Childhood Allergy and prebiotics, not drugs, not chemicals, but [View All]

[HysteryDiagnosis]

PREBIOTICS, things that belong in you gut, not things that don't. Sweep away.



Research on diet and nutrition published by scientists at University of Milan

NewsRx.com

06-27-08

"A mixture of neutral short-chain galactooligosaccharides (scGOS) and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (IcFOS) has been shown to reduce the incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and infectious episodes during the first 6 mo of life. This dual protection occurred through the intervention period," investigators in Milan, Italy report (see also Diet and Nutrition).

"The present study evaluated if these protective effects were lasting beyond the intervention period. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, healthy term infants with a parental history of atopy were fed either a prebiotic-supplemented (8 g/L scGOS/IcFOS) or placebo-supplemented (8 g/L maltodextrin) hypoallergenic formula during the first 6 mo of life. Following this intervention period, blind follow-up continued until 2 y of life. Primary endpoints were cumulative incidence of allergic manifestations. Secondary endpoints were number of infectious episodes and growth. Of 152 participants, 134 infants (68 in placebo, 66 in intervention group) completed the follow-up. During this period, infants in the scGOS/IcFOS group had significantly lower incidence of allergic manifestations.

Cumulative incidences for AD, recurrent wheezing, and allergic urticaria were higher in the placebo group, (27.9, 20.6, and 10.3%, respectively) than in the intervention group (13.6, 7.6, and 1.5%) (P < 0.05). Infants in the scGOS/IcFOS group had fewer episodes of physician-diagnosed overall and upper respiratory tract infections (P < 0.01), fever episodes (P < 0.00001), and fewer antibiotic prescriptions (P < 0.05). Growth was normal and similar in both groups. Early dietary intervention with oligosaccharide prebiotics has a protective effect against both allergic manifestations and infections," wrote S. Arslanoglu and colleagues, University of Milan.

The researchers concluded: "The observed dual protection lasting beyond the intervention period suggests that an immune modulating effect through the intestinal flora modification may be the principal mechanism of action."

Arslanoglu and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Nutrition (Early dietary intervention with a mixture of prebiotic oligosaccharides reduces the incidence of allergic manifestations and infections during the first two years of life. Journal of Nutrition, 2008;138(6):1091-1095).

For additional information, contact S. Arslanoglu, University of Milan, Macedonio Melloni Hospital, Center Infant Nutrition, I-20129 Milan, Italy.

The publisher of the Journal of Nutrition can be contacted at: American Society Nutritional Science, 9650 Rockville Pike, RM L-2407A, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

Keywords: Italy, Milan, Life Sciences, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Atopic Dermatitis, Alternative Medicine, Therapy, Treatment, Diet and Nutrition, University of Milan.

This article was prepared by Physician Law Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Physician Law Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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