A prebiotic reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis in high-risk infants
For the first time prebiotics lowered the risk atopic dermatitis in a high-risk population of infants.
More than 200 infants at risk for atopy (an allergy involving an inherited immunoglobulin of the IgE type) took part in the study. Those on bottle-feeding were randomly assigned to a prebiotic formula (a mixture of galacto- and long chain fructo-oligosaccharides) or maltodextrine as placebo.
- Significantly fewer infants given the prebiotic developed atopic dermatitis
- Diet had no effect on the severity of the dermatitis
- Prebiotic supplements were associated with fecal bifidobacteria counts
- But there was no difference in lactobacilli counts
The investigators proposed that oligosaccharides affect immune development by altering bowel flora. Prebiotics might have a role in primary allergy prevention during infancy.
The distinguishing characteristics of prebiotics compared to probiotics and synbiotics were discussed here earlier.
10/20/06 23:02 JR
