1.
Microbiota modulation: can probiotics prevent/treat disease in pediatrics?
Szajewska, H
Nestle Nutrition Institute workshop series. 2013;:99-110
Abstract
A number of metagenomic analyses providing knowledge of the human microbiome have yielded data on the differences between healthy and diseased individuals. Microbiota manipulation, such as through the administration of probiotics, may potentially contribute to improved health outcomes. The objective of this review was to summarize the most recent data on the use of probiotics to treat or prevent diseases in pediatrics. MEDLINE and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched in September 2012 for randomized controlled trials or their meta-analyses published in the last 3 years. To provide examples of current research interests, the focus of the search was on well-studied, common pediatric conditions as well as on some chronic diseases for which the benefits of gut microbiota manipulation are only in the early stages.
2.
Probiotics in gastrointestinal diseases in children: hard and not-so-hard evidence of efficacy.
Szajewska, H, Setty, M, Mrukowicz, J, Guandalini, S
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2006;(5):454-75
Abstract
The use of probiotics, once discussed primarily in the context of alternative medicine, is now entering mainstream medicine. However, only a few of the potential health benefits attributed to probiotics have been confirmed in well-designed, well-conducted, randomized, controlled trials. This is especially true in the pediatric population. We review here the available evidence on efficacy of probiotics in children in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Although we restrict our analysis to the pediatric age, whenever potentially relevant information is available only from adult studies, they are examined as well. Probiotics have been most extensively studied in the treatment of diarrheal diseases, where their efficacy can be considered well established. Studies documenting effects in other childhood gastrointestinal illnesses are few, although some preliminary results are promising. Furthermore, only a limited number of probiotic strains have been tested, and, as the effects of different probiotic microorganisms are not equivalent, results cannot be generalized. Thus, at present, we have some positive certainties, lots of exciting promises and many unanswered questions.