title: Update on host defense and immunonutrients.
abstract: Neonatal intensive care in the past three decades has provided exciting modalities for improving the survival of critically ill neonates. There remains a great need for improving the quality of life for these survivors. In this article, the role the developing GI tract and its microenvironment play in the well-being of the neonate has been emphasized. Future therapies based on manipulation of the GI tract and its microenvironment by functional foods, immunonutrients, or pharmacologic agents may have effects not only during the neonatal period, but also throughout the individual's entire life.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neu
authors.forename: Hilton
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bernstein
mesh_terms: D001120:Arginine / Q000494:pharmacology; D020148:Butyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004064:Digestive System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D005973:Glutamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009711:Nucleotides / Q000494:pharmacology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D009711:Nucleotides; D005973:Glutamine; D020148:Butyric Acid; D001120:Arginine