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[Meta-analysis of probiotics preventing allergic diseases in infants]

Lu-jing Tang1, Jie Chen, Yi Shen

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Pediatrics
|August 31, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and after birth effectively prevents pediatric atopic eczema. This intervention shows no significant preventive effect on other allergic conditions like asthma or food allergies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Pediatric allergic diseases represent a significant global health concern.
  • The role of gut microbiota in immune system development and allergy prevention is increasingly recognized.
  • Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring a health benefit, are being investigated for their potential in modulating immune responses.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in preventing pediatric allergic diseases.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on probiotic use for allergy prevention in children.
  • To determine if probiotics can reduce the incidence of atopic eczema, sensitization, food allergy, and asthma.

Summary:

  • A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving 3604 children was conducted.
  • Prenatal and postnatal probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the risk of pediatric atopic eczema (RR 0.78).
  • Supplementation exclusively after birth further decreased atopic eczema risk (RR 0.75), while Lactobacillus alone showed a stronger effect (RR 0.57).

Impact:

  • Probiotic supplementation demonstrates a clear preventive effect against pediatric atopic eczema.
  • The findings suggest a targeted approach for probiotic use in allergy prevention strategies.
  • Further research may explore specific probiotic strains and optimal timing for maximal efficacy.
Abstract

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