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Probiotics' preventive effect on pediatric food allergy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Xiang-yi Kong1, Yi Yang1, Jian Guan1

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.

Chinese Medical Sciences Journal = Chung-Kuo I Hsueh K'O Hsueh Tsa Chih
|September 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and after birth did not significantly prevent pediatric food allergies. Current evidence is insufficient to confirm a preventive effect of probiotics on these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Food allergies are a growing concern in pediatric populations.
  • The role of gut microbiota in immune system development and allergy prevention is under investigation.
  • Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring a health benefit, are explored for their potential to modulate the immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in preventing the development of food allergies in children.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted.
  • Studies were identified through MEDLINE up to September 2013.
  • Data from homogenous studies were pooled using a fixed-effects model to calculate relative risk (RR).

Main Results:

  • Ten RCTs involving 2701 children were included in the meta-analysis.
  • Prenatal and postnatal probiotic supplementation showed no significant preventive effect on pediatric food allergies (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.76-1.03).

Conclusions:

  • The current body of evidence does not unequivocally support the use of probiotics for preventing food allergic diseases in children.
  • Further high-quality research may be needed to clarify the role of probiotics in allergy prevention.
Abstract

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