The use of prebiotics and probiotics in infant formula
Date
2012-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medpharm Publications
Abstract
Gastrointestinal flora influences health, but the composition of flora can be changed with prebiotics or probiotics. The
addition of probiotics to powdered infant formula has not been demonstrated to be harmful to healthy term infants. However,
evidence of clinical efficacy regarding their addition is insufficient to recommend the routine use of such formula. The
administration of probiotic (single or in combination) supplementation in infant or follow-on formula, and given beyond
early infancy, may be associated with some clinical benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of nonspecific gastrointestinal
infections, a reduced risk of antibiotic use and a lower frequency of colic and irritability. Confirmatory well-designed clinical
research studies are necessary.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/2726
Keywords
Infant formulas, Prebiotics, Probiotics
Citation
Ackerberg, T.S., Labuschange, I.L. & Lombard, M.J. 2012. The use of prebiotics and probiotics in infant formula. South African Family Practice, 54(4):321-323.