Page 95 - Petelin, Ana, et al. Eds. 2019. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of Children and Adolescents. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo / Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 95
influence of gut microbiota and probiotics on children health prehrana otrok in mladostnikov | nutrition of children and adolescents
Katja Bezek, Darja Barlič – Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of health sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of more than 1014 microorganisms in
a symbiotic relationship with the host and has an important protective, struc-
tural and metabolic role. The intestinal mucosa is colonized immediately after
birth by microorganisms originating mainly from mother's gut, vaginal tract and
skin. The composition of gut microbiota is shaped during the early childhood
by the age of three and it depends on different factors like genetics, mode of
delivery, breastfeeding, weaning, exposure to environmental antigens, medica-
tion and diet. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota composition
established during the early period of live plays an important role in the devel-
opment and physiology of the host immune system and affects health and dis-
ease in later life. Purpose. We want to present the functioning and influence of
the microbiota on the development and health of the child during the period
of growing up and later in adulthood. Conclusions. The gut microbiota home-
ostasis is influenced by a wide range of factors that can cause a so-called state
of dysbiosis leading to health disorders or diseases, including obesity, diabetes
and allergies. Due to a close relationship between gut microbiota, health, and
disease there is an increased interest in probiotics with the aim of different dis-
ease prevention and treatment. The use of probiotic food or/and daily probiot-
ic supplements could therefore favorably influence the early stages of children
physical and mental development.
Keywords: gut microbiota, children, health, probiotics
93
Katja Bezek, Darja Barlič – Maganja
University of Primorska, Faculty of health sciences, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of more than 1014 microorganisms in
a symbiotic relationship with the host and has an important protective, struc-
tural and metabolic role. The intestinal mucosa is colonized immediately after
birth by microorganisms originating mainly from mother's gut, vaginal tract and
skin. The composition of gut microbiota is shaped during the early childhood
by the age of three and it depends on different factors like genetics, mode of
delivery, breastfeeding, weaning, exposure to environmental antigens, medica-
tion and diet. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota composition
established during the early period of live plays an important role in the devel-
opment and physiology of the host immune system and affects health and dis-
ease in later life. Purpose. We want to present the functioning and influence of
the microbiota on the development and health of the child during the period
of growing up and later in adulthood. Conclusions. The gut microbiota home-
ostasis is influenced by a wide range of factors that can cause a so-called state
of dysbiosis leading to health disorders or diseases, including obesity, diabetes
and allergies. Due to a close relationship between gut microbiota, health, and
disease there is an increased interest in probiotics with the aim of different dis-
ease prevention and treatment. The use of probiotic food or/and daily probiot-
ic supplements could therefore favorably influence the early stages of children
physical and mental development.
Keywords: gut microbiota, children, health, probiotics
93
