Numerous recent studies have confirmed that maternal supplementation with probiotics significantly reduces the risk of atopic diseases like eczema and asthma in children.
Probiotics, which are the healthy bacteria that live within our bodies, modulate mothers’ immune systems by regulating immunoglobulins and cytokines which are then passed on to infants through breast milk. This effect has been observed in children with parents who have atopy, as well as those who don’t. Choosing a probiotic can be difficult due to the large number of varieties on the market, as well as the significant variation in quality and quantities. Any probiotic that you do choose should be hypo-allergenic, third-party tested for impurities as well as assured strengths for each of the strains contained in the product. A good quality probiotic should deliver at least 10 billion cell-forming units per dose. The strains of probiotic are also important as they can each have specific effects on immune system function. Ask one of the physicians at the West Vancouver Wellness Centre which probiotic will be right for you. A Few References Impact of maternal atopy and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on infant sensitization: a double-blind placebo-controlled study A. Huurre1, K. Laitinen1,2, S. Rautava1, M. Korkeamäki3, E. Isolauri1 Clinical & Experimental Allergy Volume 38, Issue 8, Pages 1342–1348, August 2008 Impact of maternal supplementation with probiotics during pregnancy on atopic eczema in childhood – a meta-analysis Doege K, Grajecki D, et al. British Journal of Nutrition, 2011 July 26 Address: Department of Gynecology, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany