MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Efficacy of prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic administration in improving growth in children aged 0–59 months living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary

This comprehensive review examined whether giving children special dietary supplements containing beneficial bacteria and their food sources (prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics) helps them grow better in low-income countries. The analysis of eight studies found that these supplements may help children gain weight, especially those who are malnourished, though the evidence remains limited. More research is needed to fully understand whether these supplements are truly effective for promoting healthy growth in young children.

Background

Poor growth affects millions of children under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with environmental enteric dysfunction contributing to undernutrition and stunting. Pre-, pro-, and synbiotics may strengthen gut microbiota resilience and improve nutrient absorption in young children exposed to poor hygiene and sanitation.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of administering prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics on growth outcomes in children aged 0-59 months living in LMICs. The review aimed to assess weight gain, height gain, and other growth parameters as primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs showed significant weight gain favoring the intervention group (MD = 0.33 kg, 95% CI 0.11-0.55), with greater effects in malnourished children. Height gain showed no significant difference (MD = 0.31 cm, 95% CI -0.36-0.98). Subgroup analysis revealed prebiotics and synbiotics had significant effects on weight gain.

Conclusion

Evidence for pre-, pro-, or synbiotic administration improving growth in LMIC children is weak but suggests potential benefits for weight gain in both healthy and malnourished children. Further large, well-designed RCTs with longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes are needed to confirm effectiveness.
  • Published in:BMC Pediatrics,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40011839
Scroll to Top