Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins with Probiotics
August 19, 2015
More than a century ago, Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff introduced the concept that the natural bacteria in the gut can be modified to replace harmful microbes with beneficial ones to promote better health.1 This concept was key in the development of probiotic supplementation, where live yeasts and bacteria are taken to restore the natural balance of the gut and digestive tract. While there is still much research to be done on probiotics, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that probiotics can be used as a helpful tool to help maintain a healthy biome.2
How Much Probiotics Supplementation is Appropriate for a Healthy Gut?
There is no daily requirement of probiotics that our bodies need in order to function. Our bodies naturally contain over 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and help promote a healthy digestive system. Probiotic supplementation is used to help crowd out harmful bacteria.
For those interested in supplementing with probiotics, research indicates, there are certain levels that may be helpful in maintaining a healthy intestinal flora. Different probiotics have positive health affects at different concentrations. So a larger dose is not always better. Talk to your physician or nutritionist about the probiotic and concentration that is right for you.3
What are the Benefits of Probiotics?
The full extent of the benefit of probiotics is not yet known. Although research is ongoing, some studies indicate that a daily probiotic may have the following benefits:
- Promote digestive health and regulate the movement of food through the intestines4
- Improved immune system health4
- Promote a strengthened and more resilient stomach lining4
- Deter the growth of bad bacteria in the gut lining4
- Help improve the body’s ability, through its metabolization of food, to product B vitamins and to extract certain nutrients and minerals, which may promote healthier skin and nerve function4
How Do I Ensure I Am Getting Enough Probiotics?
Probiotics are found in several different kinds of foods, including yogurt and dairy products. The National Yogurt Association (NYA) has developed a “Live & Active Cultures” seal which requires yogurt to contain at least 100 million cultures per gram or 20 billion per 8 ounce serving. Similarly, frozen yogurt must contain 10 million cultures per gram or 2 billion per 8 ounce serving. Probiotics are also found in other food sources, such as fermented cheeses, organic fruit-based drinks, and pickles made with traditional brining methods to name a few.
While some foods consumed daily can provide probiotics, many find that dietary supplements are a better fit for their lifestyle and budget. Dietary supplements are convenient, can potentially deliver higher doses of probiotics, and do not always need to be refrigerated.
Prenatal Vitamins with Probiotics
Prenate® Restore is a dietary supplement designed to carry mom and baby through pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s the first and only postnatal vitamin with probiotics, DHA and 13 other vitamins and minerals.5,6 No other prescription vitamin indicated for use during breastfeeding has more DHA than Prenate® Restore, and the benefits of DHA are related to its dose.7 Prenate® Restore is the only prescription vitamin indicated for use throughout pregnancy and into breastfeeding that contains probiotics – invisible “good bacteria” that have health benefits.7 Ask your doctor is Prenate® Restore is right for you. Click here to learn more about Prenate® Restore.