Effect of probiotic mix (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) in the primary prevention of eczema: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Controversy exists regarding the preventive effect of probiotics on the development of eczema or atopic dermatitis. We investigated whether supplementation of probiotics prevents the development of eczema in infants at high risk. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 112 pregnant women with a family history of allergic diseases received a once-daily supplement, either a mixture of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4, B. lactis AD011, and Lactobacillus acidophilus AD031, or placebo, starting at 4-8 wks before delivery and continuing until 6 months after delivery. Infants were exclusively breast-fed during the first 3 months, and were subsequently fed with breastmilk or cow's milk formula from 4 to 6 months of age. Clinical symptoms of the infants were monitored until 1 yr of age, when the total and specific IgE against common food allergens were measured. A total of 68 infants completed the study. The prevalence of eczema at 1 yr in the probiotic group was significantly lower than in the placebo group (18.2% vs. 40.0%, p=0.048). The cumulative incidence of eczema during the first 12 months was reduced significantly in probiotic group (36.4% vs. 62.9%, p=0.029); however, there was no difference in serum total IgE level or the sensitization against food allergens between the two groups. Prenatal and postnatal supplementation with a mixture of B. bifidum BGN4, B. lactis AD011, and L. acidophilus AD031 is an effective approach in preventing the development of eczema in infants at high risk of allergy during the first year of life.
Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Shinlimdong, Kwanakku, Seoul, Korea.
Ji Yeun
JY
Kim
Jung Hyun
JH
Kwon
So Hyun
SH
Ahn
Sang Il
SI
Lee
Young Shin
YS
Han
Young Ok
YO
Choi
Soo Young
SY
Lee
Kang Mo
KM
Ahn
Geun Eog
GE
Ji
D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004485:Eczema / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007779:Lactobacillus acidophilus / Q000276:immunology*; D011181:Postnatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007073:Immunoglobulin E