[Probiotics in childhood].

Abstract

The Probiotics (Lactic acid bacteria) represent a nutritional live microbial supplement that positively affects host by enhancing the microbial balance. A survey is made of the most relevant studies concerning the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of infantile acute diarrhoea (by rotavirus or other agents), pseudomembranous colitis, hospital-acquired and antibiotic-associated diarrhoeas. Although the probiotics mechanism of action is not yet completely understood, it has been hypothesized that they exert an inhibitory effect on the intestinal inflammation by immune response modulation. Due to this property, the use of probiotics has therefore been suggested in other severe diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergy, atopic dermatitis and as immunoadjuvant for oral vaccines.

• Authors: G D'Angelo, C Angeletti, C Catassi, G V Coppa
• Journal: Minerva pediatrica (Minerva Pediatr) Vol. 50 Issue 5 Pg. 163-73 (May 1998) ISSN: 0026-4946 [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: I probiotici in pediatria.
• PMID: 9842213 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Diarrhea (therapy, virology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Probiotics (therapeutic use)
• Rotavirus Infections (complications)