Page 25 - Petelin, Ana, et al. 2019. Eds. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of Children and Adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press
P. 25
The influence of gut microbiota
and probiotics on children health
Katja Bezek, Darja Barlič - Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
Abstract
Problem presentation. Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of more
than 1014 microorganisms in a symbiotic relationship with the host and
has an important protective, structural and metabolic role. The intestinal
mucosa is colonised immediately after birth by microorganisms
originating mainly from mother’s gut, vaginal tract and skin. The
composition of microbiota is shaped during the early childhood by
the age of three and it depends on different factors like genetics, mode
of delivery, breastfeeding, weaning, and exposure to environmental
bacteria, medication and diet. Recent studies have shown that the gut
microbiota composition established during the early period of live
plays an important role in the development and physiology of the host
immune system and affects health and disease in later life. Purpose. We
want to present the functioning and influence of the microbiota on the
development and health of the child during the period of growing up
and later in adulthood. Conclusions. The gut microbiota homeostasis
is influenced by a wide range of factors that can cause a so-called
state of dysbiosis leading to health disorders or diseases, including
obesity, diabetes and allergies. Due to a close relationship between
gut microbiota, health, and disease there is an increased interest in
probiotics with the aim of different disease prevention and treatment.
The use of probiotic food or/and daily probiotic supplements could
therefore favorably influence the early stages of children physical and
mental development.
Key words: gut microbiota, children, health, probiotics
Introduction
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is inhabited by complex microbial com-
munities, which can significantly influence the well-being of the host. The so-
and probiotics on children health
Katja Bezek, Darja Barlič - Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
Abstract
Problem presentation. Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of more
than 1014 microorganisms in a symbiotic relationship with the host and
has an important protective, structural and metabolic role. The intestinal
mucosa is colonised immediately after birth by microorganisms
originating mainly from mother’s gut, vaginal tract and skin. The
composition of microbiota is shaped during the early childhood by
the age of three and it depends on different factors like genetics, mode
of delivery, breastfeeding, weaning, and exposure to environmental
bacteria, medication and diet. Recent studies have shown that the gut
microbiota composition established during the early period of live
plays an important role in the development and physiology of the host
immune system and affects health and disease in later life. Purpose. We
want to present the functioning and influence of the microbiota on the
development and health of the child during the period of growing up
and later in adulthood. Conclusions. The gut microbiota homeostasis
is influenced by a wide range of factors that can cause a so-called
state of dysbiosis leading to health disorders or diseases, including
obesity, diabetes and allergies. Due to a close relationship between
gut microbiota, health, and disease there is an increased interest in
probiotics with the aim of different disease prevention and treatment.
The use of probiotic food or/and daily probiotic supplements could
therefore favorably influence the early stages of children physical and
mental development.
Key words: gut microbiota, children, health, probiotics
Introduction
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is inhabited by complex microbial com-
munities, which can significantly influence the well-being of the host. The so-
