From the Guidelines
Probiotics may offer a likely net benefit in preventing atopic dermatitis, primarily through prevention of eczema, as determined by the World Allergy Organization Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention guideline panel 1. When considering the use of probiotics for prevention, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the current evidence. The most recent and highest quality study suggests that probiotic supplementation may reduce the risk of developing allergy in children, particularly in those with a family history of allergic conditions 1. Some key points to consider when using probiotics for prevention include:
- Specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus reuteri have shown promise in preventing atopic dermatitis 1.
- Typical dosages range from 1-10 billion CFU daily, though optimal dosing isn't firmly established 1.
- Probiotics appear most effective for preventing atopic dermatitis in children with a family history of allergic conditions 1.
- The potential benefit comes from probiotics' ability to modulate the immune system and improve gut barrier function, which may reduce inflammatory responses associated with atopic dermatitis 1.
- While probiotics are generally safe, it's crucial to choose quality products from reputable manufacturers and consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially for pregnant women, infants, or those with compromised immune systems 1.
- Probiotics should be considered as just one component of a comprehensive approach to preventing atopic dermatitis, alongside other measures like maintaining skin hydration and avoiding known irritants 1. Additionally, other factors that may influence the development of atopic dermatitis include:
- Family history of atopy and loss of function mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene 1.
- Introduction of allergenic foods, such as peanut and egg, between 4-6 months of age 1.
- Breastfeeding for at least 6 months, which is recommended for its other benefits for the infant and mother 1.
- Avoiding known irritants and maintaining skin hydration 1.
From the Research
Probiotics and Atopic Dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease, and evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota plays an important role in its pathogenesis, inducing immunosuppression 2.
- Probiotics have been widely reported to act on the immune system, stimulating Th1 cytokines and suppressing the Th2 response, which are being researched for the treatment of several diseases, including atopic dermatitis 2, 3.
Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis
- Some studies suggest that probiotics may prevent or treat allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, by modulating the intestinal microbiota 2, 4.
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that certain probiotic preparations, such as Mix8 and Mix3, may reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis in children 4.
- Another study found that probiotics may reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis by improving the intestinal barrier and reducing allergic phenomena 5.
Probiotic Strains and Atopic Dermatitis
- Different probiotic strains have been studied for their effectiveness in preventing or treating atopic dermatitis, with some strains showing promise, such as Lactobacillus paracasei ST11 and Bifidobacterium longum BL999 3, 4.
- However, the evidence is still inconclusive, and more studies are needed to definitively prove the role of probiotics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis 3, 6.
Administration and Dosage
- The optimal dosing, duration, and timing of probiotic administration for the prevention or treatment of atopic dermatitis are still unclear 5, 6.
- Most randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support the administration of probiotics for at least 8 weeks to obtain beneficial effects in improving severity scoring of atopic dermatitis 5.