Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, often begins early in life, characterized by recurring itchy and eczematous lesions.
Using the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum strain PRL2010 during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe and seems to be valuable in reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis in high-risk infants.
Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, often begins early in life, characterized by recurring itchy and eczematous lesions. With rising interest in early-life interventions, the World Allergy Organization has proposed probiotic use in expectant mothers at high risk of having allergic children.
This randomized controlled trial explored whether maternal intake of Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010 during late pregnancy and breastfeeding can influence the onset or severity of AD in their offspring.
In total, 74 mothers with personal or familial atopy were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic containing Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010 (1 billion CFU per sachet, n=39) or maltodextrin-based placebo (n=35). Participants took 1 sachet daily from 36 weeks of gestation until delivery, and continued during the first 3 months of breastfeeding.
Infants received the same dosage from 3 to 6 months of age, dissolved in breast milk or formula. Follow-up via phone questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 months recorded AD symptoms and other skin issues. If AD was present, children underwent skin prick testing and were assessed using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. All evaluations were executed by a pediatric allergist.
The probiotic was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse effects noted. Although the incidence of AD was numerically lower in the probiotic group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. Notably, among infants who did develop severe AD, those exposed to the probiotic exhibited a more favorable clinical trajectory over time as opposed to those in the placebo group.
During pregnancy and lactation, the administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum strain PRL2010 appears safe and may offer clinical benefits in managing AD severity in at-risk children. Further large-scale investigations are required to substantiate these findings.
Nutrients
Effect of Supplementation with a Specific Probiotic (Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010) in Pregnancy for the Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Trial
Caterina Anania et al.
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