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Probiotics are nonpathogenic bacteria that may improve immunity, particularly with respect to gastrointestinal disease. Two groups of investigators studied the effects of probiotics in preventing acute infection and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Investigators in Israel conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 201 healthy infants (age range, 4 to 10 months) attending 14 child-care centers. The infants were randomized to receive formula supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis (73), Lactobacillus reuteri (68), or no probiotics (60). During the 12-week study period, infants who received L. reuteri had significantly better outcomes than infants in the control group on seven of nine measures (days with fever or diarrhea, episodes …