Xiv-xvi Improved gut motility in infants given probiotics

Probiotics are non pathogenic, beneficial species of bacteria that colonize and replicate within the human intestinal tract and that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, exert a positive influence on host health a physiology. Studies on probiolic formulas have demonstrated healthy benefits in both term and in preterm newborns. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as regurgitation, colic and constipation are important issues in infants that might benefit from probiotic enriched formula. Indeed, probiotics promote maturation and the development of a functioning motility, and improve upper gastrointestinal motility, reducing basal antral area and ameliorate gastric emptying rate. The neuro-immune interaction is the key to interpret the possible effect of probiotics on intestinal motility.