Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology

Abstract

Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics for Infant Feeding

S. Sarkar

Breast milk is considered as the most ideal food for infants. In absence of breast milk, various infant formulae may not be an appropriate substitute as they have not yet been able to meet the critical nutritional and physiological demands of infants. Diversity in microbiota of formula-fed infants in comparison to breast-fed infants has been reported and microbiota could be manipulated by dietary interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Research revealed that both probiotics and prebiotics could be safely incorporated into infant food; however safety assessment of the product through in vitro and studies on animal and human must be carried to evaluate their immediate and long-term effect on the composition and development of the intestinal microflora especially during the first months of life. In the present review, an attempt has been made to highlight the significance of a healthy intestinal microbiota and the health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for their inclusion in infant formulae. More exhaustive research for safety and efficacy of infant formula supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics must be evaluated prior to its commercialization. Emergence of a standard methodology for assessing the intestinal flora and its mandatory adoption for conducting related studies is required to arrive upon a conclusive result.