Expert Reveals Benefits of Maintaining Intestinal Microbiota Balance for Child Growth and Development

Global Media Discussion Advances and Insight on Biotics for Child Health (Yesica Sitinjak/VOI)

JAKARTA - Maintaining the balance of the intestinal microbiota from the beginning of a child's life is very important to grow well. This was conveyed by a Child Gastroenterology and Nutrition Expert from the University Hospital Brussels (UZ Brussel), Belgium, Prof. Yvan Vandenplas.

Inside the human digestive tract there are about 100 trillion microbiomes that affect vital functions. From digestive function to the immune system.

The balance in the microbiota ecosystem is very important so that children can grow and develop optimally. To maintain the balance of the microbiota, it needs to be done from the beginning of a child's life.

"Early life is an important period in the formation of the gut microbiota," said Prof. Yvan, in a media discussion entitled 'Global Advances and Insight on Biotics for Child Health', in Jakarta, Thursday, August 6, 2026.

One of the important nutritional intakes to optimize and maintain the health of the digestive system is prebiotics. Prebiotics act as the main food for hundreds of trillions of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract from the beginning of a child's life, so that the number of good bacteria in the intestine remains balanced.

Prof. Yvan explained that a number of studies show that biotics such as prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics can support the growth of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which is part of the body's natural ecosystem.

"Synbiotics are a combination of prebiotics (fiber) and probiotics (good bacteria) that are beneficial for the health of the little one. Various studies show that synbiotics can help maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota," he explained.

With the benefits of maintaining the balance of intestinal microbiota to keep the digestive tract healthy, innovations related to prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics must continue to be voiced, as is done by Danone.

"Understanding the importance of digestive health to support optimal child growth and development, Danone through Nutricia Research with more than 100 years of experience in the field of growth and development nutrition for children, continues to innovate to develop products with clinically proven prebiotics," said Dr. dr. Ray Wagiu Basrowi, MKK., Medical & Scientific Affairs Director Danone Indonesia.

"One of them is the FOS: GOS nutrition innovation with a 1:9 ratio that has been clinically tested internationally to support children's gastrointestinal health," he added.

With a good balance of the microbiome, the child's digestive health can be better maintained and ultimately also support the development of the child's immune system. A good immune system is very important so that children are not easily attacked by diseases.