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 .
Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 Supplementation on Body Weight, Fecal pH, Acetate, Lactate, Calprotectin, and IgA in Preterm Infants
Preterm infants are prone to abnormal bacterial colonization of the intestine with ensuing adverse health effects . To examine whether the oral application of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 ( probiotic ) may improve selected indicators of health status in preterm infants , a double blind , placebo controlled r and omized clinical study was performed on 69 preterm infants ( < 37 gestation wk ) .  Weight gain was defined as the primary outcome measure . In antibiotic-treated infants , probiotic supplementation result ed in a higher body weight compared with placebo ( p < 0.001 ) . In the probiotic group , the fecal pH was significantly lower than in the placebo group . The fecal concentrations of acetate and lactate were 42 and 38 % higher , respectively , in the probiotic group than in the placebo group . Fecal calprotectin was lower in the probiotic group ( p = 0.041 ) , while fecal IgA was higher in this group compared with the placebo group ( p = 0.021 )
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 .