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[Probiotics in infant formulae. Could we modify the immune response?]
1Unidad de Nutrición Clínica, Departamento de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. jmoreno.hdoc@salud.madrid.org
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|March 25, 2008
Summary
Adding prebiotics to infant formula promotes beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and reduces pathogens. This can lower the risk of atopic dermatitis and infections in infants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Human milk oligosaccharides promote beneficial gut bacteria in breast-fed infants.
- Modifying infant gut microbiota is crucial for immune system development.
- Prebiotics are selective nutrients for beneficial intestinal microflora.
Purpose:
- To review scientific evidence on prebiotics in infant formula.
- To assess the role of prebiotics in infant immune function.
Summary:
- Prebiotics, like galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides, increase Bifidobacteria and decrease pathogens in infant formula.
- Studies show prebiotic supplementation reduces atopic dermatitis risk and lowers infection incidence.
- Prebiotics may offer a novel approach to allergy and infection prevention in infants.
Impact:
- Prebiotic supplementation in infant formula can enhance gut microbiota composition.
- Clinical benefits include reduced risk of atopic dermatitis and infections.
- Prebiotics represent a potential strategy for infant allergy and infection prevention.
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