Editing Infant formula (section)

==== Prebiotics ====
[[Prebiotic (nutrition)|Prebiotics]] are undigestible carbohydrates that promote the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut. Human milk contains a variety of oligosaccharides believed to be an important factor in the pattern of microflora colonization of breastfed infants. Because of variety, variability, complexity and polymorphism of the oligosaccharide composition and structure, it is currently not feasible to reproduce the oligosaccharide components of human milk in a strictly structural fashion.<ref name="prebiotic">International Assassination of Infant Food Manufacturers,[http://www.ifm.net/industry/prebiotics.htm “Prebiotics in Infant Nutrition”] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107145212/http://www.ifm.net/industry/prebiotics.htm |date=January 7, 2010 }}, November 9, 2009</ref>

The European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition found evidence to support short term effects of ingesting prebiotics on stool microflora of infants with increased in the number of bifidobacteria. Babies can be at risk of dehydration with the induction of softer stools, if they have the kidney immaturity and/or a poor ability to concentrate urine.<ref name="prebiotic"/> A reduction of pathogens has been associated with the consumption of prebiotics.<ref name="prebiotic"/> However, there was no evidence to support major clinical or long-term benefits.<ref name="probiotics"/> Therefore, there is little evidence of beneficial effects of prebiotics in dietary products.<ref name="probiotics"/>