Background:
Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dander, and dust mites, can lead to hayfever and asthma symptoms. There is some evidence that probiotics may be helpful in preventing and treating these allergic conditions. Specifically, studies have shown that giving probiotics (active cultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species) to children lowers the risk of developing allergies. Some of this protective effect may be mediated by the action of probiotics increasing the level of an antibody (mucosal IgA) that lines the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract that participates in the neutralization and elimination of allergens.
Benefits of Probiotics Confirmed by Clinical Research:
Promotion of Proper Intestinal Environment
Stimulation of Gastrointestinal Tract and Systemic Immunity
Prevention and Treatment of:
Antibiotic-induced Diarrhea
Urinary Tract Infection
Vaginal Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis
Eczema
Food Allergies
Cancer
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s Disease
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Lactose Intolerance
New Data:
Children with a history of allergies and current symptoms of hayfever and upper respiratory allergies were given either a probiotic supplement providing 4 billion colony forming units of Lactobacillus salivarius (n=99) or a placebo n=100) daily 12 weeks. Symptoms were scored in each subject 2 weeks prior to treatment initiation (visit 0), at the beginning of the treatment, then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting treatment. Results indicated quite clearly that the probiotic treatment reduced symptoms of allergies as well as in the use of allergy medications. This study indicates that probiotic supplementation is an important consideration in children with allergies.
Reference:
Lin TY, Chen CJ, Chen LK, Wen SH, Jan RH. A Randomized Prospective Double Blind Controlled Trial of the Effect of Probiotics on Allergic Rhinitis Confined to Df, Dp or Dust-sensitive Children. Indian Pediatr. 2012 Jun 10. pii: S097475591100603-1. [Epub ahead of print].
