Probiotics May Help Children with Eczema

Source: R Gobel et al., “Probiotics to young children with atopic dermatitis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial,” International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics, vol. 5, no. 2 (2010): 53-60.

A study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, examined whether consumption of probiotics can aid young children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention was performed on 50 children between the ages of 7 months and 24 months. For eight weeks, subjects were given supplements of Danisco’s (Copenhagen) probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (1010 CFU/day) or Bifidobacterium animalis Bi-07 (1010 CFU/day) or placebo. Immunological activity and clinical effects were evaluated by measures including the standardized Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, as well as IgE, ECP, IL-10, IFN-y, IL-31, and faecal calprotectin.

Researchers determined, through SCORAD results, that the group supplemented with Bifidobacterium animalis Bi-07 saw significant reduction in the severity of atopic dermatitis, as well as an improved ratio of IFN-y and IL-10.

“The study shows that there may be a role for certain probiotics in the management of atopic dermatitis,” commented Arthur Ouwehand, PhD, group manager, health and nutrition, for Danisco.