[Prebiotics and probiotics in infant nutrition]

Pediatr Med Chir. 2007 Mar-Apr;29(2):69-83.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Many studies have recently analyzed the modulation of the intestinal microflora showing a benefic effects reducing the number of enteritis, improving the oligoelements absorption and stimulating the immunitary system. To do so three way are available: the use of prebiotics, the use of probiotics and the symbiotic way. Prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides that can stimulate selectively the growth bifidogenus bacteria. Probiotics are dietary supplements made of live micro-organisms which improve the microbial environment of the gut. In this review literature is examined the possible efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics in the pediatric age; however, the studies available do not permit to obtain definitive conclusions.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / therapy
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Food
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Milk, Human / chemistry
  • Nutritional Status
  • Nutritive Value
  • Oligosaccharides / analysis
  • Oligosaccharides / physiology
  • Oligosaccharides / therapeutic use*
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Oligosaccharides