Potential Benefits of Probiotics for Preterm Infants: A Review

Abstract

Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to abnormal colonization and are therefore prone to systemic infections due to increased intestinal permeability to potentially pathogens. Abnormal pattern of colonization in pre-term infants may contribute to the pathogenesis of neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), an acquired gastrointestinal (GI) disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Introduction of foods containing probiotic cultures may be advantageous as probiotics prevented gut colonization by abnormal flora. Endeavour has been made to explore the mechanism of gut colonization, suitability of breast milk for preterm infants, effect of administration of probiotics to preterm infants and its safety concerns. Human milk is also suitable for the management of premature infants but fortified breast milk may be a preferred choice and not the pooled pasteurized breast milk. Based upon Randomized Controlled Trials administration of probiotic in preterm infants with a birth weight >1000 g could be recommended due to significantly reduction in incidence of NEC and no systemic infections or serious adverse events was reported. Administration of probiotics in preterm neonates is recommended but further research is emerging for its routine application. Probiotic supplementation in preterm neonates exhibited good safety profile and did not show any side effects and can be recommended for preterm infants but not for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants [1, 2].

What Is New in the Preventive and Therapeutic Role of Dairy Products as Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods?

“…Further, he also highlighted the extension of the following health benefits to human beings due to the consumption of functional foods [ 73 ]: Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease Reduced risk of cancer Improved health in general Improved memory Improved weight loss/management Reduced risk of other diseases Reduced osteoporosis Improved mental health Quicker reaction time Improved fetal health …”

Probiotic Therapy for Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants – A Review

“…Reviewed literature suggested administration of probiotics in premature infants for prevention of NEC, however the current evidence are not conclusive due to the heterogeneity of probiotic formulations (single or multiple-strains of probiotics), diverse doses (10 5 to 10 10 cfu/ml) and duration of treatment [108]. Based upon reviewed literature routine use of probiotics in the preterm infant is not be recommended due to many uncertainties such as the mechanisms of action of probiotics, health effects of employed probiotics, forms of microbial adaptations and ecological consequences [109].…”

“…• Health benefit claims of probiotic foods are still not conclusive and further studies are required to confirm its safety especially for preterm infants [109].…”

“…Reviewed literature revealed that preterm infants are prone to systemic infections due to increased intestinal permeability to potentially pathogens resulting from immature intestinal function, frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, delay in initiating enteral feeding, infection control procedures and sterilization of milk [7]. Abnormal pattern of colonization in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants with birth weight <1500g and particular in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) infants with birth weight <1000g are at higher risk and may contribute to the pathogenesis of neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), an acquired Gastrointestinal (GI) disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality.…”

Pengaruh Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 Terhadap Kadar Calprotectin Feses sebagai Penanda Inflamasi Intestinal pada Bayi Kurang Bulan

“…5 Probiotik dapat mencegah terjadinya EKN melalui peranannya sebagai barrier migrasi bakteri melintasi mukosa intestinal, kompetitor flora patogen, mengurangi permeabilitas intestinal, menciptakan keseimbangan mikrobiota, efek proteksi mukosa terhadap kolonisasi patogen dan meningkatkan sitokin antiinflamasi. [6][7][8] Pada beberapa penelitian telah menyebutkan manfaat pemberian probiotik untuk menurunkan kejadian EKN dan sepsis namun metode penelitian yang beragam menyulitkan penerapan hasil penelitian secara umum sehingga menimbulkan pro dan kontra penggunaan probiotik untuk BKB. 9 Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Indrio, 8 Samanta, 10 dan Awad 11 menyebutkan pemberian probiotik pada BKB dapat menurunkan kejadian EKN dan sepsis.…”