“…However, several zootechnical studies have reported controversial results regarding digestibility and increases in body mass in animals used for human consumption (Kamra et al 1996, De Brito et al 2005, Sanches et al 2006, Budiño et al 2006, Huaynate et al 2006, Zanato et al 2008. Additionally, several studies have shown that probiotics stimulate the immune system (Erickson and Hubbard 2000, Cano and Perdigón 2003, Villena et al 2006, De Souza et al 2007, Dewan et al 2007, Kaburagi et al 2007, Pitsouni et al 2009), which could contribute to prevention or even treatment of bowel infection, which is another problem to consider in cases of malnutrition associated with anatomical and functional bowel disorders (Chandra 1992). In addition, other studies suggest that probiotics might contribute to the integrity of the intestinal barrier (Menningen and Bruewer 2009) and that they are efficacious in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (Resta-Lenert and Barrett 2009).…”