Probiotics and prebiotics in infant formula

Abstract

The gastrointestinal flora of breast-fed infants and those on classic standard infant formula differs. While mother’s milk is rich in prebiotic oligosaccharides and also contains some probiotics, a standard infant formula contains none of both.

There is evidence that addition of pro- and prebiotics bring the gastrointestinal (GI) flora composition of formula-fed infants closer to that of breastfed infants. However, there is only limited evidence that these changes in GI flora induce a health benefit. Almost no adverse effects have been shown.

Pre- and probiotics are added to infant formula because they are present in mother’s milk, and since the risk for adverse events seems minimal to non-existent. The evidence of a relevant clinical benefit is limited. However, since most studies suggest a trend for beneficial effects (which differs from study to study and which is most of the time insignificant) and since these ingredients are very safe, most infant formula companies do add prebiotics or probiotics, or both, to infant formula.