Synbiotics for intensive care patients: shifting the evidence balance

A combination of pre- and probiotics, so-called synbiotics, improves important health parameters in intensive care patients,according to a recent study. This contradicts some previously published papers.

A study in the Journal of Trauma has recently reopened a several-year-old discussion among trauma specialists. Should intensive care patients be treated with prebiotics and/or probiotics in order to prevent complications, such as bloodstream infections and pneumonia?
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Prebiotics reduce infant infections

A large-scale Italian study has shown a significant beneficial effect of prebiotics in infant formula. Prebiotics-supplemented infants suffered fewer bowel infections than controls, and were less likely to be prescribed antibiotics for any infection.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, such as fibers, that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in the gut. Efforts to improve gastrointestinal health, and thus general health, have therefore focused not only on probiotics, but also on prebiotics.
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