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Use of Probiotics in Pediatrics

What are Probiotics?

Probiotic is a Greek derivative meaning for life. The term has undergone numerous changes during the past 40 years, but today it is defined as live microorganisms that confer some health benefit when ingested in adequate amounts (Reid, Jass, Sebulsky, & McCormick, 2003). While the exact mechanism of action is not known, it is recognized that in order for probiotic organisms to have any effect, they first must have the potential to colonize the gut. Such a task requires resistance to gastric

Where are Probiotics Found?

In the United States, most probiotics are available as food product additives or as supplements in the form of loose powder, tablets, or capsules (Cabana et al., 2006). Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) guidelines suggest that all products containing probiotics identify the species and strain in the product, because health benefits are strain-specific (FAO/WHO, 2002). Product labeling cannot boast claims that the product is

What Risks are Associated with Probiotic Use?

Adverse effects of probiotics, if they occur, are usually mild and affect the digestive system (e.g., abdominal discomfort or flatulence) (Kligler, Hanaway, & Cohrssen, 2007). However, as viable micro-organisms, probiotics have the potential to cause invasive infections in hosts who may have compromised mucosal epithelia. Documented invasive infections have primarily been noted to occur in immunocompromised adults. Land and colleagues (2005) documented two cases of bacteremia associated with

What Conditions Might Probiotics Treat?

Within the past decade, there has been an increasing amount of interest in the use of probiotics for the treatment and prevention of several pediatric conditions. Examples of the conditions for which probiotics are used include infectious and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, and extraintestinal disorders including atopic dermatitis and recurrent urinary tract infections (Cabana et al., 2006).

Johnston, Supina, and Vohra (2006) conducted a

What is the Correct Dosage?

Because probiotics are not regulated by the FDA, there are no standard dosage recommendations for probiotics.

Probiotics are available over the counter. They are not regulated by the FDA but generally are regarded as safe. Because probiotics are not regulated by the FDA, there are no standard dosage recommendations for probiotics. Providers typically use half the adult dose for pediatric patients and a one-fourth dose for infants (Cabana et al., 2006). There are also a wide range of

Conclusions

While the current research reveals that probiotics are safe and have few adverse effects in children, more studies need to be conducted before their use can be routinely recommended for children. Further research needs to be done to determine the correct dosage and duration of probiotics in the pediatric population. Studies also may be conducted on which probiotic strains may be most effective in treating the various pediatric illnesses.