[Prebiotics and probiotics in infant nutrition]. / Prebiotici e probiotici nell'alimentazione del lattante.

ABSTRACT

Many studies have recently analyzed the modulation of the intestinal microflora showing a benefic effects reducing the number of enteritis, improving the oligoelements absorption and stimulating the immunitary system. To do so three way are available the use of prebiotics, the use of probiotics and the symbiotic way. Prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides that can stimulate selectively the growth bifidogenus bacteria. Probiotics are dietary supplements made of live micro-organisms which improve the microbial environment of the gut. In this review literature is examined the possible efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics in the pediatric age; however, the studies available do not permit to obtain definitive conclusions.