Which role for prebiotics at weaning?

It is now generally recognized that the intestinal microflora plays a key role for human health and well being. In fact, the gut ecosystem is involved in a number of biologic functions, such as direct and indirect antipathogen activity (nutritive competition, reduction of pH, production of short-chain fatty acids, maturation and protection of the mucosal barrier, etc), synthesis of vitamins, detoxification of potentially harmful substances, and maturation and regulation of the immune system. Weaning represents a crucial step in the development of the intestinal flora and, at the same time, corresponds to a very delicate phase of immunologic maturation. A safe and effective way to beneficially influence the intestinal microflora is the administration of prebiotics, which selectively promote the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria. Some of the studies, which investigated the microbiologic and clinical effectiveness of prebiotics have been conducted at weaning, reporting interesting results. Anyway, many of the promising beneficial effects evidenced still need to be confirmed by further large randomized trials.