Using probiotics in the paediatric population.

As more is learned about the importance of the intestinal microbiome to human health there is increasing interest in the potential benefits of probiotics. Probiotics are live micro-organisms which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health effect on the host by altering its microflora. Probiotics have been administered both prophylactically and therapeutically for various conditions. This statement defines the development and role of intestinal microflora, and examines the evidence supporting the use of different probiotics to treat common paediatric conditions, such as diarrhea, atopy, functional intestinal disorders and necrotizing enterocolitis.