The 2 meta-analyses also demonstrated that probiotics reduce the risk of death due to all causes , but do not have an effect on the risk of sepsis or death due to NEC .
Because of the limited data regarding synbiotics , the relationship between their use and clinical outcomes in preterm infants remains unclear .
The findings from the 2 meta-analyses of the effects of probiotic administration on the prevention of NEC show potential for such dietary supplementation .
BACKGROUND Uncertainty exists regarding the efficacy and safety of using probiotics and prebiotics in preterm infants .
AIM To review the evidence on the effects of administering probiotics and /or prebiotics to preterm infants .
The effects of probiotics on feeding tolerance, bowel habits, and gastrointestinal motility in preterm newborns.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with a probiotic on feeding tolerance and gastrointestinal motility in healthy formula-fed preterm infants . STUDY DESIGN Thirty preterm newborns were enrolled ; 10 were exclusively breast-fed , and the remaining 20 were r and omly assigned in a double-blind manner to receive either Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 ( at dose of 1 x 10(8 ) colony forming units a day ) or placebo for 30 days . Clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal function ( regurgitation , vomiting , inconsolable crying , and evacuation ) and physiological variables ( gastric electrical activity and emptying ) were recorded before and after the dietary intervention . RESULTS Body weight gains per day were similar for the 3 groups , and no adverse events were recorded . Newborns receiving probiotics showed a significant decrease in regurgitation and mean daily crying time and a larger number of stools compared with those given placebo .  Gastric emptying rate was significantly increased , and fasting antral area was significantly reduced in both the newborns receiving L. reuteri and breast-fed newborns compared with placebo . CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a useful role for L. reuteri supplementation in improving feeding tolerance and gut function in formula-fed preterm newborns
The 2 meta-analyses also demonstrated that probiotics reduce the risk of death due to all causes , but do not have an effect on the risk of sepsis or death due to NEC .
Because of the limited data regarding synbiotics , the relationship between their use and clinical outcomes in preterm infants remains unclear .
The findings from the 2 meta-analyses of the effects of probiotic administration on the prevention of NEC show potential for such dietary supplementation .
BACKGROUND Uncertainty exists regarding the efficacy and safety of using probiotics and prebiotics in preterm infants .
AIM To review the evidence on the effects of administering probiotics and /or prebiotics to preterm infants .