09.06.07
Indication: Eczema and other allergies
Source: J Allergy Clin Immunol, May 2007;119(5):1174-80.
Research: Investigators conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which was comprised of 232 families with allergic disease, of whom 188 completed the study. The mothers received L. reuteri ATCC 55730 (1 x 108 colony forming units) daily from gestational week 36 until delivery. Their babies then continued with the same product from birth until 12 months of age and were followed up for another year. The primary outcome was allergic disease.
Results: The cumulative incidence of eczema was similar-36% in the treated group vs. 34% in the placebo group. The L reuteri group, however, had less IgE-associated eczema during the second year-8% in the L. reuteri group vs. 20% in the placebo group. Wheeze and other potentially allergic diseases were not affected. Researchers believe although a preventive effect of probiotics on infant eczema was not confirmed, the treated infants had less IgE-associated eczema at 2 years of age and therefore possibly run a reduced risk to develop later respiratory allergic disease.
