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There is evidence of the effect of probiotic intake on the immune system. However, the effect probiotics may have on the rate of aging is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a probiotic blend on immunity, redox state, inflammation, and the rate of aging or biological age. A group of 10 men and 14 women took, daily for 2 months, a sachet with three probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BSO1, Lactobacillus reuteri LRE02, Lactobacillus plantarum LP14) and vitamin D. Before starting the treatment and after 2 months, peripheral blood was collected. Immune functions were assessed in isolated immune cells, and cytokine concentrations were also measured both in mononuclear cell cultures and plasma. Redox state parameters were also analyzed in whole blood cells. Finally, the Immunity Clock was applied to determine the biological age. Results show that the intake of this probiotic blend in general, in both men and women, improves immunity and decreases the oxidative and inflammatory state. In addition, it rejuvenates the biological age by 10 years on average. It can be concluded that this probiotic blend could be proposed as a good strategy to slow down the aging process, and to achieve healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors. Emerging research suggests a link between gut microbiota and neuropsychiatric conditions, including PMS. This study aimed to investigate the fecal microbiota and immune profiles of children with PMS compared to healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected from children diagnosed with PMS and age-matched healthy controls. The bacterial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified through gas chromatography. Immunological profiling was conducted using a multiplex cytokine assay. Significant differences were observed in the gut microbiota composition between PMS patients and controls, including a lower abundance of key bacterial genera such as Faecalibacterium and Agathobacter in PMS patients. SCFA levels were also reduced in PMS patients. Immunological analysis revealed higher levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PMS group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The findings indicate that children with PMS have distinct gut microbiota and SCFA profiles, which may contribute to the gastrointestinal and neurodevelopmental symptoms observed in this syndrome. These results suggest potential avenues for microbiota-targeted therapies in PMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition is a common situation in the Spanish paediatric population. Malnourished children may benefit from different strategies, including dietary modifications or nutritional supplements (NS). It is important to know the different factors that can influence treatment tolerance and adherence, and their impact on nutrition monitoring. Objectives: To explore the perception of doctors who prescribe nutritional supplements (NS) in children and to investigate different factors involved in tolerance and adherence. Material and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study based on an ad hoc electronic survey designed to study doctors' perceptions of at least five of their children with NS and their families, subjected to outpatient follow up. Variables included were the socio-demographic variables of the doctors and children, nutritional status of the patients, amount and characteristics of NS (hyper-caloric oral with fibre (HOFF), oral peptide (OPF) and hyper-caloric infant (HIF)), route of administration, perceived benefits, satisfaction, palatability, adherence, and acceptance. Results: 815 patients aged 0–16 years (mean 10.6 years; SD 7.8) were included. A proportion of 64% received HOFF, 16% FOP, and 20% HIF. A proportion of 84% received exclusive oral NS. Total daily calorie intake prescribed with NS ranged from 30–75% in 48.2% of cases, though it was significantly higher in children under 6 months of age. Improvement in overall condition, nutritional status and quality of life was observed in 82%, 79.5%, and 80% of subjects. Improvement in tolerance and digestive symptoms was reported in 83.5% and 72% of subjects. The degree of satisfaction and acceptance of NS was very good in 80% of cases, with taste being the most influential factor (82.3%). Adherence was adequate in more than 60%, and smell was the most significant feature in lack of adherence (55%). The flavour of the best-accepted supplement was chocolate (44%). A total of 97% of prescribing doctors would recommend the same formula again. Conclusions: In our study, prescribing doctors and families perceived an excellent benefit from the use of the prescribed formulas, improved quality of life, high satisfaction, acceptance, and adherence. The positive factors for adequate adherence were sufficient information about the formulations and their benefits, and continuity of care during follow-up. Prescribing doctors would recommend supplement use again given the perceived benefits and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the "IX Workshop on Probiotics, Prebiotics and Health: Scientific Evidence," by the Spanish Society of Probiotics and Prebiotics to be held in Zaragoza, Spain on February 15 and 16, 2018.

Probiotics are used in a great number of both paediatric and adult diseases, mainly in gastrointestinal disorders, like diarrhoea. Nevertheless, their beneficial effect on immune alterations, such as atopic dermatitis and, more recently, in women related diseases such as vulvovaginitis and mastitis have also been observed. However, the use of probiotics is not completely implemented into the routine clinical practice for primary care physicians. There is still a great controversy with scarce scientific evidence, due to the diversity in the designs thereof which justifies the variability in the efficacy results. This outcome leads to difficulties in developing definitive treatment guidelines although there are exceptions, for example, WGO. The aim of this workshop, held at the VI Congress of the Spanish Society of Probiotics and Prebiotics is the training of primary care physicians, both paediatricians and general practitioners in the clinical applications of these nutritional preparations in different diseases: acute diarrhoea; antibiotic associated diarrhoea, necrotizing enterocolitis, employment in infant milk formulas, infant colic, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as vulvovaginitis and mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant colic is a prevalent physiological event of healthy children under 3 months of age which can disrupt the child's home environment. Despite its benign natural history, sometimes requires a therapeutic approach. Numerous therapeutical lines have been proposed although its pathogenesis remains unknown and multifactorial. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the infant colic. Several studies have shown less bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in infant colic meanwhile Escherichia, Klebsiella, Serratia, Vibrio, Yersinia and Pseudomonas are more prominent in colon. The probiotic strain L. reuteri DSM 17938, when administered once daily to 10⁸ cfu / day, seems to have the most scientific evidence up to date in the treatment of infant colic, without significant side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

months of life, reaching the state of mature microbiota when the child is around two years old. Even so, diet, lifestyle, antibiotic consumption or the aging process will determine changes in its composition and, as a consequence, the possibility of suffering chronic non-communicable diseases. Currently, there is sufficient scientific evidence to strengthen the importance of diet for the establishment, structure and functional activity of the gut microbiota, as well as many studies that demonstrate the role of diet in certain diseases through its effects on microbial communities of the gut. Modulation of the gut microbiota through dietary intervention is an emerging therapeutic and preventive strategy for many conditions. Probiotics and prebiotics may also be effective for restoration of beneficial bacteria and microbiota diversity capable to shift from disease to health promoting states.

The main function of vaginal microbiota is to protect the mucosa against the colonization and growth of pathogenic microorganisms. This microbiota is modified by hormonal activity. Its maximum concentration and effectiveness occurs during the fertile period, where there is a predominance of lactobacilli. When it is reduced (microbiota dysbiosis) leads to bacterial vaginosis and candida vaginitis which are common diseases in women. Consequently, instillation of lactobacilli in the vagina has beneficial effects on the symptomatology and prognosis of these illnesses. Breast milk is one of the key factors in the development of gut microbiota of the infant. There is an enteric-breast circulation, which is higher at the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. This circulation could explain the modulation of the breast microbiota by using probiotics. It could have a positive impact not only for the health of the mother, who would reduce the incidence of mastitis, but also for their infant. The use of probiotics is a hopeful alternative in various gynecological pathologies. However, it's is necessary first some well-designed, randomized trials with standardized methods and with a significant number of patients in order to confirm its benefits and allow us its use in protocols., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

Probiotics are used in a great number of both paediatric and adult diseases, mainly in gastrointestinal disorders, like diarrhoea. Nevertheless, their beneficial effect on immune alterations, such as atopic dermatitis and, more recently, in women related diseases such as vulvovaginitis and mastitis have also been observed. However, the use of probiotics is not completely implemented into the routine clinical practice for primary care physicians. There is still a great controversy with scarce scientific evidence, due to the diversity in the designs thereof which justifies the variability in the efficacy results. This outcome leads to difficulties in developing definitive treatment guidelines although there are exceptions, for example, WGO. The aim of this workshop, held at the VI Congress of the Spanish Society of Probiotics and Prebiotics is the training of primary care physicians, both paediatricians and general practitioners in the clinical applications of these nutritional preparations in different diseases: acute diarrhoea; antibiotic associated diarrhoea, necrotizing enterocolitis, employment in infant milk formulas, infant colic, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as vulvovaginitis and mastitis., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The use of probiotics supposes a novel advance in the field of Pediatrics since they can be useful in the prevention and treatment of many gastrointestinal pathologies, constituting one more element in our therapeutic arsenal., Objective: This article presents an updated review of the scientific literature on the use of probiotics in paediatrics, mainly in gastrointestinal problems with alteration in the intestinal microbiota describing the main applications of the use of probiotics and prebiotics in childhood and reviewing the future lines of research., Results and Conclusions: Although there enough scientific evidence in various pathologies, the use of probiotics is not entirely incorporated into the clinical practice of pediatricians. It is used in the context of the gastrointestinal diseases (acute infectious diarrhea, diarrhea associated with antibiotics, bacterial overcast) and, more recently, in chronic inflammatory processes such as inflammatory bowel disease or functional disorders as colic infant or constipation. Also have been assessed their beneficial effect in extraintestinal alterations, such as the allergies (atopic dermatitis) or the effects on respiratory or urogenital mucosae and, in recent years, in the prevention of pathology of the preterm newborn and in the H. pylori infection. In addition there are several lines of research open in nutritional supplementation with probiotics. and prebiotics. Each strain probiotics should be studied individually and extensively to determine its efficacy and safety in all situations in which their employment may be advisable., (Copyright © AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2013. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)