Updated recommendations on the use of probiotics: benefits and uncertainties for health
Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host, are widely used despite the uncertainty surrounding their effectiveness and the conflicting recommendations regarding their use.
The Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) provides updated recommendations on the use of probiotics for the management of certain pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
All systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, as well as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published subsequently (up until December 2021), comparing the use of probiotics in all delivery vehicles and formulations, at any dose, with no probiotic (i.e., placebo or no treatment) were taken into consideration.
Recommendations were only formulated if at least 2 RCTs on a similar and well-defined probiotic strain were available. The modified Delphi process was used to establish consensus on the recommendations.
Recommendations were formulated for the use of specific probiotic strains in the management of acute gastroenteritis, prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, nosocomial diarrhea, and necrotizing enterocolitis, management of Helicobacter pylori infection, and management of functional abdominal pain disorders and infant colic.
Despite evidence supporting the use of specific probiotics in some clinical situations, further studies are often necessary to confirm their effects and define the type, dose, and timing.
If your company wishes to develop and/or produce a probiotic-based product
Source: Szajewska H, Berni Canani R, Domellöf M, Guarino A, Hojsak I, Indrio F, Lo Vecchio A, Mihatsch WA, Mosca A, Orel R, Salvatore S, Shamir R, van den Akker CHP, van Goudoever JB, Vandenplas Y, Weizman Z; ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications. Probiotics for the Management of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders: Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2023 Feb 1;76(2):232-247. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003633. Epub 2022 Oct 11. PMID: 36219218.
