Introduction

An intestinal microbiota enriched by bifidobacteria can promote a proper development of the immune system. It is known that infants born by cesarean section can have lower level of bifidobacteria than those born naturally. Moreover, also bottle-fed newborns can have low level of bifidobacteria and it can cause an increase in gastrointestinal diseases in infants.

The invention relates to the prebiotic activity of a Lactobacillus strain of vaginal origin and its use, in the perspective to promote the proliferation of intestinal bifidobacteria in newborns and infants.

Technical features

Intestinal bifidobacteria are fundamental to prevent gastrointestinal diseases and  can promote a proper development of the immune system, but infants born by cesarean section and/or fed with artificial formulas can have low level of bifidobacteria.

The invention relates to the prebiotic activity of a Lactobacillus strain of vaginal origin and its use, in the perspective to promote the proliferation of intestinal bifidobacteria in newborns and infants. The invention can be incorporated in an oral composition to be administered to newborns or infants to promote the balance of the intestinal flora, or in a topical composition to be applied on the nipples of a breast-feeding woman, also allowing a complementary regenerating and soothing action for the breast skin.

Possible Applications

• Development of nutritional supplements for early childhood;
• Development of medical devices for the treatment of the breasts in breast-feeding women.

Advantages

• Improvement of the health and immune system of infants born by caesarean section and bottle-fed babies.