Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in Dietetic Products for Infants: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease Evaluation and Treatment of Functional Constipation in Infants and Children: Evidence-Based Recommendations From ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN Canadian clinical practice guidelines for nutrition support in mechanically ventilated, critically ill adult patients. Hypoallergenicity of an extensively hydrolyzed whey formula. Growth and tolerance of infants fed formula supplemented with polydextrose (PDX) and/or galactooligosaccharides (GOS): double-blind, randomized, controlled trial Effect of glucomannan supplementation on body weight in overweight and obese children: protocol of a randomised controlled trial Diet and Bone Mineral Content at Term in Premature Infants Term Infants Fed Formula Supplemented With Selected Blends of Prebiotics Grow Normally and Have Soft Stools Similar to Those Reported for Breast-fed Infants Overview of Reviews The prevention of eczema in infants and children: an overview of Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews. Some problems with Cochrane reviews of diet and chronic disease Effects of probiotic and prebiotic on gastrointestinal motility in newborns. Prebiotic Effect Of Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplemented Term Infant Formula at Two Concentrations Compared with Unsupplemented Formula and Human Milk Nutritional treatment for acquired immunodeficiency virus infection using an enterotropic peptide-based formula enriched with n-3 fatty acids: a randomized prospective trial Prebiotic Effect of an Infant Formula Supplemented with Galacto-Oligosaccharides: Randomized Multicenter Trial Long-term consumption of infant formulas containing live probiotic bacteria: tolerance and safety. Reduced occurrence of early atopic dermatitis because of immunoactive prebiotics among low-atopy-risk infants. The effect of early nutritional supplementation with a mixture of probiotic, prebiotic, fiber and micronutrients in infants with acute diarrhea in Indonesia. Nutritional Intervention as a Preventive Approach for Cognitive-Related Outcomes in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Abnormal uterine bleeding in pre-menopausal women. A Specific Prebiotic Mixture Added to Starting Infant Formula Has Long-Lasting Bifidogenic Effects123 Nutritional effects on auditory brainstem maturation in healthy term infants Early enteral supply of lactobacillus and fiber versus selective bowel decontamination: a controlled trial in liver transplant recipients Randomized Double-Blind Study of the Nutritional Efficacy and Bifidogenicity of a New Infant Formula Containing Partially Hydrolyzed Protein, a High &bgr;-Palmitic Acid Level, and Nondigestible Oligosaccharides Effect of a Milk Formula With Prebiotics on the Intestinal Microbiota of Infants After an Antibiotic Treatment Formulation and evaluation of supplementary foods for Thai pregnant women. [Randomised placebo controlled double blind study on the effect of prebiotic oligosaccharides on intestinal flora in healthy infants]. The effects of lactulose supplementation to enteral feedings in premature infants: a pilot study. Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 is safe and well tolerated in infants of 1-6 months of age: a randomized controlled trial. A randomized controlled trial of preoperative oral supplementation with a specialized diet in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
This article by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition summarizes available information on the effects of adding prebiotic oligosaccharides to infant and follow-on formulae . Currently there are only limited studies evaluating prebiotic substances in dietetic products for infants . Although administration of prebiotic oligosaccharides has the potential to increase the total number of bifidobacteria in feces and may also soften stools , there is no published evidence of clinical benefits of adding prebiotic oligosaccharides to dietetic products for infants . Data on oligosaccharide mixtures in infant formulae do not demonstrate adverse effects , but further evaluation is recommended . Combinations and dosages in addition to those so far studied need to be fully evaluated with respect to both safety and efficacy before their use in commercial infant food products . Well- design ed and carefully conducted r and omized controlled trials with relevant inclusion /exclusion criteria , adequate sample sizes and vali date d clinical outcome measures are needed both in preterm and term infants . Future trials should define optimal quantity and types of oligosaccharides with prebiotic function , optimal dosages and duration of intake , short and long term benefits and safety . At the present time , therefore , the Committee takes the view that no general recommendation on the use of oligosaccharide supplementation in infancy as a prophylactic or therapeutic measure can be made Objective : Diagnostic criteria for coeliac disease ( CD ) from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology , Hepatology , and Nutrition ( ESPGHAN ) were published in 1990 . Since then , the autoantigen in CD , tissue transglutaminase , has been identified ; the perception of CD has changed from that of a rather uncommon enteropathy to a common multiorgan disease strongly dependent on the haplotypes human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 ; and CD-specific antibody tests have improved . Methods : A panel of 17 experts defined CD and developed new diagnostic criteria based on the Delphi process . Two groups of patients were defined with different diagnostic approaches to diagnose CD : children with symptoms suggestive of CD ( group 1 ) and asymptomatic children at increased risk for CD ( group 2 ) . The 2004 National Institutes of Health/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality report and a systematic literature search on antibody tests for CD in paediatric patients covering the years 2004 to 2009 was the basis for the evidence -based recommendations on CD-specific antibody testing . Results : In group 1 , the diagnosis of CD is based on symptoms , positive serology , and histology that is consistent with CD . If immunoglobulin A anti-tissue transglutaminase type 2 antibody titers are high ( > 10 times the upper limit of normal ) , then the option is to diagnose CD without duodenal biopsies by applying a strict protocol with further laboratory tests . In group 2 , the diagnosis of CD is based on positive serology and histology . HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 testing is valuable because CD is unlikely if both haplotypes are negative . Conclusions : The aim of the new guidelines was to achieve a high diagnostic accuracy and to reduce the burden for patients and their families . The performance of these guidelines in clinical practice should be evaluated prospect ively Background : Constipation is a pediatric problem commonly encountered by many health care workers in primary , secondary , and tertiary care . To assist medical care providers in the evaluation and management of children with functional constipation  , the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology , Hepatology , and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology , Hepatology , and Nutrition were charged with the task of developing a uniform document of evidence -based guidelines . Methods : Nine clinical questions addressing diagnostic , therapeutic , and prognostic topics were formulated . A systematic literature search was performed from inception to October 2011 using Embase , MEDLINE , the Cochrane Data base of Systematic Review s and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials , and PsychInfo data bases . The approach of the  Grading of Recommendations Assessment , Development and Evaluation  was applied to evaluate outcomes . For therapeutic questions , quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations , Assessment , Development , and Evaluation system . Grading the quality of evidence for the other questions was performed according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence -Based Medicine . During 3 consensus meetings , all recommendations were discussed and finalized . The group members voted on each recommendation , using the nominal voting technique . Expert opinion was used where no r and omized controlled trials were available to support the recommendation . Results : This evidence -based guideline provides recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of  children with functional constipation  to st and ardize and improve their quality of care . In addition , 2 algorithms were developed , one for the infants < 6 months of age and the other for older infants and children . Conclusions : This document is intended to be used in daily practice and as a basis for further clinical research . Large well- design ed clinical trials are necessary with regard to diagnostic evaluation and treatment OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to develop evidence -based clinical practice guidelines for nutrition support ( ie , enteral and parenteral nutrition ) in mechanically ventilated critically ill adults . OPTIONS The following interventions were systematic ally review ed for inclusion in the guidelines : enteral nutrition ( EN ) versus parenteral nutrition ( PN ) , early versus late EN , dose of EN , composition of EN ( protein , carbohydrates , lipids , immune-enhancing additives ) , strategies to optimize delivery of EN and minimize risks ( ie , rate of advancement , checking residuals , use of bedside algorithms , motility agents , small bowel versus gastric feedings , elevation of the head of the bed , closed delivery systems , probiotics , bolus administration ) , enteral nutrition in combination with supplemental PN , use of PN versus st and ard care in patients with an intact gastrointestinal tract , dose of PN and composition of PN ( protein , carbohydrates , IV lipids , additives , vitamins , trace elements , immune enhancing substances ) , and the use of intensive insulin therapy . OUTCOMES The outcomes considered were mortality ( intensive care unit [ ICU ] , hospital , and long-term ) , length of stay ( ICU and hospital ) , quality of life , and specific complications . EVIDENCE We systematic ally search ed MEDLINE and CINAHL ( cumulative index to nursing and allied health ) , EMBASE , and the Cochrane Library for r and omized controlled trials and meta-analyses of r and omized controlled trials that evaluated any form of nutrition support in critically ill adults . We also search ed reference lists and personal files , considering all articles published or unpublished available by August 2002 . Each included study was critically appraised in duplicate using a st and ard scoring system . VALUES For each intervention , we considered the validity of the r and omized trials or meta-analyses , the effect size and its associated confidence intervals , the homogeneity of trial results , safety , feasibility , and the economic consequences . The context for discussion was mechanically ventilated patients in Canadian ICUs .  BENEFITS , HARMS , AND COSTS The major potential benefit from implementing these guidelines is improved clinical outcomes of critically ill patients ( reduced mortality and ICU stay ) . Potential harms of implementing these guidelines include increased complications and costs related to the suggested interventions . SUMMARIES OF EVIDENCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS : When considering nutrition support in critically ill patients , we strongly recommend that EN be used in preference to PN . We recommend the use of a st and ard , polymeric enteral formula that is initiated within 24 to 48 hours after admission to ICU , that patients be cared for in the semirecumbent position , and that arginine-containing enteral products not be used . Strategies to optimize delivery of EN ( starting at the target rate , use of a feeding protocol using a higher threshold of gastric residuals volumes , use of motility agents , and use of small bowel feeding ) and minimize the risks of EN ( elevation of the head of the bed ) should be considered . Use of products with fish oils , borage oils , and antioxidants should be considered for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome . A glutamine-enriched formula should be considered for patients with severe burns and trauma . When initiating EN , we strongly recommend that PN not be used in combination with EN . When PN is used , we recommend that it be supplemented with glutamine , where available . Strategies that maximize the benefit and minimize the risks of PN ( hypocaloric dose , withholding lipids , and the use of intensive insulin therapy to achieve tight glycemic control ) should be considered . There are insufficient data to generate recommendations in the following areas : use of indirect calorimetry ; optimal pH of EN  ; supplementation with trace elements , antioxidants , or fiber ; optimal mix of fats and carbohydrates ; use of closed feeding systems ; continuous versus bolus feedings ; use of probiotics ; type of lipids ; and mode of lipid delivery . VALIDATION This guideline was peer- review ed and endorsed by official representatives of the Canadian Critical Care Society , Canadian Critical Care Trials Group , Dietitians of Canada , Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses , and the Canadian Society for Clinical Nutrition . SPONSORS This guideline is a joint venture of the Canadian Critical Care Society , the Canadian Critical Trials Group , the Canadian Society for Clinical Nutrition , and Dietitians of Canada . The Canadian Critical Care Society and the Institute of Nutrition , Metabolism , and Diabetes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research provided funding for development of this guideline Several different protein hydrolysate-based infant formulas have been promoted as hypoallergenic and considered suitable for the dietary management of cow 's milk allergy ( CMA ) . Accepting that none of the hydrolysate-based products is completely safe , the American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) recommends that these formulas should be tested in a double-blind placebo-controlled setting and tolerated by at least 90 % of children with proven CMA . In principle , this recommendation is also endorsed by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition ( ESPGAN ) and the European Society of Paediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology ( ESPACI ) . In this two-center study , 32 children with proven CMA were tested with the extensive hydrolysate whey formula Nutrilon Pepti , for comparison with Profylac ( extensive ) and Nan HA ( partial ) whey hydrolysate products .  Skin-prick tests ( SPTs ) were , respectively , positive to the three hydrolysate formulas in 19 % , 15 % , and 32 % of children . After oral challenge it was concluded that 97 % ( 95 % CI : 85 - 100 % ) of the children tolerated  Nutrilon Pepti , 94 % ( 95 % CI : 75 - 100 % ) tolerated Profylac , and 64 % ( 95 % CI : 37 - 81 % ) tolerated Nan HA . This study demonstrates that the extensive hydrolysates Nutrilon Pepti and Profylac are well tolerated in a population of children with proven CMA and that both products can be considered safe for their intended use . This study confirms that a very small number of children react even to extensively hydrolyzed formulas . SPT prior to oral exposure to the hydrolysate-based formulas can indicate whether a child is at risk of showing reactions to the product . Introduction of new products to these children should be carried out under a doctor 's supervision . However , the majority of the SPT-positive children did tolerate the two extensively hydrolyzed whey-based formulas tested Background To ensure the suitability of an infant formula as the sole source of nutrition or provide benefits similar to outcomes in breastfed infants , advancements in formula composition are warranted as more research detailing the nutrient composition of human milk becomes available . This study was design ed to evaluate growth and tolerance in healthy infants who received one of two investigational cow ’s milk-based formulas with adjustments in carbohydrate , fat , and calcium content and supplemented with a prebiotic blend of polydextrose ( PDX ) and galactooligosaccharides ( GOS ) or GOS alone . Methods In this multi-center , double-blind , parallel- design ed , gender-stratified prospect i ve study 419 infants were r and omized and consumed either a marketed routine cow ’s milk-based infant formula ( Control ; Enfamil ® LIPIL ® , Mead Johnson Nutrition , Evansville , IN ) ( n = 142 ) or one of two investigational formulas from 14 to 120 days of age . Investigational formulas were supplemented with 4 g/L ( 1:1 ratio ) of a prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS ( PDX/GOS ; n = 139 ) or 4 g/L of GOS alone ( GOS ; n = 138 ) . Anthropometric measurements were taken at 14 , 30 , 60 , 90 , and 120 days of age . Daily recall of formula intake , tolerance , and stool characteristics was collected during study weeks 1 and 2 and 24-h recall was collected at 60 , 90 , and 120 days of age . Medically-confirmed adverse events were recorded throughout the study . Results There were no group differences in growth rate from 14 to 120 days of age . Discontinuation rates were not significantly different among study groups . No differences in formula intake or infant fussiness or gassiness were observed . During study weeks 1 and 2 and at 60 days of age stool consistency ratings were higher ( i.e. softer stools ) for infants in the PDX/GOS and GOS groups versus Control and remained higher at 120 days for the PDX/GOS group ( all P < 0.05 ) . The overall incidence of medically-confirmed adverse events was similar among groups . Conclusions Investigational routine infant formulas supplemented with 4 g/L of either a prebiotic blend of PDX and GOS or GOS alone were well-tolerated and supported normal growth . Compared to infants who received the unsupplemented control formula , infants who received prebiotic supplementation experienced a softer stooling pattern similar to that reported in breastfed infants . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Identifier : Introduction Glucomannan ( GNN ) , a water-soluble dietary fibre derived from the plant Amorphophallus konjac , is marketed for weight reduction . The exact mechanisms by which GNN might exert its actions are unclear . However , it has been shown that GNN slows gastric emptying by forming a viscous gel of large volume , which increases the feeling of satiety . Current evidence on the effectiveness of GNN for weight reduction is sparse , and well- design ed trials performed in children are needed to assess the efficacy of this modality . We aim to systematic ally evaluate the efficacy of GNN consumption for the management of children who are overweight or obese . Methods and analysis Children aged 6–17 years who are overweight or obese ( based on the WHO growth criteria ) will be r and omly assigned to receive GNN or placebo ( maltodextrin ) ( both at a dose of 3 g/day ) for 3 months and will be followed-up for 3 months . Before the intervention , all children will receive dietetic advice , and they will be encouraged to engage in physical activity . The primary outcome measure will be the body mass index-for-age z-score difference between the groups at the end of the intervention . Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw . The findings of this trial will be su bmi tted to a peer- review ed journal ( paediatric , nutrition or gastroenterology ) . Abstract s will be su bmi tted to relevant national and international conferences . Trial registration number NCT02280772 Premature infants are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease mainly because of low calcium and phosphorus intake . We have examined the effect of different mineral supplements on bone mineral content at term in 127 premature infants with gestational age < 32 wk in a double-blinded r and omized trial . We used either phosphate supplementation of human milk as recommended by the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition or fortified supplementation with protein , calcium , and phosphorus or preterm formula as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics . The intervention period was from 1 week old until 36 wk of gestational age , and the infants were fed approximately 200 mL·kg−1·d−1 . Bone mineral content was measured at term by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan . Surprisingly , neither phosphate , fortifier , nor preterm formula supplementation had any significant effect on bone mineral content at term compared with infants fed their own mother 's milk only . There was a tendency to higher total bone mineral content in infants fed preterm formula compared with infants fed their own mother 's milk only ( p = 0.05 ) , but when the bone mineral content was corrected for the size of the infant , there was no difference ( p = 0.68 ) . Infants fed preterm formula had a significantly higher weight at term compared with infants fed their own mother 's milk only ( p = 0.02 ) , but did not differ significantly in length or head circumference . In a regression analysis , the amount of supplemented phosphorus was significantly associated with weight at term ( p = 0.008 ) . We conclude that when feeding 200 mL·kg−1·d−1 , mineral supplementation of human milk or use of preterm formula does not significantly improve bone mineralization outcome at term Objectives : The present study was design ed to evaluate the effect of 2 different combinations of prebiotic ingredients , polydextrose ( PDX ) , galactooligosaccharides ( GOS ) , and lactulose ( LOS ) , at 2 different intake levels on the overall growth and tolerance in healthy term infants up to 120 days of age . Patients and Methods : Healthy , formula-fed , term infants ( n = 226 ) were r and omly assigned to 1 of 3 study formula groups : control group ( n = 76 ) , PG4 group ( control formula supplemented with 4 g/L of a prebiotic blend , n = 74 ) , or PGL8 group ( control formula supplemented with 8 g/L of a prebiotic blend , n = 76 ) . Anthropometric measurements were taken at 14 , 30 , 60 , 90 , and 120 days of age , and 24-hour dietary recall and 24-hour tolerance recall were recorded at 30 , 60 , 90 , and 120 days of age . Adverse events were recorded throughout the study . Results : There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 formula groups for weight growth rate or length growth rate at any time point . Significant differences in stool consistency were detected among the 3 formula groups at 30 , 60 , and 90 days of age ( P < 0.001 , P = 0.025 , P = 0.004 , respectively ) , with the supplemented formula groups having looser stools than the control group . The PGL8 group had significantly higher stool frequency compared with the control and PG4 groups at 30 days of age ( P = 0.021 and P = 0.017 , respectively ) , but all of the groups were similar at 60 , 90 , and 120 days of age . A statistical difference was detected among the formula groups in 3 categories of adverse events : diarrhea ( control vs PG4 , 4 % vs 18 % , P = 0.008 ) , eczema ( PG4 vs control , 18 % vs 7 % , P = 0.046 ; PG4 vs PGL8 , 18 % vs 4 % , P = 0.008 ) , and irritability ( control vs PGL8 , 4 % vs 16 % , P = 0.027 ) . Conclusions : Infants fed formula supplemented with a prebiotic mixture achieved normal growth and stool characteristics more similar to those of breast-fed infants in comparison with infants fed an unsupplemented formula . A pediatrician needs to consider the risk of possible intolerance against the benefits of prebiotics BACKGROUND : Eczema is the most common inflammatory skin disease of childhood , characterized by an itchy red rash that usually involves the face and skin folds . There is currently no curative treatment for eczema , so the reduction of eczema incidence through disease prevention is a desirable goal . Potential interventions for preventing eczema include exclusive breastfeeding , hydrolysed protein formulas and soy formulas when bottle feeding , maternal antigen avoidance , omega oil supplementation , prebiotics and probiotics . OBJECTIVES : This overview of review s aims to present the current body of data from Cochrane and non-Cochrane review s to provide the most up-to- date evidence on the efficacy and safety of interventions to prevent eczema in infants and children at different risk levels for developing allergic disease . METHODS : Our pool of Cochrane and non-Cochrane review s came from the 2010 United Kingdom National Health Service ( NHS ) Evidence Skin Disorders Annual Evidence Up date s Mapping Exercise on Atopic Eczema . This group used a comprehensive search strategy last conducted in August 2010 to identify all systematic review s on eczema prevention . We identified all review s that met our pre-specified inclusion criteria , and data were extracted , analysed , compiled into tables and synthesized using quantitative and qualitative methods . MAIN RESULTS : Seven systematic review s containing 39 relevant trials with 11 897 participants were included in this overview . Overall , there was no clear evidence that any of the main interventions review ed reduced eczema incidence . In subgroup analyses of infants at high risk of allergic disease , an observational study found that exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months compared with introduction of solids at three to six months decreased the incidence of eczema by 60 % ( risk ratio ( RR ) : 0.40 ; 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) : 0.21 , 0.78 ) , and a r and omized controlled trial found that prebiotics compared with no prebiotics  decreased incidence by 58 % ( RR : 0.42 ; 95 % CI : 0.21 , 0.84 ) . However , each of these findings was based on the results of a single small trial , and no intervention reduced eczema incidence beyond the first two years of life . Although we pre-specified incidence of atopic eczema ( i.e. eczema associated with immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) sensitization ) as a primary outcome , data on whether participants diagnosed with eczema were truly atopic were largely lacking from systematic review s. Similarly , data on atopy , measured using skin prick tests or specific IgE tests to allergens , were not reported in many review s. No interventions were found to decrease atopy when reported . Adverse events data were generally lacking , but data from a trial of probiotics versus no probiotics showed significantly more spitting up in the first one ( RR : 1.88 ; 95 % CI : 1.03 , 3.45 ) and two ( RR : 1.69 ; 95 % CI : 1.02 , 2.80 ) months of life , but no overall increase in risk of gastrointestinal symptoms in the first year . AUTHORS # ENTITYSTARTX02019 ; CONCLUSIONS : Although there is currently no clear evidence showing that any of the interventions examined in this overview prevent eczema in participants not selected for risk of allergic disease , there is some evidence that exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months and prebiotics might reduce eczema incidence in high-risk participants . However , these conclusions are based on limited evidence with method ological shortcomings . Future research on prevention of eczema is needed and should examine different types of hydrolysed formulas , prebiotics and probiotics , as well as enhancement of the skin barrier and other novel approaches in infants at different risk levels for developing allergic disease The sum of evidence -based nutrition has to be more than a Cochrane-type meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) . Most of the evidence base in nutrition is observational , especially cohort studies . RCTs of diet change through to disease outcome are uncommon and the change has usually been addition or removal of only a single food component . Trials with whole diets through to disease outcome are rare and dietary changes made by individuals are unlikely to be an exact copy of the prescription . It is hard to even imagine a trial in which half ( r and omised ) of a large group of middle-aged people agree to avoid vegetables for 5 y and be followed up to see who will develop cancer . Most of the USA 's health cl aims , permitted by the Food and Drug Administration , are not supported by RCTs . But where controlled trials of nutritional change and disease outcome have been achieved , they must be review ed very carefully . Two Cochrane review s on diet and cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) , published in the widely read British Medical Journal ( BMJ ) , were criticised after their publication and the conclusions have not been subsequently adopted by expert committees . The first of these review s was ‘ Dietary fat and prevention of CVD : a systematic review ’ . The second was ‘ Systematic review of long term effects of advice to reduce dietary salt in adults ’ . A critique of these two Cochrane review s is presented here as a contribution to our discussion of the potential of Cochrane methodology to the reliability of knowledge about diet and disease To fortify the biological role of milk formula has been suggested to use probiotics and prebiotics as functional components to mimic the effect of breast milk . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic , probiotic added to a st and ard formula on gastrointestinal motility respect to placebo-formula .  Cutaneous electrogastrography ( EGG ) and ultrasound gastric emptying ( GE ) were performed in 49 preterm newborns . 17 newborns were exclusively breast-fed ; 32 were r and omly assigned to receive prebiotic-added formula ( 0.8 g/dl of a mixture from scGOS and lcFOS , ratio 9:1 ) ( 10 ) , a probiotic-added formula ( L. reuteri at dose of 1x10(8 ) colony forming units ( CFU ) per day ) ( 10 ) , a formula with placebo ( 12 ) for 30 days . No difference was seen in the nutritional parameters and no adverse events were reported . After the intervention period , the prebiotic , probiotic , and breast milk groups showed a higher percentage of EGG slow wave propagation and faster gastric half emptying time respect to placebo group ( ANOVAon ranks p<0.001 ; Dunn test vs control : prebiotic , probiotic and breast-milk vs placebo formula p<0.05 ; and ANOVA on ranks p=0.005 ; Dunn test vs control : prebiotic , probiotic and breast-milk vs placebo formula p<0.05 , respectively ) . Feeding preterm infants with a formula supplemented with prebiotics or probiotics may stimulate gastric emptying and improve maturation of the EGG activity mimicking the effect of breast milk Background : Human milk components , including oligosaccharides , affect the gastrointestinal flora of infants . Previous studies in adults have demonstrated that fructo-oligosaccharides increase potentially beneficial fecal bacteria , including bifidobacteria . The purpose of this study was to determine the prebiotic effect of infant formula supplemented with fructo-oligosaccharides .  Methods : Healthy term infants 2 to 6 weeks of age were enrolled in a 5-week , prospect i ve , r and omized , crossover , single-site study with a nonr and omized human milk comparator group . Washout weeks preceded and followed a week of feeding with fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented formula ( 1.5 or 3.0 g/L ) . Stool specimens were quantitatively cultured weekly for bacteroides , lactobacilli , bifidobacteria , clostridia and enterococci and were tested for Clostridium difficile toxin . Results : Seventy-two of 87 infants completed the trial ; 58 were formula fed and 14 were human milk fed .  Mean counts of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were similar in all groups at entry and no group experienced a significant change in counts with fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation . After 7 days of fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation the bifidobacteria counts were greater in the 1.5 g/L fructo-oligosaccharide formula group than in the human milk fed or 3.0 g/L fructo-oligosaccharide formula groups . Formula-fed infants had higher counts of enterococci and bacteroides before fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation , and these counts did not change after supplementation . Clostridium counts increased 7 days after supplementation in the 1.5 g/L fructo-oligosaccharide formula group ( P = 0.0356 ) . No human milk fed infants had C. difficile toxin in stools .  Fructo-oligosaccharide ( 3.0 g/L ) supplementation result ed in more frequent and significantly softer stools . Conclusions : Infant formula supplemented with 1.5 or 3.0 g/L fructo-oligosaccharides was safe but had minimal effect on fecal flora and C. difficile toxin Objective : Dietary counseling and intervention based on application of conventional criteria have been ineffective in preventing the progressive weight loss associated with HIV infection . The aim of the study was to compare the progression of clinical and nutritional indicators during nutritional supplementation with or without an enterotropic peptide-based formula enriched with n-3 fatty acids . Design : R and omized trial . Setting : Tertiary care . Subjects : Ninety-one patients were screened for the study . Twenty-three did not meet the inclusion criteria , therefore 74 patients were r and omized . Of these , 38 were r and omized to group I ( st and ard formula ) and 36 were r and omized to group II supplementation ( enterotropic peptide-based formula enriched with n-3 fatty acids ) . Interventions : Group I received st and ard enteral formula and group II received a enterotropic peptide-based enteral formula . The volume was the same ( 3 cans/day , 236 ml per can ) . In both groups enteral supplementation were recommended in conjunction with a registered dietitian under a dietary counseling program based on st and ard nutrition principles . Patients received a prospect i ve serial assessment of nutrition status , nutritional intake with 24 h written food records , GI symptoms , immune function , anthropometric status and intercurrent health events including infections and hospitalization . These determinations were performed at baseline and at 3 months . Results : Treatment with both supplements result ed in a significant and sustained increase in weight ( 3.2 % in group I and 3.1 % in group II ) ; this increase was mostly due to fat mass ( 12.8 % in group I ) and ( 7.5 % in group II ) . Total body water and fat free-mass remained unchanged . CD4 counts remained stable in group I , while a significant increase was detected in group II ( 576±403 vs 642±394 cells/mm3 ; P<0.05 ) . After the 3 month period CD4 counts remained higher in group II . Hospitalization events ( infections ) were also followed during the 3 month period . Group II had fewer hospitalizations than group I , but no statistical differences were found . Conclusions : Oral nutritional supplements for a 3 month period were well tolerated and result ed in body weight gain in HIV-infected patients .  Supplement-enriched formula , with peptides and n-3 fatty acids , increased CD4 count . European Journal of Clinical Nutrition ( 2001 ) 55 , Objective : The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)-supplemented formula on the intestinal microbiota in healthy term infants , with a specific consideration for gastrointestinal symptoms as colic , stool frequency and consistency , regurgitation . Methods : This was a r and omized , double-blind , controlled , parallel-group clinical trial performed simultaneously by 6 centers in Italy . Three groups were considered : breastfed , formula-fed , and GOS-supplemented formula-fed infants . Formula-fed infants were r and omized to receive either the control or the study formula and consume the assigned formula exclusively until the introduction of complementary feeding . The nutritional composition of the 2 formulas were identical , apart from the supplemented GOS ( 0.4 g/100 mL ) in the study formula . Four different types of bacteria were evaluated in order to assess the efficacy of  GOS-supplemented formula on infants : Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , and Clostridium , Escherichia coli . Results : A total of 199 breastfed infants and 163 formula-fed infants were recruited . When considering stool frequency and consistency , GOS-supplemented formula presented normal and soft stools in the majority of episodes ( 89 % ) . In the supplemented group the incidence of colic was lower with respect to the control group . A significantly lower count of Clostridium and a higher count of Bifidobacterium were found when comparing study formula and control formula in infants with colic . In children with colic the ratio between Clostridium count and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus count was in favor of the latter two when considering the GOS-supplemented formula group with respect to the control one . Conclusions : The prebiotic-supplemented formula mimicked the effect of human milk in promoting Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus growth and in inhibiting Clostridium growth , result ing in a significantly lower presence of colic BACKGROUND Nonpathogenic live bacteria are consumed as food by many children , particularly in the form of yogurt . The tolerance and safety of long-term consumption of specific types and strains of probiotic bacteria are not well documented . OBJECTIVE The goal was to evaluate tolerance to formulas containing 2 levels of probiotic supplementation and effects on growth , general clinical status , and intestinal health in free-living healthy infants . DESIGN This was a prospect i ve , double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled study of healthy infants aged 3 - 24 mo . Infants were assigned to receive a st and ard milk-based formula containing 1 x 10(7 ) colony-forming units (CFU)/g each of Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus , formula containing 1 x 10(6 ) CFU/g each of B. lactis and S. thermophilus , or unsupplemented formula . Clinical outcomes included formula intake , gastrointestinal tolerance , anthropometric measures , daycare attendance , and history of illness . RESULTS One hundred eighteen infants aged ( + /- SD ) 7.0 + /- 2.9 mo at enrollment consumed formula for 210 + /- 127 d. There were no significant differences in age , sex , formula consumption , or length of study between groups . The supplemented formulas were well accepted and were associated with a lower frequency of reported colic or irritability ( P < 0.001 ) and a lower frequency of antibiotic use ( P < 0.001 ) than was the unsupplemented formula . There were no significant differences between groups in growth , health care attention seeking , daycare absenteeism , or other health variables . CONCLUSION Long-term consumption of formulas supplemented with B. lactis and S. thermophilus was well tolerated and safe and result ed in adequate growth , reduced reporting of colic or irritability , and a lower frequency of antibiotic use BACKGROUND Most infants developing atopic dermatitis have a low risk for atopy . Primary prevention of atopic dermatitis is difficult . OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of supplementation of an infant and follow-on formula with prebiotic and immunoactive oligosaccharides on the occurrence of atopic dermatitis in the first year of life . METHODS Healthy term infants from 5 European countries with low atopy risk were recruited before the age of 8 weeks , either having started with formula feeding or being on full breast-feeding ( breast-feeding group ) . Formula-fed infants were r and omized to feeding with a regular formula containing a specific mixture of neutral oligosaccharides and pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides ( prebiotic formula group ) or regular formula without oligosaccharides ( control formula group ) . RESULTS A total of 414 infants were r and omized to the prebiotic group and 416 infants to the control group . A total of 300 infants were followed in the breast-feeding group . Up to the first birthday , atopic dermatitis occurred in significantly fewer infants from the prebiotic group ( 5.7 % ) than from the control group ( 9.7 % ; P = .04 ) . The cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis in the prebiotic group was in the low range of the breast-feeding group ( 7.3 % ) . In a Cox regression model , the rate of atopic dermatitis was significantly lower by 44 % in the prebiotic group versus the control group ( P = .04 ) . The number needed to prevent 1 case of atopic dermatitis by supplementation of prebiotics was 25 infants . CONCLUSION Formula supplementation with a specific mixture of oligosaccharides was effective as primary prevention of atopic dermatitis in low atopy risk infants A r and omized double blind clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of a special infant formula containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus LMG P-22799 ( probiotic : 5 x 10(8 ) CFU/100mL ) , inulin ( prebiotic : 0.15 g/100mL ) , dietary fiber ( soy polysaccharides : 0.2 g/100mL ) and increased amounts of zinc+iron ( + 0.4 and + 0.6 mg/100mL , respectively ) as active ingredients for the early dietary management of 58 Indonesian well-nourished male infants aged 3 - 12 months suffering from acute diarrhea with moderate dehydration . After adequate oral rehydration , the patients were r and omly assigned to receive either a low lactose infant formula supplemented with added precooked rice ( 1.5 g/100mL ) with the above active ingredients ( study group ) or a low lactose infant formula with added precooked rice without the above active ingredient supplement ( control group ) . No antibiotic , anti-secretory drug or antiemetic was given at all . Both study and control groups showed similar outcomes for weight gain and stool weight . The duration of diarrhea was significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group ( 1.63 versus 2.45 days ; p<0.05 ; for the study and control group respectively ) . No treatment failure or other side effects were observed during the course of the study . The present study supports the evidence for the efficacy of a special anti-diarrhea infant formula containing probiotic , prebiotic , fiber and iron+zinc after oral rehydration by shortening the duration of infantile diarrhea in developing countries . However , from the results of our study we can not discern the individual contribution of the active ingredients and also not whether they may act independent from each other or in a synergistic way The link diet-cognitive function/dementia has been largely investigated in observational studies ; however , there was a lack of evidence from r and omized clinical trials ( RCTs ) on the prevention of late-life cognitive disorders though dietary intervention in cognitively healthy older adults . In the present article , we systematic ally review ed RCTs published in the last four years ( 2014 - 2017 ) exploring nutritional intervention efficacy in preventing the onset of late-life cognitive disorders and dementia in cognitively healthy subjects aged 60 years and older using different levels of investigation ( i.e. , dietary pattern changes/medical food/nutraceutical supplementation/multidomain approach and dietary macro- and micronutrient approaches ) as well as possible underlying mechanisms of nutritional prevention . From the 35 included RCTs , there was moderate evidence that intervention through dietary pattern changes , medical food/nutraceutical supplementation , and multidomain approach improved specific cognitive domains or cognitive-related blood biomarkers . There was high evidence that protein supplementation improved specific cognitive domains or functional status in prefrail older adults without effect on cognitive function . For fatty acid supplementation , mainly long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids , there was emerging evidence suggesting an impact of this approach in improving specific cognitive domains , magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) findings , and /or cognitive-related biomarkers also in selected subgroups of older subjects , although some results were conflicting . There was convincing evidence of an impact of non-flavonoid polyphenol and flavonoid supplementations in improving specific cognitive domains and /or MRI findings . Finally , there was only low evidence suggesting efficacy of intervention with homocysteine-related and antioxidant vitamins in improving cognitive functions , dementia incidence , or cognitive-related biomarkers in cognitively healthy older subjects BACKGROUND Abnormal uterine bleeding is the direct cause of a significant health care burden for women , their families , and society as a whole . Up to 30 % of women will seek medical assistance for this problem during their reproductive years . This guideline replaces previous clinical guidelines on the topic and is aim ed to enable health care providers with the tools to provide the latest evidence -based care in the diagnosis and the medical and surgical management of this common problem . OBJECTIVE To provide current evidence -based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of  abnormal uterine bleeding ( AUB ) among women of reproductive age . OUTCOMES Outcomes evaluated include the impact of AUB on quality of life and the results of interventions including medical and surgical management of AUB . METHODS Members of the guideline committee were selected on the basis of individual expertise to represent a range of practical and academic experience in terms of location in Canada , type of practice , subspecialty expertise , and general gynaecology background . The committee review ed relevant evidence in the English medical literature including published guidelines . Recommendations were established as consensus statements . The final document was review ed and approved by the Executive and Council of the SOGC . RESULTS This document provides a summary of up-to- date evidence regarding diagnosis , investigations , and medical and surgical management of AUB . The result ing recommendations may be adapted by individual health care workers when serving women with this condition . CONCLUSIONS Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common and sometimes debilitating condition in women of reproductive age . St and ardization of related terminology , a systematic approach to diagnosis and investigation , and a step-wise approach to intervention is necessary . Treatment commencing with medical therapeutic modalities followed by the least invasive surgical modalities achieving results satisfactory to the patient is the ultimate goal of all therapeutic interventions . EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through search es of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library in March 2011 using appropriate controlled vocabulary ( e.g. uterine hemorrhage , menorrhagia ) and key words ( e.g. menorrhagia , heavy menstrual bleeding , abnormal uterine bleeding ) . Results were restricted to systematic review s , r and omized control trials/controlled clinical trials , and observational studies written in English and published from January 1999 to March 2011 . Search es were up date d on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to February 2013 . Grey ( unpublished ) literature was identified through search ing the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies , clinical practice guideline collection s , clinical trial registries , and national and international medical specialty societies . VALUES The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care ( Table ) . BENEFITS , HARMS , AND COSTS Implementation of the guideline recommendations will improve the health and well-being of women with abnormal uterine bleeding , their families , and society . The economic cost of implementing these guidelines in the Canadian health care system was not considered There is some evidence that early colonization of the intestine affects the composition of the intestinal microbiota after weaning . In the present study , the effect of prebiotics administered from the first day of life on fecal counts of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were studied during and after the administration of the prebiotics . In this double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled , explorative study , 20 newborns of hepatitis C virus-infected mothers who decided not to breast feed due to their concerns regarding their plasma viral load were r and omly assigned to either a formula with 8 g/L of a specific prebiotic mixture ( short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides , ratio 9:1 ) or a formula containing the same amount of maltodextrin ( placebo ) .  Clinical examination including anthropometric measurements , microbiological analysis of fecal sample s , and blood leukocyte population analysis were performed at birth and 3 , 6 , and 12 mo age . At the age of 12 mo , hepatitis B vaccine-specific IgG serum titers ( Hepatitis B virus surface antibodies ) were also measured . Prebiotic supplementation result ed in more fecal bifidobacteria ( P < 0.0001 ) and lactobacilli ( P = 0.0044 ) compared with the placebo group . These differences between the groups were maintained during the second half of the first year without any prebiotic supplementation . There was no influence of the different diets on anthropometric data or the measured immunological variables . The data from this small explorative study indicate that early colonization of the intestine might have long-lasting effects on the composition of the intestinal microbiota Objective : To assess the effects of dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid ( LCPUFA ) supplementation on auditory brainstem maturation of healthy term newborns during the first 16 weeks of life by measuring brainstem auditory evoked potentials ( BAEPs ) . Design : Throughout the 16 week study period , infants in the formula A group ( n = 28 ) were assigned to be fed exclusively with the same formula supplemented with DHA , and infants in the formula B group ( n = 26 ) were assigned to receive only a DHA unsupplemented but otherwise similar formula . During the study period , the first 26 consecutive infants to be fed exclusively on their mother ’s milk for at least the first 16 weeks of life were chosen as the control group . BAEP measurements were performed twice : at the first and 16th week of age . Results : There were no significant differences among the study and control groups in the BAEP measurements performed at the study entry . At 16 weeks of age , all absolute wave and interpeak latencies in the study and control groups had significantly decreased . The decreases were significantly greater in the formula A and control groups than in the formula B group . Conclusions : Infants fed on human milk or a formula supplemented with LCPUFAs during the first 16 weeks of life show more rapid BAEP maturation than infants fed on a st and ard formula . Although the clinical importance and long term effects of these findings remain to be determined , routine supplementation of formulas with LCPUFAs should be considered Background . Early enteral nutrition with solutions containing prebiotics ( fiber ) and probiotics ( Lactobacillus ) is suggested to reduce bacterial translocation and minimize the incidence of infections after liver transplantation . Methods . In a prospect i ve , r and omized placebo-controlled trial consisting of 95 patients , we compared the incidence of postoperative infections and other complications after liver transplantation among three different groups , all supplied with early enteral nutrition :  ( a ) st and ard formula plus selective bowel decontamination ( SBD ) , ( b ) fiber-containing formula plus living Lactobacillus plantarum 299 , and ( c ) fiber-containing formula plus heat-killed L plantarum 299 . Results . The groups were comparable regarding preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists classification , Child-Pugh classification of cirrhosis , operative data , and degree of immunosuppression . The patients who received living lactobacilli plus fiber developed significantly fewer bacterial infections ( 13 % ) than the patients with SBD ( 48 % ) . The incidence of infections was 34 % in the group with inactivated lactobacilli and fiber . Cholangitis and pneumonia were the leading infections and enterococci the most commonly isolated bacteria . In the living Lactobacillus group , the mean duration of antibiotic therapy , the mean total hospital stay , and the stay on the intensive care unit were also shorter than in the groups with inactivated lactobacilli and fiber as well as with SBD . However , these differences did not reach statistical significance . Conclusions . Early enteral nutrition with fiber-containing solutions and living L plantarum 299 was well tolerated . It decreases markedly the rate of postoperative infections both in comparison with inactivated L plantarum 299 and significantly with SBD and a st and ard enteral nutrition formula . As it is a cheap and feasible alternative to SBD , further studies should evaluate whether this ecoimmunonutrition should be already started while patients are on the waiting list for transplantation Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional efficacy and bifidogenic characteristics of a new infant formula containing partially hydrolyzed whey protein , modified vegetable oil with a high & bgr;-palmitic acid content , prebiotic oligosaccharides , and starch . Methods In a double-blind study , healthy formula-fed term infants aged younger than 2 weeks were r and omized to receive either the new infant formula ( NF ) or a st and ard formula ( SF )  until the age of 12 weeks .  Anthropometric measurements were taken at enrollment , 6 weeks , and 12 weeks . In a sub sample of infants , blood sample s were taken at 6 weeks and stool sample s were taken at enrollment and 6 weeks . Blood sample s were analyzed for biochemical measures of protein status and amino acids , and stools were analyzed for total bacteria and bifidobacteria . Mothers completed a feeding diary and question naire at 6 and 10 weeks . Results One hundred fifty-four infants were enrolled in the study ; 102 completed the trial . The growth of infants in both formula groups was in line with published growth curves . During the first 6 weeks , NF girls gained more weight and head circumference than the SF girls . These velocity differences were not maintained throughout the 12-week study period . The NF stools had a higher proportion of bifidobacteria at 6 weeks compared with the SF stools , and they were softer . There were no clinical ly significant differences in the blood biochemical and amino acid values between groups . Both formulas were well tolerated by the infants . Conclusions When compared with a st and ard infant formula , the new formula supported satisfactory growth , led to higher counts of bifidobacteria in the feces , produced blood bio-chemical values typical of formula-fed infants , and was well tolerated Antibiotics exert deleterious effects on the intestinal microbiota , favoring the emergence of opportunistic bacteria and diarrhea . Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria . Our aim was to evaluate the effects on the intestinal microbiota of a prebiotic-supplemented milk formula after an antibiotic treatment . A r and omized , double-blind , controlled clinical trial was carried out in 140 infants 1–2 y of age distributed into two groups after a 1-wk amoxicillin treatment ( 50 mg/kg/d ) for acute bronchitis . The children received for 3 wk > 500 mL/d of a formula with prebiotics ( 4.5 g/L ) or a control without prebiotics . Fecal sample s were obtained on d –7 ( at the beginning of the antibiotic treatment ) , on d 0 ( end of the treatment and before formula administration ) , and on d 7 and 21 ( during formula administration ) . Counts of Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus-Enterococcus , Clostridium lituseburiense cluster , Clostridium histolyticum cluster , Escherichia coli , and Bacteroides-Prevotella were evaluated by fluorescent in situ hybridization ( FISH ) and flow cytometry . Tolerance and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded daily . Amoxicillin decreased total fecal bacteria and increased E. coli . The prebiotic significantly increased bifidobacteria from 8.17 ± 1.46 on d 0 to 8.54 ± 1.20 on d 7 compared with the control 8.22 ± 1.24 on d 0 versus 7.95 ± 1.54 on d 7 . The Lactobacillus population showed a similar tendency while the other bacteria were unaffected . No gastrointestinal symptoms were detected during the prebiotic administration . Prebiotics in a milk formula increase fecal bifidobacteria early after amoxicillin treatment without inducing gastrointestinal symptoms To improve maternal nutritional status and to ameliorate protein-energy malnutrition in pregnant women and infants , supplementary foods for rural pregnant women were formulated and evaluated . Six formulas with protein and energy contents of 16 - 22 g and 350 - 500 kcal/100 g food , respectively , were developed from locally available raw material s. A field evaluation of formulas I and V was conducted at the regional MCH Center at Rajchaburi , about 120 km from Bangkok .  Formulas providing 13 g protein and 350 kcal per day were given to two groups of mothers in the first or second pregnancy , starting at 28 + /- 2 wk of gestation . A third group , unsupplemented , served as controls .  Maternal weight gain and left mid-arm circumference were measured every 2 wk . Birth weight , length , head and chest circumferences of newborns , and placental weight were significantly higher in both supplemented groups . These findings suggest that among undernourished mothers , supplementation of as little as 13 g protein and 350 kcal daily during the last trimester can significantly improve maternal weight gain and birth weight of newborns AIM Effects of supplementing prebiotic oligosaccharides to formula for healthy infants were studied in this placebo controlled , r and omised , double blind study . METHODS Ninety-seven infants were included into the study ; among them 42 breast-fed infants , 14 infants fed formula supplemented with 0.4 g/100ml oligosaccharides ( 9 to 1 mixture of galacto- and fructooligosaccharides ) and 13 infants fed control formula  were followed-up throughout the 12-week-long study period . The groups receiving formula were compared with statistical methods , whereas data of breast-fed infants served as reference values . RESULTS Infants fed the two formulae did not differ in nutrient intakes , growth , occurrence rate of feeding difficulties and atopic manifestations , or in calcium excretion . The intestinal flora did not differ between the two formula fed groups at the beginning of the study . In contrast , numbers of Bifidobacteriae were significantly higher in infants receiving the formula supplemented with prebiotic oligosaccharides both at the 14th day ( 9 x 1011 versus 5 x 1010 , colony forming units/g faeces , median , p < 0.05 ) and 28th day ( 9 x 1012 versus 5 x 1010 , p < 0.05 ) of the study . CONCLUSION In this study , supplementation of infant formula with prebiotic oligosaccharides result ed in ameliorating the difference in intestinal flora between formula fed and breast-fed healthy infants OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and prebiotic effects of lactulose in preterm infants . STUDY DESIGN This was a prospect i ve , double-blinded , placebo-controlled , single-center study in 23- to 34-weeks premature infants . The study group received 1 % lactulose , and control infants received 1 % dextrose in all feeds ( human milk or formula ) . RESULTS Twenty-eight infants participated ( 15 lactulose , 13 placebo ) . Small doses of lactulose appeared to be safe and did not cause diarrhea .  Premature infants on lactulose had more Lactobacilli-positive stool cultures that appeared earlier with larger number of colonies . The lactulose group tended to have less intolerance to enteral feedings , to reach full oral feeds earlier , and to be discharged home earlier . They also tended to have fewer episodes of late-onset sepsis , lower Bell stage necrotizing enterocolitis , and their nutritional laboratory indices were better , especially calcium and total protein . CONCLUSIONS This pilot study supports the safety of supplementing preterm infants ' feeds with low doses of lactulose . It also demonstrated trends that may suggest positive prebiotic effects The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of an infant formula supplemented with Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 , a probiotic strain isolated from breast milk , in infants of 1 - 6 months of age . A r and omized double blinded controlled study including healthy infants was conducted . One month aged infants received a prebiotic infant formula supplemented with L. fermentum ( experimental group ) or the same formula without the probiotic strain ( control group ) for 5 months . The primary outcome of the study was average daily weight gain between baseline and 4 months of age . Secondary outcomes were other anthropometric data ( length and head circumference ) , formula consumption , and tolerance . Incidence of infections was also recorded by pediatricians . No significant differences in weight gain were observed between both groups , neither at 4 months of age ( 29.0±7.8 vs 28.9±5.7g/day ) nor at 6 months ( 25.1±6.1 vs 24.7±5.2g/day ) . There were no statistically significant differences in the consumption of the formulae or symptoms related to the tolerance of the formula . The incidence rate of gastrointestinal infections in infants of the control group was 3 times higher than in the probiotic group ( p=0.018 ) . Therefore , consumption of a prebiotic infant formula enriched with the human milk probiotic strain L. fermentum CECT5716 from 1 to 6 months of life is well tolerated and safe . Furthermore , the consumption of this formula may improve the health of the infants by reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal infections BACKGROUND & AIMS Perioperative nutrition with specialized enteral diets improves outcome when compared with st and ard formulas . A post-hoc analysis suggested preoperative administration as the most important period . Thus , we design ed a study to underst and prospect ively whether preoperative supplementation could be as efficacious as the perioperative approach and superior to a conventional treatment ( no artificial nutrition ) in reducing postoperative infections and length of hospital stay . METHODS A total of 305 patients with preoperative weight loss < 10 % and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract were r and omized to receive the following : ( 1 ) oral supplementation for 5 days before surgery with 1 L/day of a formula enriched with arginine , omega-3 fatty acids , and RNA , with no nutritional support given after surgery ( preoperative group , n = 102 ) ; ( 2 ) the same preoperative treatment plus postoperative jejunal infusion with the same enriched formula ( perioperative group , n = 101 ) ; and ( 3 ) no artificial nutrition before and after surgery ( conventional group ; n = 102 ) . RESULTS The 3 groups were comparable for all baseline and surgical characteristics . Intention-to-treat analysis showed a 13.7 % incidence of postoperative infections in the preoperative group , 15.8 % in the perioperative group , and 30.4 % in the conventional group ( P = 0.006 vs. preoperative ; P = 0.02 vs. perioperative ) . Length of hospital stay was 11.6 + /- 4.7 days in the preoperative group , 12.2 + /- 4.1 days in the perioperative group , and 14.0 + /- 7.7 days in the conventional group ( P = 0.008 vs. preoperative and P = 0.03 vs. perioperative ) . CONCLUSIONS Preoperative supplementation is as effective as perioperative administration in improving outcome . Both strategies seem superior to the conventional approach
The administration of currently evaluated prebiotic-supplemented formulae to healthy infants does not raise safety concerns with regard to growth and adverse effects .
Some favourable clinical effects are possible , primarily stool softening , which may be beneficial in some infants .
Currently , there is no existing robust evidence to recommend the routine use of prebiotic-supplemented formulae .
In 2011 , the Committee on Nutrition of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology , Hepatology and Nutrition systematic ally review ed published evidence related to the safety and health effects of the administration of formulae supplemented with pro- and /or prebiotics compared with unsupplemented formulae .