Lactobacillus GG in Culturelle works against atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in infants

02/06/05 New University of Helsinki study shows "significant improvement when taking LGG probiotic, as compared to placebo and mix of probiotics" researcher says   

Research published in the April 2005 edition of Allergy shows that the probiotic bacteria strain Lactobacillus GG (LGG) - available to consumers in the dietary supplement Culturelle(R) - works effectively in infants on atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS), a skin rash that is frequently a manifestation of a food allergy when it occurs in infants. In this large study conducted by University of Helsinki researchers, 230 infants with AEDS under the age of 12 months participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also called atopic eczema, is a condition characterized by a fine, bumpy, red rash that normally occurs on the face, neck and creases of the elbows and knees. The sometimes itchy rash appears as a delayed reaction of the immune system to proteins consumed in an infant's feeding. Standard treatment involves removal of the offending proteins from the diet by using predigested formulas. But in some cases, additional measures may be required.

Lactobacillus GG is a patented probiotic strain that takes its name from the two doctors who discovered it in 1985: Sherwood L. Gorbach, M.D. and Barry Goldin, Ph.D. According to Gorbach, a renowned probiotic expert who conducted studies on LGG with Goldin, LGG has been proven effective with eczema and other childhood conditions.

Culturelle probiotic dietary supplement containing Lactobacillus GG is manufactured by ConAgra Functional Foods, a division of ConAgra Foods, Inc., a diversified international food company and the manufacturers of Healthy Choice foods and more than 20 other well-known food brands.