Key clinical point: Probiotic intake by breastfeeding mothers reduced atopic dermatitis (AD) incidence in children by half, whereas in children receiving probiotic supplementation, AD incidence decreased by 22% only.
Major finding: Probiotic intake by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children, and pregnant mothers and children reduced the incidence of pediatric AD by 49% (relative risk [RR] 0.51; 95% CI 0.39-0.66), 39% (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43-0.86), and 27% (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.63-0.86), respectively. Children receiving probiotics vs placebo had a 22% lower incidence of AD (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64-0.94).
Study details: Findings are from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 75 studies on the prophylactic (n = 8754 participants) or therapeutic (n = 2021 children) effects of probiotics in children age ≤ 18 years, including 17 studies involving 2844 children who received probiotics or placebo.
Disclosures: This study did not declare the source of funding. M Steinhoff declared receiving research funds from and serving as an advisor and consultant for various organizations.
Source: Husein-ElAhmed H and Steinhoff M. Meta-analysis on preventive and therapeutic effects of probiotic supplementation in infant atopic dermatitis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 (Jun 22). Doi: 10.1111/ddg.15120