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If you are a new parent hunting remedies for your baby’s gut issues then you have landed on the right page. Newborns often face digestive problems and it further impacts their feeding and overall growth. To keep the gut healthy, the baby must be fed with nutrients that boost the health and growth of the gut.
One of the many nutrients essential for your baby’s gut health, FOS (Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides) can do wonders. However, since a lot of parents aren’t aware of FOS, we spoke to Dr Piyush Shah, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Cloudnine Hospital, Mumbai, and asked him to share an explainer on the nutrient.
What Is FOS?
Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides or FOS in simple terms are food for the good bacteria in the gut. FOS helps in growing the good bacteria in the gut. He said, “FOS has a positive impact on babies’ gut health. FOS is present naturally in foods like bananas, apples, oats, honey, etc. However, when it comes to infants, breast milk is the best and there are no two ways about it. Breast milk contains several oligosaccharides. FOS is also one such oligosaccharide.”
Sources Of FOS
- Banana
- Oats
- Honey
- Apple
- Breast milk (breast pump uses)
- Tomatoes
- Honey
- Wheat
Benefits Of FOS For Baby’s Gut
FOS Increases The Good Bacteria
Dr Shah said, “Your baby has a mix of both good and bad bacteria in their stomach, bad bacteria, as we know, can lead to the baby falling sick more often. FOS helps in increasing the good bacteria, therefore, building your baby’s immunity. It is a beneficial fibre that supports our baby’s digestive system.
FOS Helps With Constipation
At least one in ten infants suffer from constipation. This is followed by the baby facing more stomach issues occasionally, leading to an unhappy baby. If not treated timely, the issue can lead to an increase in the number of doctor visits. FOS is a soluble fibre that transforms itself into a jelly-like mass in the baby’s gut and helps solve digestive issues. He added, “It helps soften stools and facilitates their smooth passage and keeps the baby’s tummy clean. Besides, it acts as food for good bacteria and increases their number thus supporting gut health.”
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FOS Leads To Healthy Bone-Building
Consuming foods rich in FOS help your baby absorb bone-building minerals. These minerals are also important for your baby’s gut health.
FOS Improves Nutrient Absorption
The expert concluded, “Not just giving the right nutrients, but efficient absorption of nutrients is also critical. FOS has proven to help in the absorption of vital nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc which are very critical for babies’ overall growth and development. A good fibre like FOS supports healthy development, better digestion, and an all-around happier baby.”
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Though FOS has many benefits for your baby’s gut and overall health, we suggest you consult your doctor before adding FOS-rich foods to your baby’s daily diet to prevent any health-related issues.
Disclaimer: This article was originally published on Herzindagi.com. MomJunction has reposted the article with only the title and image changed.
