Efficacy of probiotic supplementation in preventing infections in pediatric populations

Abstract

There is considerable interest in using probiotics to enhance health in children due to the wide preventive effect claimed. This review aims to systematically integrate current findings on the effectiveness, side effects, and distinct probiotic strain effects on children. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are known to alleviate the incidences and impacts of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Their efficacy in integrated clinical trials and meta-analysis is demonstrated regarding the improvement of immunity, the regulation of gut microbiome, and the prevention of potential antibiotic-related adverse effects. Some strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 show efficacy in reducing the incidences of standard childhood communicable diseases and enhancing gastrointestinal health. Saccharomyces boulardii a yeast is a proven probiotic and has been used effectively to treat many GI disorders and more specifically antibiotic associated diarrhea. However, the literature shows that there is a difference in the effects of probiotics regarding strain specificity, dosage, and formulation. Potentially dangerous side effects of probiotics are usually minor gastrointestinal discomfort; however, the long-term effects of probiotics are still unknown. The abstract ends with the agenda for experimental human studies that will determine efficacy in relation to the strains, doses, and the duration of administration for children of different ages and with various diseases. Indeed, probiotics were found to have the potential to contribute to the improvement of children’s health through immunity modulation and infection control, and therefore their future research and application should be encouraged.