COPENHAGEN, Denmark—Young children who suffer from eczema may find relief with a probiotic supplement, according to a new study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. A team of researchers found a significant reduction in severity of atopic dermatitis (AD), aka eczema, in children who took a probiotic supplement for two months.
Using Danisco’s probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07™, the independent study reviewed probiotic’s clinical and immunological effects on AD. The study involved a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention in which 50 children with AD, aged 7 to 24 months, were given supplements containing either Danisco’s L. acidophilus NCFM® (1010 CFU/day), B. lactis Bi-07™ (1010 CFU/day) or a placebo for eight weeks. The immunological activity and clinical effect was evaluated by IgE, ECP, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL- 31, faecal calprotectin and the standardized Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index.
Post hoc analysis of the SCORAD results showed a significant reduction in severity of AD in the Bi-07™ group, together with an improved ratio of IFN-γ and IL-10. During the study period no adverse effects were reported in this, otherwise sensitive, population of children.
“The study shows that there may be a role for certain probiotics in the management of atopic dermatitis," commented Dr. Arthur Ouwehand, Group Manager Health & Nutrition, Danisco.
The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is increasing in the western world, and now affects more than 20 percent of all children. It is the most prevalent skin disease of children in western societies. The severe itching of AD can cause emotional stress, skin damage and can seriously affect the quality of life for the child and his/her entire family. Currently local, anti-inflammatory corticosteroid treatment is recommended for infants and young children with AD. However, alternative treatment strategies with probiotics may provide a welcomed alternative approach.