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Probiotics: on-going research on atopic individuals
K Laiho1, U Hoppu, A C Ouwehand
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, 20520, Finland.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|September 7, 2002
Summary
Probiotics, live microbial supplements, show promise in combating atopic diseases. Supplementation reduced atopic eczema prevalence by half in at-risk infants, suggesting a role in prevention.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Atopic diseases present a growing challenge to healthcare systems.
- The hygiene hypothesis suggests reduced microbial exposure contributes to atopic disease.
- Gut microflora development is crucial for immune and gut barrier function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore probiotics as a strategy for preventing and managing atopic diseases.
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of specific probiotic strains.
- To assess the impact of probiotic supplementation on infant atopic eczema.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on probiotic effects on immune responses and allergic diseases.
- Analysis of clinical trials, including double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
- Investigation of probiotic administration during prenatal and postnatal periods.
Main Results:
- Specific probiotic strains demonstrate anti-pathogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects.
- Probiotic supplementation improved clinical outcomes in infants with atopic eczema.
- Prenatal and postnatal probiotic administration halved the prevalence of atopic eczema in at-risk infants.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer a potential prophylactic and therapeutic solution for atopic diseases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of probiotic action on the gut microbiome and immune system.
- Probiotics may play a significant role in managing allergic diseases and preventing their onset.