X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Good bacteria can help prevent deadly infection in newborns

2 min read

In the Philippines, Bacterial Sepsis has become of the top causes of death in newborns, along with Pneumonia and Respiratory distress.

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening bacterial infection that typically occurs in infants less than 90 days old. In some cases, it strikes during the first 24 hours after birth.

Worldwide, Sepsis claims the lives of 600,000 babies each year, making it the top cause of infant death around the world.

But this alarming mortality rate can be reduced, according to recent studies in the U.S. and India may have found the solution to fighting this deadly infection: good bacteria.

Good bacteria, or probiotics, can be found in all sorts of Asian cuisine, like kimchi, pickles, atchara, and various fermented vegetables.

In the study, which was published in the journal Nature, it was found that babies who consumed these microbes had a lower risk of succumbing to sepsis. Gathering data from thousands of babies in rural India, who they fed probiotics and sugars to feed the good bacteria, they noted an impressive decline in the incidence of sepsis in the region.

Probiotics were also found to protect against respiratory infection and boost the immune system

baby feeding

photo: Shutterstock

Leading the study was Dr. Pinaki Panigrahi from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, who has devoted two decades of his career to his quest to find the best way to prevent sepsis. Out of the 280 kinds of probiotics, he and his team found that lactobacillus plantarum worked best.

They also found that probiotics can shield a baby’s intestinal wall keeping bad bacteria from entering the bloodstream. The study also highlighted probiotics’ ability to protect against lung infections, which surprised the researchers because they weren’t expecting its benefits to manifest in both the digestive and respiratory systems.

The only side effects were a few cases of abdominal distention. Once it’s fully tested around the world, on both full-term and premature infants, the study’s authors estimate that probiotic treatment can be made commercially available for about $1 (or P51.12). Aside from its preventive health benefits, probiotics have also been found to boost a child’s immune system.

Partner Stories
5 Tips To Challenge Your Child For His All-Around Development
5 Tips To Challenge Your Child For His All-Around Development
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
BATANG MATIBAY: How this OFW's 12-year-old Son Shines at School and at Home
BATANG MATIBAY: How this OFW's 12-year-old Son Shines at School and at Home
When Shopping For Tablets For Your Kids What Should Be On Your Checklist?
When Shopping For Tablets For Your Kids What Should Be On Your Checklist?

This new development may need further testing before it becomes routine worldwide, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction in making sure babies get a fair shot at a long and healthy life.

sources: The New York Times, NPR, DOH, MedlinePlus

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Baby
  • /
  • Good bacteria can help prevent deadly infection in newborns
Share:
  • 5 tips para mapatulog nang mahimbing si baby

    5 tips para mapatulog nang mahimbing si baby

  • Baby Immunization Philippines: What shots does your baby need?

    Baby Immunization Philippines: What shots does your baby need?

  • Parents Guide: How often should you give your newborn a bath?

    Parents Guide: How often should you give your newborn a bath?

  • 5 tips para mapatulog nang mahimbing si baby

    5 tips para mapatulog nang mahimbing si baby

  • Baby Immunization Philippines: What shots does your baby need?

    Baby Immunization Philippines: What shots does your baby need?

  • Parents Guide: How often should you give your newborn a bath?

    Parents Guide: How often should you give your newborn a bath?

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.