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Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

A formula containing galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides prevents intestinal and extra-intestinal infections: an

Eugenia Bruzzese1, Monica Volpicelli, Veronica Squeglia

  • 1Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.

Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|February 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Prebiotics in infant formula reduced intestinal infections and antibiotic use in healthy infants. This study suggests prebiotics may also decrease respiratory infections in the first year of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Prebiotics alter infant gut microflora composition.
  • Infant infections are a significant health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if prebiotics in infant formula reduce infections in healthy infants.
  • To assess the impact of prebiotics on intestinal and respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
  • Healthy infants received formula with galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides or control formula.
  • Infections and anthropometrics monitored for 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Lower incidence of gastroenteritis in the prebiotic group (p=0.015).
  • Fewer children in the prebiotic group required multiple antibiotic courses (p=0.004).
  • Transient increase in body weight observed in the prebiotic group during the first six months.

Conclusions:

  • Prebiotic supplementation effectively reduces intestinal infections in infants.
  • Prebiotics may also offer protection against respiratory infections in the first year of life.
Abstract

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