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 .
Oligosaccharides might stimulate calcium absorption in formula‐fed preterm infants
Among other components of human milk , oligosaccharides might contribute to the high efficiency of calcium absorption of breastfed infants . In adults , it can be shown that dietary oligosaccharides can improve calcium absorption . The present analysis was performed to evaluate a possible influence of dietary oligosaccharides on parameters of calcium metabolism in preterm infants .  The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in plasma and in spot urine sample s as well as the plasma activity of the alkaline phosphatase were measured in preterm infants fed either a st and ard formula ( n= 15 ) or a formula supplemented with dietary oligosaccharides ( n= 15 ) at the end of a 4‐wk feeding period
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 .