Probiotics for gut health in preterm newborns

Probiotic supplementation in preterm newborns increases beneficial bacteria and reduces potentially harmful species in the gut microbiota, potentially mitigating risks of common gastrointestinal medical/surgical illness.

Probiotics in neonatal intensive care units are promising for reducing necrotising enterocolitis, (NEC) sepsis, and mortality in infants who are born preterm, but their influence on gut microbiota requires further investigation. This study systematically reviewed available data on probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota development in this population.

A systematic review across Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted to analyze probiotic effects on gut microbiota in premature infants.

Out of the 1046 screened articles, only 29 were included, showing varied probiotic strains, doses, and sampling times. Probiotic supplementation usually includes good bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, altering microbial diversity and reducing pathogenic genera like Streptococcus, Clostridium, Escherichia and Klebsiella.

Supplementation of probiotics in preterm infants modifies gut microbiota by increasing beneficial strains and decreasing pathogenic species, potentially explaining reduced NEC risk. However, further research is needed aimed at optimizing probiotic formulations and effective dosing.