Effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the infant gut microbiota and other health outcomes: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#infant #humans #prebiotics #synbiotics #gastrointestinal-microbiome

Effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the infant gut microbiota and other health outcomes: A systematic review

Ferro et al., 2023 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Ferro Lynn E, Crowley Liana N, ... Trabulsi Jillian C. Effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the infant gut microbiota and other health outcomes: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(22):5620-5642. doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.2022595

Abstract

The primary aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the literature regarding the effect of pre-, pro-, or synbiotic supplementation in infant formula on the gastrointestinal microbiota. The Cochrane methodology for systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was employed. Five databases were searched and 32 RCTs (2010-2021) were identified for inclusion: 20 prebiotic, 6 probiotic, and 6 synbiotic. The methods utilized to evaluate gastrointestinal microbiota varied across studies and included colony plating, fluorescence in situ hybridization, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, or tagged sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Fecal Bifidobacterium levels increased with supplementation of prebiotics and synbiotics but not with probiotics alone. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation generally increased fecal levels of the bacterial strain supplemented in the formula. Across all pre-, pro-, and synbiotic-supplemented formulas, results were inconsistent regarding fecal Clostridium levels. Fecal pH was lower with some prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation; however, no difference was seen with probiotics. Softer stools were often reported in infants supplemented with pre- and synbiotics, yet results were inconsistent for probiotic-supplemented formula. Limited evidence demonstrates that pre- and synbiotic supplementation increases fecal Bifidobacterium levels. Future studies utilizing comprehensive methodologies and additional studies in probiotics and synbiotics are warranted.

Key Findings

Future studies utilizing comprehensive methodologies and additional studies in probiotics and synbiotics are warranted.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 32
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Infant
  • Humans
  • Prebiotics
  • Synbiotics
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Probiotics
  • Bifidobacterium

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09