Antibiotics are a significant part of modern medicine. These offer a powerful defence against bacterial infections and helping children recover from serious infections and illnesses. However, the use of antibiotics comes with a caveat: They can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota.
Microbiota is the diverse community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside in the digestive tract and help in digestion, immunity, and overall health.
In this article, we will try to understand how antibiotics affect gut microbiota in children, their consequences, and how as parents we can support our child’s health during and after antibiotic treatment.
The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Children
The gut microbiota is essential for:
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Immune Function: It helps train the immune system to recognize and fight harmful pathogens.
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Nutrient Absorption: It breaks down food and assist in absorbing essential vitamins and minerals.
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Digestive Health: It protects against gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and constipation.
- Overall Health: Researches suggest a link between gut health and mood, brain function, and long-term metabolic health.
In children, a healthy gut microbiota is particularly crucial as it supports growth, development, and resilience against infections.
How Antibiotics Affect Gut Microbiota
Antibiotics are taken to kill the harmful bacteria causing infections and illness. However, they are not selective and also target good bacteria in the gut. This disruption can lead to gut dysbiosis, an imbalance between good and bad bacteria.
Consequences of Gut Microbiota Disruption
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Digestive Issues: Antibiotics often cause side effects like diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach cramps. Many studies indicate that children’s growth can be temporarily ceased by up to 8 weeks after one course of antibiotics.
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Weak Immunity: Good bacteria in gut stimulate the production and activity of immune cells, such as T-cells and B-cells, which are essential for fighting infections. It also produces substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and antimicrobial peptides that protect against harmful pathogens. Disruption in gut ecosystem can make children more susceptible to infections.
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Nutritional Deficiencies: Gut Microbiota breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. Their depletion due to antibiotics intake can lead to deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Long-Term Health Risks: Repeated antibiotic use in early childhood may lead to an increased risk of obesity, allergies, and metabolic disorders later in life.
How to Mitigate the Impact of Antibiotics
While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, parents can take steps to minimize their impact on gut health:
1. Use Antibiotics Responsibly
- Consult a Paediatrician: Always discuss with the paediatrician before starting antibiotics. Avoid using them for viral infections like colds or flu, as they are ineffective against viruses.
- Follow Prescriptions Carefully: Complete the prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance, but avoid unnecessary use too.
2. Support Gut Health with Prebiotics and Probiotics
To replenish and nourish the gut microbiota, focus on:
Probiotics: These are live microorganisms that restore beneficial bacteria in the gut. eg. Curd, yogurt, kefir, cheese, fermented foods like idli and dhokla, and fermented drinks like kanji.
Prebiotics: These are high-fiber foods that serve as fuel (substrate) for beneficial or good bacteria. Eg: Apples, bananas, dry fruits, cereals, and millets.
Pro Tip:
When setting curd at home, add 8-10 raisins to every half liter of milk. The curd acts as a probiotic, while the raisins provide prebiotic fiber. This combination supports a healthy gut ecosystem and is a tasty addition to your child’s diet. Give this freshly prepared and non-refrigerated curd to the child during and after their antibiotic course. This will give them relief from gas an
3. Prioritize Hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Proper hydration supports digestion and helps flush out toxins. Give them liquids in the form of healthy drinks and soups.
4. Offer a Diverse, Nutrient-Rich Diet: A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods can help rebuild a diverse and resilient gut microbiota.
5. Don’t club antibiotics with calcium: Avoid calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, or supplements at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after taking the antibiotic. This is particularly for the antibiotics in tetracycline and fluoroquinolone families. This time gap allows enough time for the antibiotic to be absorbed without interference.
The Broader Perspective: Balancing Antibiotics and Gut Health
Antibiotics are sometimes necessary in treatment, but their use requires careful consideration. As parents, we can strike a balance by using antibiotics judiciously and taking proactive steps to support our children’s gut health. By combining responsible antibiotic usage with a diet rich in prebiotics and probiotics, we can help our children maintain a healthy gut and thrive.
The gut microbiota is a foundation of a child’s health. Antibiotics, while essential in certain situations, can disrupt this delicate gut ecosystem. By understanding the impact of antibiotics and taking steps to support better gut health, we can ensure our children grow up strong, healthy, and resilient.