fructooligosaccharide and Acute-Disease

We investigated the effect of a mixture of long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides and acidic oligosaccharides on the number and consistency of stools and on immune system biomarkers in 104 supplemented and non-supplemented subjects (aged 9-24 months) with acute diarrhea. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and sIL-2R cytokine levels were determined. The significant decrease in number of stools and increase in stool consistency in the supplemented group was of little clinical relevance. The only significant change in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was decreased TNF-α levels in the supplemented group. Prebiotic supplementation during acute diarrhea episodes did not influence the clinical course.

Topics: Acute Disease; Child, Preschool; Cytokines; Diarrhea; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Feces; Galactose; Humans; Infant; Interleukins; Oligosaccharides; Placebos; Prebiotics; Prospective Studies; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Acutely ill children (n = 129) aged 1-6 years receiving antibiotic therapy were randomized to receive a nutritional supplement with (PS) or without (P) synbiotics or a fruit-flavored drink (D) with their medications. Group PS had significantly greater weight gains (versus D) following antibiotic therapy. The percentages of subjects without bacterial illnesses 14 days following antibiotic therapy were as follows: 94.3% (PS), 87.8% (D), and 80.6% (P). PS (vs D) significantly increased fecal Lactobacillus in a subset of subjects. Oral supplements increase energy intake and promote weight gain in acutely ill children receiving antibiotics; synbiotics may confer additional benefits by increasing bifidobacteria levels.

Topics: Acute Disease; Bacterial Infections; Bifidobacterium; Child, Preschool; Constipation; Diarrhea; Dietary Supplements; Feces; Female; Humans; Infant; Lactobacillus; Male; Oligosaccharides; Otitis Media; Pharyngitis; Probiotics; Tonsillitis; Treatment Outcome; Vomiting; Weight Gain