Science

Home » Science

70-80% of the immune cells of our body are located in your gut¹.

Over 65% of the immune cells of our body can be found in the gut. It is responsible for the digestion of food and for absorbing nutrients. And this is the reason why we have to be cautious with the food we consume. Foods that are highly processed or contain high amount of sugar can alter our gut bacteria. Thus, the right supplements can help us in getting the right amount of probiotics, which is briefly
described below.

What are Probiotics?

Beneficial microbes are important for our gut health and immunity as it can prevent over growth of bad or harmful gut bacteria, a state known as “dysbiosis”. World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. 

Reference

  1. Vighi G et al. Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008; 153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):3‐6.

Why probiotics are important for overall health?

The health and well-being of an expectant mother have critical impact on the development of her unborn child. During the 1000 days of life, microbial composition of the mother also has a profound impact on the health of her baby especially on prevention of allergies such as eczema in infants. Below are some of the known health benefits of probiotics –

  • It promotes good bacteria in the system
  • It is essential in building a stronger immune system
  • It is beneficial for skin health
  • It may promote mental health
  • It supports weight management
  • It helps in maintaining healthy heart

Does the child still need probiotics after 1000 days of life?

Beyond the first 1000 days of life, the environment still has a profound impact on the child’s growth and development, gut immunity, brain and cognitive functions. In fact, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections are the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age worldwide. At this stage, the child’s immunity will be under constant challenges as the immune system is still maturing while his exposure to foreign bacteria and viruses increases tremendously with the widening of social and learning environments. A good immune system that protects the child from within will spare the mother a lot of emotional distress and disruptions of the child’s learning process.

How to choose the right probiotics?

There are a huge number of probiotics available over the counter, which can make choosing the right probiotics a complex process. Here are some recommended guidelines for choosing the right probiotics for you and loved ones.

ROBUST SAFETY AND EFFICACY PROFILES

Probiotics are identified by genus, species, and strain: for example, Bifidobacterium longum BB536. The strain designation is important, as different strains of the same type of bacteria may have different health effects. It is important to highlight that the biological effects of probiotics are strain specific and that the success or failure of one strain cannot be extrapolated to another strain. 

A good probiotic product should contain probiotic strains of high quality that have robust safety and efficacy profiles, as supported by research studies. Ideally the strains have also been tested for their compatibility and the rejection or adverse reactions in human body before they are available to the public. This is important especially if they are used in promoting healthy microbiota of mothers and babies.

COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN BODY

The source of bacteria used in probiotics can be from human, animal or plant origin. In fact, many people are not aware that majority of the commercially available probiotics are derived from animal source. Some are well researched, but a lot more are not well established scientifically for their effects in human body. Human strains are better probiotics for human as they are derived from human body, mainly infant intestines by scientists and are thus highly compatible with the host.

CELL COUNTS (CFU)

Probiotics are measured in colony forming units (CFU) per g or per serving, which are the viable cell count in the product. However, the higher CFU count neither equate better efficacy nor guarantee the viable cells are present throughout shelf life. Choose a probiotic supplement that contains an appropriate amount of the probiotic strains that have been clinically proven to be effective. 

The Natural Shield and the Science Behind

The Natural Shield FAMIBIOTICS has developed comes with 3 main active ingredients to meet the health needs of different life stages in the family – ImmuG™, Lactoferrin and DHA.

ImmuGTM

Proprietary blend of Human Residential Bacteria (HRB) and Lactobacilli strains that are most unique and advanced in probiotic science. Over 1000 scientific studies have been done on the selected strains in over 15 countries worldwide. Time tested strains for sturdy safety profile across all life stages. 

Find out more

Lactoferrin

Major protein in human breast milk conferring immunity. When taken together with ImmuG™ forms a total protection system in the gut. ImmuGTM helps to support the gut and immune system, while Lactoferrin modulates the immune responses and promotes the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria. Lactoferrin plays a complementary role by eliminating bad bacteria and viruses. It also enhances optimal cell activity within the gut.

Find out more

DHA

High strength and microencapsulated DHA (omega 3 fatty acid). Essential building block for brain and retina development in early life stages. Supports healthy pregnancies.

FAMIMOM, FAMITOT, FAMIKID contain the EFSA’s recommended daily intake of DHA for pregnant and lactating mothers, children up to 18 years old, one of the highest recommended amount in the world.

Find out more

Do you know?

Any conditions under which FAMIBIOTICS are not suitable/recommended?

A: Probiotics ingredients in FAMIBIOTICS are already used by children hospitals in developed countries such as Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore for various conditions. The active ingredients are generally regarded as safe and suitable for all conditions. But we believe the best nutrients a mother can give to her child are still those contain in human breast milk. If for whatever reasons breast feeding is not possible, mother can choose FAMIMOM for the specific health benefits it was formulated. As probiotics are not medicines meant for treatment of existing health conditions, please see your doctor for advice if in doubt.

Can I consume FAMIBIOTICS warm?

A: Yes. You may consume it directly after opening the sachet within an hour after opening. But do not heat the bacteria if you are mixing it with food or beverage beyond 40 degrees Celsius as the bacteria will die if subjected to high temperatures.

Are FAMIBIOTICS suitable for vegans and do they contain any dairy?

A: FAMIBIOTICS is suitable for vegan from health maintenance perspectives as they promote healthy growth of good bacteria in gut microbiota.

Can I take FAMIBIOTICS if I am taking antibiotics?

A: Yes. The product does not interfere with the functions of antibiotics. But antibiotics do kill off bacteria in the gut both good and bad. Always take probiotics an hour before taking antibiotics. Consult your doctor if in doubt.

Can expectant mother take FAMIBIOTICS?

A: FAMIBIOTICS is a well formulated probiotics designed to benefit expectant mother to ensure nutrients are absorbed and pass on to babies while providing protection against bad bacteria in the gut. Boosting of immune system through the gut is essential to the health of both mother and child.

Can FAMIBIOTICS be taken with other medications?

A: It is recommended to take probiotics at least 1 hour before taking any medications.

Can I take FAMIBIOTICS if I am breastfeeding?

A: Yes. In fact, FAMIBIOTICS is a well formulated probiotics with a lot of good bacteria utilises the human milk for the benefits of the baby, it will also reduce the incidences of bad bacteria passing on to the baby via breast milk.

Can I take FAMIBIOTICS if I am lactose intolerant?

A: Generally, the probiotics do not create any adverse reactions even if consumer is suffering from lactose intolerance. If you are in doubt please consult your doctor

How do I take FAMIBIOTICS?

A: For mother, you may either take it directly or mixing with your preferred food or beverage. Make sure the temperature is below 40 degrees and consume as soon as possible.

Where do the bacteria in FMAIBIOTICS come from?

A: They are thousands of bacteria that good for health. Some of the good ones may even fight against each other, negating the efficacy they are known for. They are only 50 plus species known to be from human source or what we called Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB). Out of which a handful are found to be beneficial to gut health even when they are mixed together. Clinical studies have shown the strains used in FAMIBIOTICS are not only beneficial to the gut immunity but also have synergistic benefits on gut health when taken together.

Are there side effects from consumption?

A: FAMIBIOTICS use only bacteria strains that have been associated with long history of safe use. There is a body of research on Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli done by more than 15 scientists across the world on the gut immunity. More than 1000 research papers have been published and there are no known side effects associated with the use. In fact, some of the strains have been adopted by children hospitals in Japan for treatment of severe gut conditions.

How are the strains in probiotics sourced and what GRAS stands for?

A: There are several sources one can source for bacteria strains. The selection of HRB bacteria in FAMIBIOTICS are better as they are derived from infant intestines by scientists. These human strains are isolated and cultivated according to the highest food standards that are approved by Japanese authorities and USFDA such as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Without this certification, the strains are not approved for use by mom-to-be, expectant mother, lactating mother or children.

What are the known HRB and Lactobicilli bacteria known to be suitable for mother and baby?

A: They are a handful well researched species of HRB and Lactobacilli bacteria currently available with clinical validation on each of the strains. They are selected based on the superior health benefits and safety. The well-known such as Human-Residential Bifidobacteria BB536, M16V, M63, B3, Bi-07. Lactobacilli strains are Rhamnosus GG, HN001. Acidophilus such as CNFM are already available in the market with the support of clinical studies.

Why are they better than any other source of bacteria used in probiotics?

A: Besides human strain bacteria, they are also animal or plant sourced bacteria. Most of the commercially available probiotics strains are derived from animal source. A lot of which has not been tested for rejection/acceptance by human body. A well formulated probiotics should have research studies on safety and uses only quality bacteria whether they are Human-Residential Bifidobacteria or Lactobacilli. This is important especially if they are used in promoting healthy microbiota of mother and baby.

Are there any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives added to FAMIBIOTICS?

A: Generally, food-grade coloring or flavors with approval from local food agency or authorities in Japan and Singapore. Countries such as Japan have a long history of using approved food-grade flavours in probiotics. Preservatives of even though they are food grade are generally not recommended and therefore not used in FAMIBIOTICS during production.