.

Think of prebiotic fibre as the 'next level' regarding the health benefits they deliver - they truly are a superfood hero!

Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room

According to the NHS, 1 in 3 children are constipated! (3)

Ps. Adults don't fare much better at 91% not getting enough fibre, and 1 in 7 are constipated!

Constipation (across all ages) costs the NHS over £200M annually for unscheduled hospital visits and medication.

Find out more:

Kids & Constipation: 6 Tips That Can Help

Prebiotics & Immune system function

Children's Health: The Impact of Chronic Laxative Use

This next part is super-important to be aware of...!

When you realise that 1 in 3 kids are living with constipation and that many are on laxatives - long term - it's important to understand the impact this will have on their health down the road.

The NHS advises using laxatives sparingly, recommending their use for occasional relief and for periods no longer than a week. The health service cautions against daily use to manage constipation, noting that it can lead to harmful effects.

Dr. Rajan elaborates on the risks: "Stimulant laxatives such as senna are not designed for long-term use. Prolonged use can weaken the intestines' muscle and nerve function, reducing their ability to effectively process waste."

"This can lead to a dependency on them, both physiologically and psychologically, necessitating increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired effect."

Sadly, we know of several teenagers who have been on laxatives since they were 2 years old and have lost normal bowel function. That's right - they have lost control of their bowels. Most likely for life.

Introducing ió fibrewater: Prebiotics that Support Children's Health

Understanding parents' challenges in incorporating sufficient fibre into their children's diets, ió fibrewater offers a revolutionary solution.

 

Our gut-loving drink provides 100% of the recommended prebiotics intake and 40% of their daily fibre intake, too! It's also hydrating and packaged in a bottle that's easy for kids to hold.

Kids LOVE ió because it's perfectly clear (Whoop, whoop! No bits!), tastes and looks just like water, and uses only naturally sourced ingredients with no added sugars. The natural Strawberry flavour 🍓is a hands-down fave!

This makes ió an ideal choice for parents looking for ways to supplement their children's diets with essential nutrients without the battle of dealing with fussy eaters.

Why Choose ió fibrewater for Your Child?

ió fibrewater stands out because it not only supports digestive health with prebiotics but does so in a way that's appealing to children and stress-free for parents. Here's why ió fibrewater is an excellent choice for your family:

• 100% Daily Prebiotics: It delivers all the prebiotic fibre your child needs in one convenient bottle. (Sachets coming soon!).
• 40% Daily Fibre: Of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for 2-5 year olds.
• Child-Friendly: It looks and tastes like water, so kids will have no complaints about taste or colour. It is suitable for kids aged 2+.
• Naturally Sourced: Made with ingredients from natural sources and free from artificial additives and sugars, supporting a healthy diet.

Check out some of the reviews regarding children and how ió is supporting their health with the power of prebiotics!

Special Offer: Get Started with ió fibrewater Today!

To make it even easier to try ió fibrewater, we're offering a special discount. Use the code 'KIDS20' at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase. It's the perfect time to introduce a healthy, fibre-rich, and kid-approved element to your child's daily routine.

If you're looking for a clever way to support your children's health with the power of prebiotics, then look no further than ió fibrewater!

Visit ió fibrewater to learn more and don't forget to use the code 'KIDS20' at the checkout to get 20% off.
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(1) Resources on the Gut-Brain Connection - Autism Research Institute

(2) National Diet and Nutrition Survey

(3) NHS Inform