Resumen

MIRANDA-NOVALES, María Guadalupe. Probiotics and micronutrients: Are they useful for the treatment of acute diarrhea?. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2008, vol.65, n.3, pp.157-166. ISSN 1665-1146.

Acute diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the associated complications are responsible for the death of 2 to 3 million children in developing countries. The cornerstone of the treatment is an adequate administration of fluids and electrolytes, even though, other products are being evaluated with the intention to offer an alternative to reduce the complications. Using the criteria of evidence-based medicine, according to available systematic reviews and meta-analysis, the use of probiotics corresponds to a quality of evidence grade I and strength of recommendation B. Nevertheless, when the clinical benefit is analyzed, it is difficult to establish a recommendation for its routine use. In reference to the utility to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea, the information is not conclusive. In general, the use of probiotics is safe, but they are not harmless and underlying risks factors of the patient need to be considered. Finally, it is not possible to establish the impact of micronutrients as a preventive measure in general population to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated to acute diarrhea.

Palabras llave : Probiotics; prebiotics; acute diarrhea; micronutrients.