Using probiotics to prevent eczema
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