Probiotics and Synbiotics in Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Where Are We?

Preterm neonates are susceptible to complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Probiotics are live microorganisms, that when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. Current evidence suggests that probiotics are effective in decreasing the incidence of NEC in preterm infants. Nondigestible oligosaccharides ‘prebiotics’ have a positive impact on the micro biota and represent another potential preventative therapy. The combination of probiotics and prebiotics is known as Synbiotics. Probiotics have numerous health benefits, and immune modulation and micro biota restoration are among the basic mechanisms leading to these benefits. Despite the widespread administration of probiotics to preterms in many countries, its adoption as a protocol in North America has been limited. The aim of this article is to review the current evidence and to update health care professionals on the use of probiotics and synbiotics in improving intestinal health, and in preventing NEC in preterm infants.