Inside every baby’s tummy, there are trillions of good bacteria known as tummy microbiota, whose role is to help breakdown the food to support easy digestion. Microbiota plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients essential to support physical and mental development.

Absorption of nutrients starts in the tummy

As your baby grows and develops, he needs the proper amounts of nutrients to support the development of his body and brain. These nutrients are handled by the tummy which is responsible for breaking down the different types of foods and making sure that each nutrient is being absorbed and ready to be used by the body. This is a complicated process, but the tummy is designed to do a good job.

Some nutrients are complex and cannot be digested with the enzymes produced by the body. The tummy microbiota can help in the process, breaking down complex nutrients and producing what is called Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). SCFAs serve as an important source of energy and enhance the absorption of calcium and iron, the building blocks for physical and mental development.

Iron and Calcium in Your Baby’s Diet

Iron plays an important role in supporting your baby’s brain development. It can be found in a variety of foods such as meat, cereals, boiled lentils, beans, fish and chicken. Calcium is crucial for physical growth and bone development. It also supports building strong teeth. Your baby is growing new bone all the time, so he needs the right amount of calcium to support a healthy growth. Your baby’s stomach is responsible for the absorption of Calcium and Iron coming from the food he eats. The healthier his stomach is, the more Calcium and Iron will be absorbed supporting healthy brain and bone development.

Production of Nutrients Also Starts in the Stomach

Stomach microbiota also actively produces essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin K and folate, most of which are not taken directly through nutrition. These vitamins are necessary for the proper growth, development and function of many of the organs in the body. The stomach microbiota plays such an important role, both in the absorption and production of essential nutrients. Find out how to nurture it!

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