Prebiotic supplements may not change allergic response in infants

Previous experimental evidence has indicated that a prebiotic mixture of galacto- and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides can modulate the intestinal flora, and thereby modulate the immune system, of infants in a similar way that human breast milk does, compared to standard infant milk formula.

These studies have implicated the prebiotic mixture in a reduced allergic response. Researchers based in Belgium have recently conducted further work to explore this area.

A group of 187 healthy, full-term infants took part in a 26 week study that looked at whether consumption of prebiotic short-chain galacto- and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides had any impact on their basal immune parameters. The study was double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled. After their birth, the infants received breast milk or were randomized to receive an infant milk formula that either contained the probiotics or did not. Serum immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subpopulations, and cytokines were analysed in blood samples collected when the infants were 8 weeks and 26 weeks.

None of the blood test results showed any significant difference between either formula groups and the breast fed control group, indicating that supplementation of infant formula with a mixture of prebiotic oligosaccharides does not change the basal level of the measured parameters of the developing immune system in healthy infants with a balanced immune system during the first 6 months of life in comparison to feeding a standard infant formula and in comparison to exclusive breastfeeding.

Reference: Raes et al. Journal of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2009.00957.x