Infant probiotic use 'reduces risk of gastrointestinal disorders'

Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to play an important role in regulating intestinal function and digestion by balancing the microflora of the gut.

Driving a change of colonization during the first weeks of life through giving lactobacilli may promote an improvement in intestinal permeability; visceral sensitivity and mast cell density and probiotic administration may represent a new strategy for preventing these conditions, at least in predisposed children.

Infants who received a probiotic supplement each day in the first 3 months of life appeared to have a reduced risk for gastrointestinal disorders.