Breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, thanks to the unique and complex combination of bioactive components naturally present in human milk. When breastfeeding is not possible or suitable, infant formula represents the main alternative, and increasing attention is being paid to the addition of biotics, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and human milk oligosaccharides.

During the 10th Symposium on Pediatric Probiotics, Prebiotics and Postbiotics, Microbiomepost sat down with Ener Çağrı Dinleyici, pediatrician at Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi, to discuss the latest evidence on biotics in infant formula, particularly in relation to safety, tolerability and potential clinical benefits. Current data indicate that formulas supplemented with biotics are generally safe and well tolerated. Some studies also suggest promising effects in reducing respiratory infections, diarrhoea and antibiotic use during infancy. However, available evidence remains heterogeneous, due to differences in study design, types and doses of biotics used, formula composition and clinical endpoints.

To better define the role of biotics in infant formula, future studies should be specifically designed to assess infection prevention, with adequate sample sizes, harmonised formulations and long-term follow-up. This will be essential to understand whether early positive modulation of the gut microbiota may translate into sustained health benefits later in life.