Oleh: Tesza Rezky Permata, Kebidanan

(Pangkal Pinang, 23 Mei 2025) Usus bukan hanya saluran pencernaan, tetapi juga “rumah” bagi sistem kekebalan tubuh manusia. Terutama pada bayi dan balita, usus menjadi pusat pembentukan imunitas awal. Maka, menjaga keseimbangan mikroorganisme baik di usus adalah kunci penting. Salah satu cara efektif adalah melalui konsumsi probiotik—mikroba hidup yang terbukti mendukung kesehatan tubuh, khususnya pada anak-anak usia dini.

Sumber : Canva

Mengapa Probiotik Penting untuk Anak?

Pada tahun-tahun pertama kehidupan, sistem kekebalan bayi masih belum matang. Di masa inilah probiotik memainkan peran vital. Menurut World Allergy Organization (2020), konsumsi probiotik tertentu dapat membantu menurunkan risiko alergi, meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh terhadap infeksi, dan mempercepat pemulihan dari diare.

Probiotik bekerja dengan cara:

1. Menyeimbangkan flora usus sehingga bakteri jahat tidak mendominasi.

2. Merangsang produksi antibodi alami (IgA) dan meningkatkan aktivitas sel-sel imun.

3. Meningkatkan penyerapan nutrisi penting yang berkontribusi pada pertumbuhan dan daya tahan tubuh.

Dysbiosis atau ketidakseimbangan mikrobiota usus pada bayi bisa muncul akibat penggunaan antibiotik, pola makan yang kurang sehat, atau infeksi. Kondisi ini bisa memicu diare, konstipasi, infeksi saluran cerna, bahkan masalah kulit. Maka, suplementasi alami dari probiotik dapat membantu menstabilkan kembali ekosistem usus.

Probiotik Alami untuk MP-ASI: Bisa Dibuat di Rumah

Probiotik tidak harus selalu dalam bentuk suplemen farmasi. Ada banyak makanan probiotik alami yang aman dan cocok untuk MP-ASI, serta mudah dibuat di rumah:

1. Yoghurt Rumahan
   Terbuat dari susu murni dan starter probiotik (bisa dari yoghurt hidup). Mengandung Lactobacillus bulgaricus dan Streptococcus thermophilus. Bisa dicampur buah tanpa gula untuk MP-ASI.

2. Tempe Kukus
   Kaya Rhizopus oligosporus, tempe tidak hanya kaya protein nabati tapi juga probiotik jika dikukus tanpa digoreng. Cocok dihaluskan sebagai campuran bubur bayi.

3. Tepung Beras Fermentasi / Air Tajin Fermentasi

Air beras yang difermentasi selama 24 jam menyimpan bakteri asam laktat yang baik untuk saluran cerna. Dapat ditambahkan ke dalam bubur.

4. Sayuran Fermentasi Ringan
   Untuk balita usia di atas 1 tahun, sayur-sayuran yang difermentasi ringan (tanpa pedas) bisa diperkenalkan perlahan sebagai sumber probiotik dan serat.

Investasi Imunitas Sejak Dini

Menjaga kekebalan tubuh anak tidak cukup hanya dengan suplemen dan vaksinasi. Probiotik menawarkan pendekatan alami yang ramah pencernaan dan mendukung sistem imun dari dalam. Dengan memberikan makanan kaya probiotik sejak masa MP-ASI, orang tua telah membangun fondasi kesehatan jangka panjang untuk anak. Sehatnya usus berarti kuatnya tubuh—dan itu dimulai dari rumah.

Sumber :

1. World Allergy Organization. (2020). World Allergy Week 2020: The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Allergic Disease.

2. Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G., et al. (2014). The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(8), 506–514.

3. Plaza-Diaz, J., et al. (2019). Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics. Advances in Nutrition, 10(suppl_1), S49–S66.

4. Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2020). Pedoman Umum MP-ASI dan Keseimbangan Gizi Anak Usia Dini.

5. Sanders, M. E., et al. (2013). Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease: from biology to the clinic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 10(9), 491–502.

 

Probiotics: Tiny Microorganisms, Big Benefits for Infant and Toddler Health

By : Tesza Rezky Permata, Midwifery Department

Health Begins in the Gut

(Pangkalpinang, 23 Mei 2025) The gut is not merely a digestive tract; it is also home to the body's immune system. Especially in infants and toddlers, the gut serves as the foundation where immunity begins to develop. Maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms in the gut is essential, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by consuming probiotics—live microbes proven to support health, especially during the early stages of life.

Why Are Probiotics Important for Children?

During the first years of life, a child’s immune system is still immature. This is when probiotics play a vital role. According to the World Allergy Organization (2020), specific strains of probiotics can help reduce the risk of allergies, strengthen the immune response against infections, and speed up recovery from diarrhea.

Probiotics support children’s health by:

1. Balancing gut flora, preventing harmful bacteria from taking over.
2. Stimulating the production of natural antibodies (IgA) and enhancing immune cell activity.
3. Increasing the absorption of essential nutrients that contribute to growth and immunity.

When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted—commonly due to antibiotics, poor diet, or infections—it can lead to conditions like diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal infections, and even skin issues. In such cases, natural probiotic supplementation can help restore gut health.

Natural Probiotics for MP-ASI: Easy Homemade Options

Probiotics don’t always have to come from expensive pharmaceutical products. There are many natural probiotic foods that are safe and suitable for babies starting MP-ASI (complementary feeding) and can be made easily at home:

1. Homemade Yogurt

Made from fresh milk and probiotic starter cultures (such as live yogurt). Contains Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Can be mixed with fruit (no added sugar) as part of MP-ASI.

2. Steamed Tempeh

Rich in Rhizopus oligosporus, tempeh is not only high in plant-based protein but also provides probiotics when steamed rather than fried. Suitable to be mashed into baby porridge.

3. Fermented Rice Water or Rice Flour

Rice water fermented for 24 hours contains lactic acid bacteria beneficial for digestion. Can be added to baby porridge as a nutritious booster.

4. Mild Fermented Vegetables

For toddlers over one year old, mildly fermented vegetables (non-spicy) can gradually be introduced as sources of probiotics and fiber. Ensure these foods are prepared hygienically and introduced gradually, appropriate to the child’s age.

 

A Healthy Gut Is a Strong Start

Supporting a child’s immunity isn’t just about supplements or vaccines. Probiotics provide a natural, gut-friendly way to build strong immune defenses from the inside out. By introducing probiotic-rich foods early during MP-ASI, parents are investing in their child’s long-term health. A healthy gut equals a stronger body—and it all begins at home with the tiny heroes living in the digestive tract.

References

1. World Allergy Organization. (2020). World Allergy Week 2020: The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Allergic Disease.
2. Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G., et al. (2014). The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(8), 506–514.
3. Plaza-Diaz, J., et al. (2019). Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics. Advances in Nutrition, 10(suppl_1), S49–S66.
4. Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2020). Pedoman Umum MP-ASI dan Keseimbangan Gizi Anak Usia Dini.
5. Sanders, M. E., et al. (2013). Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease: from biology to the clinic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 10(9), 491–502.