Probiotic Supplements Hold Potential for Young Children with Eczema

Study shows possible benefit from Danisco’s Bi-07 probiotic for young children, aged 7-24 months with eczema (atopic dermatitis).

Jul 29 2010 --- A new independent study has been conducted by the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and its purpose was to evaluate the clinical and immunological changes of AD after consumption of Danisco’s probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07. The study involved a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention in which fifty children with AD, aged 7-24 months, were given supplements containing either Danisco’s L. acidophilus NCFM (1010 CFU/day), B. lactis Bi-07 (1010 CFU/day) or a placebo for 8 weeks. The immunological activity and clinical effect was evaluated by IgE, ECP, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-31, faecal calprotectin and the standardized Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index.

Post hoc analysis of the SCORAD results showed a significant reduction in severity of AD in the Bi-07 group, together with an improved ratio of IFN-γ and IL-10. The possibility of beneficial immunological effects of this B. lactis Bi-07 probiotic strain in young children could be of great interest.

During the study period no adverse effects were reported in this, otherwise sensitive, population of children. This study provides additional evidence that the strains, L. acidophilus NCFM and B. lactis Bi-07, as well tolerated by the subjects, are safe for consumption by people of all ages, including infants and young children, in the age of 7-24 months. “The study shows that there may be a role for certain probiotics in the management of atopic dermatitis,” comments Dr. Arthur Ouwehand, Group Manager Health & Nutrition, Danisco.

According to the ‘hygiene hypothesis,’ advances in healthcare in western civilizations have successfully decreased the number of infections people encounter early in their lives. Unfortunately, however, this may lead to the undesirable development of allergies later in life. The ‘atopic march’ refers to the increase in allergic diseases observed in high income societies and suggests that the shift toward a more prosperous lifestyle is a possible environmental cause.

At the same time, the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is increasing in the western world. Eczema now affects more than 20% of all children and is the most prevalent skin disease of children in western societies. The severe itching of AD can cause emotional stress, skin damage and can seriously affect the quality of life for the child and his/her entire family. Currently local, anti-inflammatory corticosteroid treatment is recommended for infants and young children with AD. Many parents fear the side effects of steroids and avoid their use potentially resulting in suboptimal treatment for the afflicted child. Innovative alternative treatment strategies with probiotics may provide a welcomed alternative approach.

Studies show that individuals with AD have elevated mucosal immunological responses and gastrointestinal inflammation. This impairment of the intestinal mucosal barrier appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Children with AD tend to have an increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa and this may contribute to intestinal inflammation. Studies also indicate that consumption of dietary supplements or foods containing probiotics can stabilize the intestinal barrier function and decrease gastrointestinal inflammation in children with AD.

As the world’s leading supplier of probiotics for supplements, nutritionals and food, Danisco is unique in offering a range of clinically-documented, condition-specific formulations. Danisco's HOWARU Premium Probiotics represent some of the world’s most extensively studied single strains and blends. Every HOWARU formula is backed by gold-standard human clinical studies supporting outstanding digestive and immune health benefits. Among these, HOWARU Dophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, has over 75 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

References:

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