Taking the right probiotic early in life seem to reduce the risk of eczema.

First, the details.

• 474 infants at risk of allergic disease based on a family history were studied.
• Pregnant women were randomly assigned to take 1 of 3 treatments daily from 35 weeks gestation until 6 months if breast-feeding.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001
• Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis strain HN019
• Placebo
• Their infants were randomly assigned to the same treatment from birth to 2 years.
• Skin prick tests to common allergens was performed at 2 years.
• The participants and the researchers were not aware of the treatment given — double-blind.

And, the results.

• Infants receiving L rhamnosus had a significantly reduced risk of eczema compared with placebo.
• This was not the case for B animalis subsp lactis.
• There was no significant effect of L rhamnosus or B animalis subsp lactis on atopy (allergic hypersensitivity).
• L rhamnosus was more likely to be present in the feces at 3 months, although detection rates were similar by 24 months.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Supplementation with L rhamnosus, but not B animalis subsp lactis, substantially reduced the cumulative prevalence of eczema, but not atopy, by 2 years.”

How this happens should be studied.

10/8/08 18:45 JR