One of the top U.S. medical groups has provided information that “good bacteria” or probiotics may have restricted benefits with regards to specific illnesses in children.

The group has not yet fully exclaimed that this evidence is sufficient enough to back up infant formulas containing probiotics. The medical group also says that probiotics must not be provided to children who have very serious illnesses.

There are basically around 500 different bacteria living naturally inside a human’s intestinal tract. The understanding of bacteria’s role regarding health has grown through the years. Different companies have been claiming that probiotics pills, milks, juices and yogurts help in better digestion and also assist the immune system.

Summary of the findings from the new report basically came from scientific studies focusing on the active ingredients contained by products. This report claims that probiotics that are taken early during the experience of diarrhea caused by a viral infection may be able to shorten the illness.

Children taking antibiotics may also prevent diarrhea through the use of probiotics. Take note that the taking of antibiotics can sometimes be the cause of diarrhea.

Though this looks promising, there is still a need for more evidence so that the AAP can fully recommend probiotics to be used against constipation, Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome. There is also a lack of evidence to recommend probiotics in preventing asthma or eczema to infants or pregnant women.

The report says that further research in the future may find additional benefits. The report also shows the possibility that prebiotics containing different nutrients such as fiber, may someday be helpful. These nutrients basically feed probiotic bacteria.

There is a need to heed the warning that children who have compromised immune systems and also those who utilize intravenous catheters must not receive probiotics due to serious infections that have been reported.

According to Dr. Tod Cooperman, consumers must take note that a big percent of organisms found inside a probiotic supplement die even before the product gets purchased. He also warns that some labels can be incorrect or misleading. Dr. Cooperman is the president of Consumerlab.com. He tests products then conduct reports regarding their quality.

Probiotic supplements were tested last year by the company. Dr. Cooperman suggested that these products should be sealed and stored in containers. He also advices that the best thing to do with the products is to refrigerate them.