A team of researchers that investigated more than 960 studies of probiotic effects on maternity health and lactation concluded, “Recent evidence indicates that maternal-dietary intake, including dietary supplements, during pregnancy and lactation [has] implications for health outcomes in both the mother and infant.”1 Research from 967 studies with 29 randomized control trials, investigated the effects of probiotic, vitamin D, and lipid-based nutrient supplements on mother and infant gut microbiota. The data from these studies support significant reduction in mastitis of the nursing mother and increased bacterial diversity in the infant gut.2
Hereditum® LC40® Breastcare is a probiotic derived from breastmilk of healthy mothers. This probiotic is clinically supported to reduce occurrence of mastitis by 51% and a 66% reduction in recurrence. LC40® offers an effective alternative to the use of commonly prescribed antibiotics during lactation.3
Studies show breast milk is the best nutritional source for infants because it provides a unique combination of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins. In addition the bioactive agents, and probiotic bacteria are responsible for a wide range of beneficial effects such as the promotion of immune system maturation and the protection against infections.4 A study conducted in New Zealand demonstrated that supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus was associated with a significantly reduced risk of eczema in high-risk infants.5 Studies continue to support the benefits of probiotics for mother and infant.
