No statistically significant subgroup differences were found according to infant risk of allergy or type of infant feed .
There is some evidence that a prebiotic supplement added to infant feeds may prevent eczema .
It is unclear whether the use of prebiotic should be restricted to infants at high risk of allergy or may have an effect in low risk population s ; or whether it may have an effect on other allergic diseases including asthma
BACKGROUND Prebiotics ( commonly oligosaccharides ) added to infant feeds have the potential to prevent sensitisation of infants to dietary allergens .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of prebiotic given to infants for the prevention of allergy .
The effect of enteral supplementation of a prebiotic mixture of non-human milk galacto-, fructo- and acidic oligosaccharides on intestinal permeability in preterm infants.
Preterm infants have an impaired gut barrier function . We aim ed to determine the effects of enteral supplementation of a prebiotic mixture consisting of neutral oligosaccharides ( short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (SCGOS)/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides ( LCFOS ) ) and acidic oligosaccharides ( AOS ) on intestinal permeability of preterm infants as measured by the sugar absorption test in the first week of life . Furthermore , we determined host- and treatment-related factors associated with intestinal permeability . In a r and omised controlled trial , preterm infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks and /or birth weight ( BW ) < 1500 g received enteral supplementation of SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS or placebo ( maltodextrin ) between days 3 and 30 of life . Intestinal permeability , reflected by the urinary lactulose/mannitol ( L/M ) ratio after oral ingestion of lactulose and mannitol , was assessed at three time points : before the start of the study ( t = 0 ) , at day 4 ( t = 1 ) and at day 7 ( t = 2 ) of life . Data were analysed by generalised estimating equations . In total , 113 infants were included . Baseline patient and nutritional characteristics were not different between the SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS ( n 55 ) and the placebo groups ( n 58 ) . SCGOS/LCFOS/AOS had no effect on the L/M ratio between t = 0 and t = 2 . In both the groups , the L/M ratio decreased from t = 0 to t = 2 ( P < 0·001 ) . Low BW increased the L/M ratio ( P = 0·002 ) . Exclusive breast milk feeding and mixed breast milk/formula feeding during the first week of life decreased the L/M ratio ( P < 0·001 and P < 0·05 , respectively ) . In conclusion , enteral supplementation of a prebiotic mixture does not enhance the postnatal decrease in intestinal permeability in preterm infants in the first week of life
No statistically significant subgroup differences were found according to infant risk of allergy or type of infant feed .
There is some evidence that a prebiotic supplement added to infant feeds may prevent eczema .
It is unclear whether the use of prebiotic should be restricted to infants at high risk of allergy or may have an effect in low risk population s ; or whether it may have an effect on other allergic diseases including asthma
BACKGROUND Prebiotics ( commonly oligosaccharides ) added to infant feeds have the potential to prevent sensitisation of infants to dietary allergens .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of prebiotic given to infants for the prevention of allergy .