Probiotics: The Basics -- Basics of GI Physiology and Mucosal Immunology -- What Pediatricians Need to Know about the Analysis of the Gut Microbiota -- Role of Microflora in Disease -- Probiotics 101 -- Mechanisms of Probiotic Regulation of Host Homeostasis -- Safety Issues of Probiotic Ingestion -- Probiotics and Infants -- Neonatal and Infant Microflora -- Probiotics in Infant Dietetics -- Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Role of Probiotics in Prevention -- Probiotics and the Gut -- Irritable Bowel Syndrome -- The Role of Probiotics in the Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diarrhea in Children -- Probiotics in Crohn's Disease -- Probiotics in Ulcerative Colitis -- Pouchitis -- Probiotics in Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea and Clostridium difficile Infection -- Probiotics and the Immunocompromised Host -- Role of Probiotics in the Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection -- Probiotics Outside the Gut -- Probiotics in Treatment and/or Prevention of Allergies -- The Role of Probiotics in the Treatment and Prevention of Asthma -- The Impact of Probiotics on Maternal and Child Health: Clinical Evidence -- Probiotics Products -- Probiotics in Foods and Supplements -- The Application of Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Pediatrics -- The Future of Probiotics -- Probiotic Future -- The Quality Control of Probiotics in Food and Dietary Supplements.

Since the turn of the century, many scientists and investigators have diligently designed and performed experiments and trials to prove or disprove the power of probiotics. A great number of probiotic products in various shapes and forms have become available to the consumer and more than ever clinicians are dealing with children and patients that consider the use of probiotics. Probiotics in Pediatric Medicine provides clinicians a tool to understand the current evidence for the role of probiotics in various pediatric disorders related to the gastrointestinal as well as the extra-intestinal tract. This book provides evidence-based up-to-date information from world experts in their fields to help clinicians make decisions regarding the use of probiotics. A list of resources, web sites, and references relevant to probiotics can be found in the appendix. Currently, the market for probiotics continues to rely heavily on health claims made by manufacturers and retailers. Clinicians have the sole responsibility to understand the various strains and preparations commercially available and to advise patients accordingly. Probiotics in Pediatric Medicine is an indispensable tool and a critical resource for health professionals that will aid in enhancing their ability to make the appropriate decisions regarding the use of probiotics.