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Clinical Use of Probiotics in the Pediatric Population
Author(s) -
Wallace Beth
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/0884533608329298
Subject(s) - medicine , probiotic , irritable bowel syndrome , diarrhea , population , intensive care medicine , disease , short bowel syndrome , immunology , pediatrics , environmental health , parenteral nutrition , genetics , bacteria , biology
Probiotics are live microorganisms that produce a benefit to the host when provided in adequate amounts from food or supplements. There is an increased interest in the use of probiotics in the management and treatment of complex medical conditions. Recommendations for probiotic supplementation in the pediatric population are often conflicting due to limited research in many pediatric disease states. Research on single and multistrain probiotics has shown promise for some pediatric populations. This review discusses the research available for probiotic supplementation for children with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, short bowel syndrome, human immunodeficiency virus, and food allergies. Probiotic safety also is discussed.