Postbiotics in pediatric clinical practice: position paper from Special Group of Latin American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN)

Postbiotics, defined by the ISAPP as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits, represent a promising category of microbiome-derived solutions. This position paper highlights their clinical relevance, particularly in pediatrics, while addressing key aspects of definition, safety, quality, and strain-level specificity. Evidence supports the use of <i>Lactobacillus</i> LB -including <i>L. fermentum</i> CNCM I-2998 and <i>L. delbrueckii</i> subsp. lactis CNCM I-4831- in reducing the duration and severity of acute diarrhea in children. Other strains, such as <i>Bifidobacterium breve</i> C50, <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i> 065, <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> CBA L74, <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> LPL28, and <i>Ligilactobacillus salivarius</i> AP-32, show promise in preventing infections, supporting oral health, and modulating immune responses. Additional postbiotics, including <i>Limosilactobacillus reuteri</i> DSM 17648, expand their potential into metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. Collectively, postbiotics emerge as clinically valuable interventions, bridging science and medical practice.