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Prevention of functional gastrointestinal disorders in neonates: clinical and socioeconomic impact
F Indrio1, A Di Mauro1, A Di Mauro1
1Pediatric Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Via Amendola 270, 70126 Bari, Italy.
Insights
Early probiotic supplementation may prevent infant functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) like colic and reflux by altering gut microbiota colonization. This approach offers a novel strategy for infant digestive health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infantile colic, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and constipation are common infant functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).
- While often self-limiting, these FGIDs can be risk factors for later-life health issues.
- Abnormal gut microbiota colonization is increasingly implicated in FGID pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of gut microbiota in infant FGIDs.
- To investigate the potential of early probiotic supplementation as a preventive strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on infant FGIDs and gut microbiota.
- Analysis of evidence supporting probiotic interventions.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota plays a significant role in the development of infant FGIDs.
- Early probiotic supplementation shows potential to modify gut colonization patterns.
Conclusions:
- Altering gut microbiota through early probiotic use may prevent FGIDs.
- Probiotics represent a promising preventive approach for infant digestive health.
Abstract:
Infantile colic, gastro-oesophageal reflux and constipation are the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affecting infants during the first months of life. Despite infantile colic, functional constipation and regurgitation had a self-limited pattern, they are considered a risk factor for developing different disorders later in life. The pathophysiology of these functional diseases is still controversial but there is growing evidence that an abnormal gut microbiota colonisation may play a crucial role. An early probiotic supplementation could determine a change in colonisation and may represent a new strategy for preventing FGIDs.
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