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 .
Low level of galacto-oligosaccharide in infant formula stimulates growth of intestinal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
AIM To investigate the effect of a new infant formula supplemented with a low level ( 0.24 g/100 mL ) of galacto-oligosaccharide ( GOS ) on intestinal micro-flora ( Bifidobacteria , Lactobacilli and E. coli ) and fermentation characteristics in term infants , compared with human milk and a st and ard infant formula without GOS . METHODS Term infants ( n = 371 ) were approached in this study in three hospitals of China . All infants started breast-feeding . Those who changed to formula-feeding within 4 wk after birth were r and omly assigned to one of the two formula groups . Growth and stool characteristics , and side effects that occurred in recruited infants were recorded in a 3-mo follow-up period . Fecal sample s were collected from a sub population of recruited infants for analysis of intestinal bacteria ( culture technique ) , acetic acid ( gas chromatography ) and pH ( indicator strip ) . RESULTS After 3 mo , the intestinal Bifidobacteria , Lactobacilli , acetic acid and stool frequency were significantly increased , and fecal pH was decreased in infants fed with the GOS-formula or human milk , compared with those fed with the formula without GOS . No significant differences were observed between the GOS formula and human milk groups . Supplementation with GOS did not influence the incidence of crying , regurgitation and vomiting . CONCLUSION A low level of GOS ( 0.24 g/100 mL ) in infant formula can improve stool frequency , decrease fecal pH , and stimulate intestinal Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli as in those fed with human milk
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 .