Prevention of Asthma and Allergy by Probiotic Lactobacillus GG
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2006-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Given that asthma results from a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and
environmental factors and rates of childhood asthma are increasing, primary prevention has to
focus on modifiable aspects such as nutrition. There a implications from epidemiology that
food supplementation with probiotics given to atopic mothers in pregnancy and during
lactation can prevent the development allergies in the offspring. Children with atopic
dermatitis are at increased risk (up to 80%) of developing persistent respiratory tract
disease. Our trial examined whether probiotics are able to prevent allergic sensitization and
allergic asthma when given to 6-24 month old infants at an increased risk of allergies.