Work

Probiotics for constipation relief in infants and young children: efficacy and mechanisms

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Constipation is a potentially life-threatening public health challenge worldwide, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. Constipation exerts significant effects on the growth and development of infants and young children (0–3 years of age). Probiotics are active microorganisms that colonize the intestines and have beneficial effects on the host. Their use is garnering attention as an effective strategy for preventing and treating constipation in infants and young children. Probiotics may affect intestinal motility and constipation by regulating the intestinal microbiota, intestinal nervous system, and immune system in infants and young children. Notably, probiotics exhibit strain-specific properties, leading to varying effects across different hosts. Additionally, regulatory frameworks for probiotic use vary significantly among countries, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of probiotic safety. Future efforts should focus on large-scale clinical trials, multi-omics technologies, and personalized intervention strategies to promote the standardized use of probiotics in the management of constipation in infants and young children.

Source: Journal of Future Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfutfo.2025.08.026

Authors: Shuaijing Lv, Weicang Qiao, Yaling Wang, Junying Zhao, Chaoxin Man, Lijun Chen

Institution: Northeast Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal motility and disorders

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Beijing Science and Technology Planning Project, Special Fund Project of Guiding Scientific and Technological Innovation Development of Gansu Province