Probiotics in Pediatrics. A Review and Practical Guide

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are increasingly studied in pediatrics.
• Selected probiotic strains demonstrate efficacy in managing and preventing specific pediatric conditions.
• Evidence suggests probiotics are generally well-tolerated with a low risk of adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on the efficacy of specific probiotics in pediatric conditions.
• To guide pediatricians in the therapeutic and prophylactic use of probiotic strains.
• To identify gaps in current research for probiotic application in children.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of available scientific literature.
• Analysis of evidence for specific probiotic strains and pediatric indications.
• Evaluation of study quality, heterogeneity, and risk of bias.

Main Results:

• Probiotics are most effective for infectious gastroenteritis and preventing antibiotic-associated, *Clostridioides* difficile-associated, and nosocomial diarrhea.
• Evidence supports the use of certain probiotics for specific pediatric conditions.
• Study heterogeneity and bias limit broad consensus on optimal probiotic strains, doses, and regimens.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence supports targeted probiotic use in specific pediatric conditions, particularly for diarrhea.
• Lack of standardized, high-quality studies hinders widespread, systematic probiotic administration.
• Further well-designed, strain-specific, dose-response studies are crucial for advancing probiotic therapy in children.