Effects of probiotics and prebiotics on allergic reactions

Monday, 23 May 2011 13:00

A review of studies into the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the pathogenesis of allergies has shown that food supplements are potentially effective in the short-term for allergy prevention under certain conditions. However there is still insufficient evidence available to recommend their use in clinical practice.

It is thought that prebiotics and probiotics can influence the intestinal microbiota and modulate the immune response. The review cites a clinical study performed with an infant cohort that revealed a beneficial effect of prebiotics in preventing allergic manifestations at long-term follow-up. Studies into probiotic effects on allergy treatment are inconclusive, especially in human studies.

Reference: Gourbeyre et al. 2011. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1109753.