Probiotics in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders

Probiotics have been defined most recently as living microorganisms which, upon ingestion in certain numbers, exact health benefits beyond inherent ge neral nutrition. They have been a part of human nutrition for centuries, bu t in recent years they have been more closely studied for their potential t o improve health and treat disease. This review of probiotics is not extens ive, highlighting the most recent reviews and well controlled clinical stud ies in both animals and humans. The safety issues are also discussed as wel l as potential mechanisms of action. The importance of studying each probio tic bacterium individually in each condition where a health benefit is clai med is highlighted by Lactobacillus GG, the most widely studied probiotic w hich has proven benefit in reducing the severity and duration of viral diar rhea but no benefit against bacterial diarrhea, (C) 2000 Lippincott William s & Wilkins, Inc.