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Probiotic Use in ChildrenYoung RJ, Huffman S: Probiotic Use in Children. Journal of Pediatric Health Care 2003; 17(6): 77-283.
Nutritional supplements and functional food (food or nutrients that provide basic nutrition and promote health) are receiving increased attention as parents ask about using them on their children. This article reviews research on the use of probiotics in children. By definition, a probiotic product contains specific species of bacteria commonly found in the intestinal tract, with sufficient viable microorganisms to alter the intestinal microflora, which serves to produce a beneficial health effect. Probiotic bacteria include Lactobacillus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotics are supplied in tablets, capsules, or loose powder.
Current research examines clinicians' use of probiotics to treat various gastrointestinal diseases, systemic immune response issues, inflammatory bowel disease, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Probiotics are stable for limited periods of time, which makes preparation, packaging, and use difficult. Defined as dietary supplements, probiotics are under the FDA's jurisdiction. Safety issues are potential adverse effects, systemic infections, altered metabolism, and gene transfer.