Pregnant Mum and Probiotics

Women who take beneficial bacteria during pregnancy and breastfeeding may help lower the risk of their child developing eczema, according to a study* reported in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2002; 109:119-121). The significance of this new information is that it suggests mothers may be able to protect their childrens health, even before they are born.

Eczema is a skin condition characterised by severe itching, often when redness and flaking. Some studies suggest food allergies may be a cause enzyme.

Researchers gave 62 pregnant women a capsule of beneficial bacteria or a placebo four weeks before and 3 month following delivery. All infants were breastfeed during the three-month study.

The children were then evaluated periodically for 18 more months and their skin health assessed. The incidence of eczema in the children whose mother took beneficial bacteria was 15% compared with almost 50% in children whose mothers took the placebo. No side effects were observed in the mothers or children during beneficial bacteria supplementation.

Administering probiotics during pregnancy and breast-feeding thus offers a safe and effective way of promoting the immunoprotective potential of breast-feeding and provides protection against topic eczema during the first two years of life.

Protect your children even before they are born by taking locally cultured beneficial bacteria supplement.

Rautava S,Kalliomaki M, Isolauri E. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002 Jan; 109(1): 119-21Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, Finland.