Does the addition of prebiotics to infant formula have beneficial effects for the baby? Three randomised controlled trials considered whether prebiotic enhanced infant formulas led to an increase in faecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which inhibit the development of pathogenic organisms, and whether these formulas are well tolerated and free of side effects. One study considered healthy premature infants and the other two considered term infants, with one also considering two different doses of prebiotic mix. All showed increases in these beneficial bacteria and the prebiotic enhanced feeds were well tolerated with no adverse side-effects. Long-term studies could determine whether this could reduce infections and allergies in later childhood. Wainwright, L Journal of Neonatal Nursing 12(4): 130-137, Aug 2006.
Wainwright, L Journal of Neonatal Nursing 12(4): 130-137, Aug 2006.
Abstract: http://www.harcourt-international.com/journals
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