Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

[An update on probiotics and prebiotics in children]

Ron Shaoul1, Ellen Bamberger

  • 1Bnai Zion Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel.

Harefuah
|June 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This review highlights the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for children. These beneficial bacteria and fibers effectively treat and prevent infections, diarrhea, and allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease.
  • Understanding the normal flora is key to exploring microbial interventions.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics offer potential therapeutic avenues for pediatric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated review on the application of probiotics and prebiotics in pediatric populations.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of action for probiotic bacteria.
  • To summarize current evidence on the efficacy and safety of these interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on probiotics and prebiotics in children.
  • Analysis of data concerning treatment and prevention of various pediatric conditions.
  • Discussion of safety profiles and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Probiotics demonstrate efficacy in treating and preventing acute non-bloody infectious diarrhea.
  • Probiotic use is associated with reduced incidence and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
  • Evidence suggests benefits in the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics and prebiotics are promising interventions for several pediatric health issues.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize their use and understand long-term effects.
  • Safety considerations are paramount in the application of pro- and prebiotic therapies.

More Related Videos

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods08:38

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods

Published on: September 10, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.