Functional foods and probiotics : Working group report of the first World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

Isolauri, E., Da Costa Ribeiro, H., Gibson, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0566-0476, Saavedra, J., Saliminen, S., Vanderhoof, J. and Varavithya, W. (2002) Functional foods and probiotics : Working group report of the first World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 35 (SUPPL. 2). S106-S109. ISSN 0277-2116 doi: 10.1097/00005176-200208002-00007

Abstract/Summary

Strong evidence exists for the beneficial role that probiotic foods offer in infants. A number of important intestinal, and systemic, conditions may be managed more effectively through their use. However, it is important that these are consolidated on a mechanistic basis with a thorough understanding of host-microbe interactions. For the field to progress adequately, robust technologies such as molecular tracking of microbiota changes should be applied to well-controlled human studies. Various disciplines including microbiology, nutrition, immunology, and pediatrics have the potential to contribute toward the multidisciplinary approach required to ensure that the full potential of probiotics in infant nutrition can be realized.