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 teeming 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 Gut Health Drinks. 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 are 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!
How Prebiotics Support a Stronger Immune System in Children
A 2018 clinical study (4) published in The Journal of Nutrition found that children aged 3 to 6 who consumed inulin-type fructans, a natural prebiotic fibre from chicory root, had significantly higher levels of Bifidobacteria in their gut and experienced fewer febrile infections that required medical attention. This suggests prebiotic supplementation may help support a stronger immune system, making it a smart addition to a child’s daily routine.
Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room
According to the NHS, 1 in 3 children is constipated! (3)
Ps. Adults don't fare much better, with 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: Prebiotics that Support Children's Health
Understanding parents' challenges in incorporating sufficient fibre into their children's diets, ió 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.
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.
(Ps. This is a video with our old label - same great science-backed ingredients and flavour inside, though! :))
Why Choose ió for Your Child?
ió 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 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.
- Scientifically proven: To 'significantly increase friendly probiotic microbes' that are linked to supporting proper immune system function by Glasgow Caledonian University
See what parents are saying about how ió is supporting their (and their kids) health with the power of prebiotics by reading the reviews.
Special Offer: Get Started with ió 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.
Visit us at Loveio.co to learn more, and don't forget to use the code 'KIDS20' at checkout when you shop to get 20% off!
Summary
Supporting your child's gut health starts with prebiotic fibre. Most kids aren’t getting enough, which can lead to constipation, weaker immunity and poor digestion. ió Gut Health Drinks provide an easy daily source of inulin from chicory root, helping to restore gut balance and keep things moving. Make prebiotics part of your child’s routine to boost digestion, support immune health and fill the fibre gap without the fuss.
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(1) Resources on the Gut-Brain Connection - Autism Research Institute
(2) National Diet and Nutrition Survey
(3) NHS Inform
