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How antibiotics affect your child's health

When your child needs antibiotics, it’s hard not to worry. The medicine fights the infection, but what about all the good bacteria in their gut? As a parent, you want to know the best way to take care of your child both during and after the treatment.

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Antibiotics and the delicate gut microbiome

Antibiotics can be life-saving, but they don’t just target harmful bacteria – they also affect the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can lead to both short- and long-term effects on your child’s health.

Since many children take antibiotics at some point in their early years, it’s important to know how to support their gut health during recovery.

Short-term effects:

Imbalance in gut bacteria
Reduced levels of beneficial bacteria
Slower weight gain

Long-term effects:

Increased risk of asthma and allergies
Higher likelihood of obesity
Greater risk of inflammatory diseases

Helping the gut microbiome heal

After a round of antibiotics, the gut may need extra support to regain its balance.

Food first

A varied, fiber-rich diet helps feed beneficial gut bacteria. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods can support balance and resilience over time.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics act as food for good bacteria. In infants, HMOs from breast milk play this role naturally. For formula-fed babies, children, and teens, targeted prebiotics can help support a healthy gut environment.

Probiotics

Probiotics provide beneficial bacteria that may help restore the microbiome, especially after antibiotics or early-life disruptions like C-section birth. Choosing the right strain and format matters – guidance from a gut health test can help.

How do you know
if the gut microbiome has recovered?

Every child is different, and you can’t always see the effects of antibiotics on the outside. However, there are ways to check how their gut bacteria are doing and what you can do to help.

Alba's at-home gut health tests can provide a complete report on your child’s microbiome. Based on the results, you’ll receive a personalized action plan and a consultation with a certified nutrition coach, giving you the chance to ask questions and get tailored advice.

You're not alone. Our gut health test has helped many parents with their child's colic.

Colic is challenging for both babies and parents. Let Alba help you uncover the root cause of your baby’s colic and get expert advice tailored to their needs.

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“He got sick and had to take antibiotics, and right after he had a big eczema flare. After Alba, his eczema has completely cleared."

"My son was suffering from mild eczema that kept re-appearing all over his torso, back and legs. When he was 1.5 years old he got sick and had to take antibiotics, and right after he had a big eczema flare.

That's when I found Alba. The great thing about Alba is that it’s based on science. You’re not guessing or relying on generic advice. The insights are personal, and the steps are easy to follow.

We started diversifying Timo’s meals more and added yogurt, berries, and fermented foods. Within a few weeks, his eczema disappeared. Eight months later, it still hasn’t come back.”

– Noemie, Timo's mom

Read Noemie's story