Targeting the intestinal microbiota in the pediatric population: a clinical perspective.

Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7445, USA. ringelta@email.unc.edu

Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2012 Apr

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The intestinal microbiota is a functional organ with a variety of important metabolic, trophic, immunologic, and digestive activities. Current data suggest that alterations in the intestinal microbiota may be related to disease conditions. Manipulation of the intestinal microbiota such as with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may be beneficial in preventing and treating certain disease conditions. This article provides an overview of the evidence gathered through randomized clinical trials, reviews, and meta-analyses on probiotics and prebiotics in commonly studied conditions in the pediatric population. It concludes with current recommendations for their use, noting safety and gaps in clinical evidence.

Citation

Tamar Ringel-Kulka. Targeting the intestinal microbiota in the pediatric population: a clinical perspective. Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2012 Apr;27(2):226-34