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. 2024 Jun 28;16(13):2067.
doi: 10.3390/nu16132067.

Bioactives in Oral Nutritional Supplementation: A Pediatric Point of View

Nicola Cecchi  1 , Roberta Romanelli  1 , Flavia Ricevuti  1 , Maria Grazia Carbone  1 , Michele Dinardo  1 , Elisabetta Cesarano  1 , Alfredo De Michele  1 , Giovanni Messere  1 , Salvatore Morra  1 , Armando Scognamiglio  1 , Maria Immacolata Spagnuolo  2
Affiliations

Bioactives in Oral Nutritional Supplementation: A Pediatric Point of View

Nicola Cecchi et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Background: Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) are crucial for supporting the nutritional needs of pediatric populations, particularly those with medical conditions or dietary deficiencies. Bioactive compounds within ONSs play a pivotal role in enhancing health outcomes by exerting various physiological effects beyond basic nutrition. However, the comprehensive understanding of these bioactives in pediatric ONSs remains elusive.

Objective: This systematic narrative review aims to critically evaluate the existing literature concerning bioactive compounds present in oral nutritional supplements from a pediatric standpoint, focusing on their types, sources, bioavailability, physiological effects, and clinical implications.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across the major academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, employing predefined search terms related to oral nutritional supplements, bioactives, and pediatrics. Studies published between 2013 and 2024 were considered eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and synthesis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: The initial search yielded 558 of articles, of which 72 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies encompassed a diverse range of bioactive compounds present in pediatric ONS formulations, including, but not limited to, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, and phytonutrients. These bioactives were sourced from various natural and synthetic origins and were found to exert beneficial effects on growth, development, immune function, gastrointestinal health, cognitive function, and overall well-being in pediatric populations. However, variations in bioavailability, dosing, and clinical efficacy were noted across different compounds and formulations.

Conclusions: Bioactive compounds in oral nutritional supplements offer promising avenues for addressing the unique nutritional requirements and health challenges faced by pediatric populations. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal composition, dosage, and clinical applications of these bioactives in pediatric ONS formulations. A deeper understanding of these bioactive compounds and their interplay with pediatric health may pave the way for personalized and effective nutritional interventions in pediatric clinical practice.

Keywords: bioactive compounds; clinical nutrition; enteral nutrition; fibers; immunity; immunonutrition; inflammatory; oral nutritional supplements; pediatric.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow chart. An overview of the employed systematic search strategy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The effects of prebiotics on pediatric health outcomes. Prebiotics contribute to various health benefits by inhibiting pathogens, reducing allergy risk, enhancing immune function, and altering gut permeability. They also modulate probiotics, produce beneficial metabolites, enhance calcium absorption, and decrease protein fermentation. These multifaceted effects highlight the importance of prebiotics in oral nutritional supplements for pediatric populations.
Figure 3
Figure 3
An overview of the enzymatic production of functional lactose derivatives.
Figure 4
Figure 4
(a). TGF-β intracellular signaling through the Smad-dependent canonical pathway. TGF-β binds to transmembrane type I and type II receptors. Receptor-regulated SMADs associate with the common mediator SMAD4 protein and form trimeric complexes. (b). The SMAD complex is shuttled to the nucleus, where it binds to specific DNA sequences and cooperates with DNA-binding transcription factors and chromatin modifiers to regulate the expression of TGF-β-responsive genes.
Figure 5
Figure 5
TGF-β’s effects on different cells of the immune system. TGF-β suppresses all kinds of cells of the immune system, such as CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In addition, TGF-β induces Treg cells.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Intestinal–renal axis for the endogenous synthesis of arginine in adult animals.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Therapeutic potential of bioactives peptides.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Glutamine metabolism.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Glutamine’s functions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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