Specific probiotics alleviate allergic rhinitis during the birch pollen season.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To investigate whether birch pollen allergy symptoms are linked with gut microbiota changes and whether probiotics have an effect on these.

Methods

Forty seven children with confirmed birch pollen allergy were randomized to receive either a probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) NCFM (ATCC 700396) and Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) Bl-04 (ATCC SD5219) or placebo in a double-blind manner for 4 mo, starting prior to onset of the birch pollen season. Symptoms were recorded in a diary. Blood samples were taken for analysis of cytokines and eosinophils. Fecal samples were analysed for microbiota components, calprotectin and IgA. Nasal swabs were taken for analysis of eosinophils.

Results

The pollen season induced a reduction in Bifidoba

SUBMITTER: Ouwehand AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2710782 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature