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Para-probiotics for Preterm Neonates-The Next Frontier

Girish Deshpande1,2, Gayatri Athalye-Jape3, Sanjay Patole4

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia. girish.deshpande@health.nsw.gov.au.

Nutrients
|July 7, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Paraprobiotics, or non-viable microbial cells, show promise as safe alternatives to probiotics for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Probiotics are recommended for preterm neonates to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis, mortality, and late-onset sepsis.
  • Concerns regarding probiotic sepsis, inflammation, and antibiotic resistance limit widespread adoption.
  • The viability of probiotics is questioned, prompting exploration of alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate paraprobiotics as potentially safer alternatives to probiotics in preterm neonates.
  • To address safety concerns associated with live probiotic administration in vulnerable infants.
  • To explore a new frontier in neonatal gut health management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evidence on probiotics and paraprobiotics in preterm neonates.
  • Analysis of safety concerns, including probiotic sepsis and translocation risks.
  • Consideration of the definition and function of paraprobiotics (non-viable microbial cells or extracts).

Main Results:

  • Paraprobiotics are suggested as potentially safe alternatives to live probiotics for preterm infants.
  • Non-viable microbial cells may offer benefits without the risks of live bacteria translocation.
  • Current evidence supports further investigation into paraprobiotics' role.

Conclusions:

  • Paraprobiotics present a promising, potentially safer, alternative for preterm neonate gut health.
  • High-quality clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials, are essential.
  • Further research is warranted to establish the efficacy and safety of paraprobiotics in this population.

Keywords:
infantnewbornprobioticsreviewsepsis

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