Probiotics for constipation relief in infants and young children: efficacy and mechanisms

Constipation is a potentially life-threatening public health challenge worldwide, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. Constipation exerts significant effects on the growth and development of infants and young children (0–3 years of age). Probiotics are active microorganisms that colonize the intestines and have beneficial effects on the host. Their use is garnering attention as an effective strategy for preventing and treating constipation in infants and young children. Probiotics may affect intestinal motility and constipation by regulating the intestinal microbiota, intestinal nervous system, and immune system in infants and young children. Notably, probiotics exhibit strain-specific properties, leading to varying effects across different hosts. Additionally, regulatory frameworks for probiotic use vary significantly among countries, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of probiotic safety. Future efforts should focus on large-scale clinical trials, multi-omics technologies, and personalized intervention strategies to promote the standardized use of probiotics in the management of constipation in infants and young children.