Prevention of Asthma and Allergy by Probiotic Lactobacillus GG

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.

Timeline

Start

2002-10

Primary completion

—

Completion

2006-10

Publications

• Background Kalliomaki M, Salminen S, Poussa T, Arvilommi H, Isolauri E. Probiotics and prevention of atopic disease: 4-year follow-up of a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2003 May 31;361(9372):1869-71. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13490-3.
• Rose MA, Stieglitz F, Koksal A, Schubert R, Schulze J, Zielen S. Efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus GG on allergic sensitization and asthma in infants at risk. Clin Exp Allergy. 2010 Sep;40(9):1398-405. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03560.x. Epub 2010 Jun 28.

Drugs

Indications