Probiotics Reduce Infant Allergies

Monday 26th July 2010

Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers who supplement a healthy diet with probiotic supplements could reduce their child's risk of developing eczema by more than 40%, according to new research. A report published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that consuming probiotics seemed to reduce the severity of eczema in children who already suffered the allergic skin disorder.

Researchers reached their conclusions by studying 415 pregnant women. Half of participants were given normal milk, whilst their counterparts were given probiotic enriched milk. Scientists followed the women from pregnancy until their third month of breast-feeding and found that mothers who had regularly consumed probiotic enriched milk were more likely to have healthier children.

Researchers also found that, two years on, children were less likely to have developed allergic conditions if they had benefitted from probiotic rich breast milk. Scientists now plan to further study the link between probiotic bacteria and allergies.

---

« Latest UK Health & Medical News More Allergy News »