Meta-analysis confirms the positive effect of L. fermentum on gastrointestinal infections in infants
10.2021
Summarised by Sandra Rühle, M.Sc. in nutritional science
Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 is a probiotic strain that occurs naturally in human milk. In addition to its safety, it is believed to have functional, anti-infectious, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient in formula. This prompted the team around Pastor-Villaescusa to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effect of the strain.
For an evidence-based evaluation of this effect, they conducted a systematic literature search until mid-June 2021. They found three RCTs (randomised controlled trials) that were considered relevant. These trials looked at a total of 512 infants, 435 of whom were also included in follow-up analyses. The study populations of all RCTs consisted exclusively of formula-fed infants between one and six months of age.
Results: Infants receiving a formula fortified with L. fermentum CECT5716 had a significantly lower incidence rate of gastrointestinal infections (IRR: 0.52 and 95% CI: 0.36–0.74) as compared to those receiving the placebo. Heterogeneity between the studies was moderate (I2 = 54.5%).
The most significant difference was a reduced incidence rate of diarrhoea of 71% compared to the control group (p = 0.018). Moreover, due to the absence of a high risk of bias, the authors conclude that the data is highly reliable. The administration of GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) along with this probiotic in two of the RCTs may explain a synergistic effect that enhanced the beneficial effect of L. fermentum.
Reference:
[1] Pastor-Villaescusa, B.; Blanco-Rojo, R.; Olivares, M. Evaluation of the Effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 on Gastrointestinal Infections in Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1412. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071412