Probiotics --- so-called "helpful bacteria" that colonize the intestines --- have been touted for a while as a possible means to prevent several allergic conditions, especially in light of the hygiene hypothesis (the idea that modern immune systems are exposed to so few germs that they compensate by developing allergies). New research in the current Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology examines the body of research on probiotics to see whether they work to prevent or treat eczema (atopic dermatitis), an itchy skin condition often associated with food allergies.
The article reviews ten double-blind trials of probiotics over the past ten years. Researchers found that the studies reviewed were more convincing with respect to probiotics' potential for preventing eczema than for their ability to treat eczema, which they dubbed "questionable."
However, probiotics recently made headlines as a clinical trial of probiotics for the treatment of pancreatitis was halted as twenty-four subjects died. It should be noted, however, that the subjects in question were quite ill at the time the trials began, and that the probiotics have not been conclusively linked with the deaths. This does underscore, though, that as with any dietary therapy, it's prudent to ask your doctor before beginning probiotics, especially if you have any ongoing medical condition. If you have dairy allergies, you should also be aware that probiotics are often cultured from yogurt.
Source:
Lee, Joohee, et al. "Meta-analysis of clinical trials of probiotics for prevention and treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Jan. 2008 121(1): 116-121 e.11. 29 Jan. 2008.
I’m very happy to see research that has shown Probiotics help prevent eczema. I think in time we’ll see more positive studies. I know that probiotics has definitely helped me immensely, even if I don’t have a clinical trial to back me up.