Probiotic Supplement Reduces Atopic Dermatitis in Preschool Children Role of short-term use of L. acidophilus DDS-1 and B. lactis UABLA-12 in acute respiratory infections in children: a randomized controlled trial Predominant genera of fecal microbiota in children with atopic dermatitis are not altered by intake of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07. Evaluation of a Diet Containing Probiotics and Zinc for the Treatment of Mild Diarrheal Illness in Children Younger Than One Year of Age Efficacy of Probiotic Therapy on Atopic Dermatitis in Children: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial Perinatal probiotic supplementation in the prevention of allergy related disease: 6 year follow up of a randomised controlled trial Effect of probiotic mix (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) in the primary prevention of eczema: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Probiotic capsules do not lower plasma lipids in young women and men Prebiotic and Probiotic Fortified Milk in Prevention of Morbidities among Children: Community-Based, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial Effects of Lactobacillus Salivarius LS01 (DSM 22775) Treatment on Adult Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study Probiotic Bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 Versus Placebo for the Symptoms of Bloating in Patients With Functional Bowel Disorders: A Double-blind Study Short-term probiotic therapy alleviates small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but does not improve intestinal permeability in chronic liver disease Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus strains in children with atopic dermatitis. Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Eczema With a High Concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 Associated With an Innovative Gelling Complex: A Pilot Study on Adults A randomized controlled trial to test the effect of multispecies probiotics on cognitive reactivity to sad mood Probiotics and vitamin C for the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool: a randomised controlled pilot study Effect of a New Synbiotic Mixture on Atopic Dermatitis in Children: a Randomized-Controlled Trial Impact of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5-containing yoghurt, on fecal bacterial counts of healthy adults. The effects of probiotics on treatment of Helicobacter pylori eradication in children Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Probiotics for Primary Prevention: No Clinical Effects of Lactobacillus GG Supplementation Effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial Antipruritic effects of the probiotic strain LKM512 in adults with atopic dermatitis. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of lactobacillus on asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis.
Abstract Background : The role of probiotics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis ( AD ) remains controversial . A recent systematic review of the available evidence called for further clinical trials with new probiotic formulations . Objective : To assess the clinical efficacy and impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 , Bifidobacterium lactis UABLA-12 with fructo-oligosaccharide on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in preschool children with moderate-to-severe AD . Method : R and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , prospect i ve trial of 90 children aged 1–3 years with moderate-to-severe AD who were treated with a mixture of L. acidophilus DDS-1 , B. lactis UABLA-12 with fructo-oligosaccharide at a dosage of 5 billion colony-forming units twice daily for 8 weeks versus placebo . The primary outcome measure was the percentage change in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis ( SCORAD ) value . Other outcome measures were changes in Infant Dermatitis Quality Of Life ( IDQOL ) and Dermatitis Family Impact ( DFI ) scores , frequency and amount of topical corticosteroid used , and lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood measured by laser flow cytometry . Results : At the final visit , the percentage decrease in SCORAD was 33.7 % in the probiotic group compared with 19.4 % in the placebo group ( p = 0.001 ) . Children receiving probiotic showed a greater decrease in the mean [ SD ] SCORAD score than did children from the placebo group at week 8 ( −14.2 [ 9.9 ] vs −7.8 [ 7.7 ] , respectively ; p = 0.001 ) . IDQOL and DFI scores decreased significantly from baseline by 33.0 % and 35.2 % in the probiotic group and by 19.0 % and 23.8 % in the placebo group , respectively ( p = 0.013 , p = 0.010 ) . Use of topical corticosteroids during the 8-week trial period averaged 7.7 g less in probiotic patients ( p = 0.006 ) . CD3 , CD16 , and CD22 lymphocyte subsets remained unchanged , whereas the percentage of CD4 , and the percentage and absolute count of CD25 decreased , and the percentage and absolute count of CD8 increased in the probiotic group at week 8 ( p < 0.007 vs placebo ) . There was a significant correlation between CD4 percentage , CD25 percentage , CD25 absolute count , and SCORAD values ( r = 0.642 , r = 0.746 , r = 0.733 , respectively ; p < 0.05 ) in the probiotic group at week 8 . Conclusion : The administration of a probiotic mixture containing L. acidophilus DDS-1 , B. lactis UABLA- 12 , and fructo-oligosaccharide was associated with significant clinical improvement in children with AD , with corresponding lymphocyte subset changes in peripheral blood . The efficacy of probiotic therapy in adults with AD requires further investigation Background / Objectives : Evidence suggests that the long-term consumption of probiotics may help in reducing the incidence of or modifying  acute respiratory infection ( ARI ) . We assessed the role of the short-term use of probiotics in ARI in children . Subjects/ Methods : This was a r and omized , double-blind , controlled study that enrolled 315 children with 90 dropouts . On the first day of appearance of a sick household member , otherwise healthy children of both sexes aged 3–12 years were allocated to receive Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 and Bifidobacterium lactis UABLA-12 ( Up4-Junior ) in a dose of 5 billion colony-forming units daily with 50 mg of fructooligosaccharide ( the probiotic group ) or rice maltodexrin ( the control group ) . Test supplementation and follow-up lasted for 2 weeks or until the end of the secondary ARI in a child . The primary outcome measure was the incidence of ARI . Time to resolution and the severity of ARI served the secondary outcome measures . Results : In all , 64 of 113 children in the probiotic group ( 57 % ) and 73 of 112 children in the control group ( 65 % ) developed ARI ( P=0.261 ) . Time to resolution of the secondary ARI was shorter in the probiotic group ( 5.0 ( interquartile range ( IQR ) : 4.0–6.0 ) vs 7.0 ( IQR : 6.0–8.0 ) days , P<0.001 ) . The median severity of ARI was 240 ( IQR : 163–350 ) score-days in the probiotic vs 525 ( IQR : 364–736 ) score-days in the control group ( P<0.001 ) . Conclusions : The short-term use of probiotics does not reduce the incidence , but shortens ARI in preschool and elementary school children The effect of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 on the composition of the Lactobacillus group , Bifidobacterium and the total bacterial population in feces from young children with atopic dermatitis was investigated . The study included 50 children r and omized to intake of one of the probiotic strain or placebo .  Microbial composition was characterized by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis , quantitative PCR and , in a subset of subjects , by pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene . The core population of the Lactobacillus group was identified as Lactobacillus gasseri , Lactobacillus fermentum , Lactobacillus oris , Leuconostoc mesenteroides , while the bifidobacterial community included Bifidobacterium adolescentis , Bifidobacterium bifidum , Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium catenulatum . The fecal numbers of L. acidophilus and B. lactis increased significantly after intervention , indicating survival of the ingested bacteria . The levels of Bifidobacterium correlated positively ( P=0.03 ) , while the levels of the Lactobacillus group negatively ( P=0.01 ) with improvement of atopic eczema evaluated by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis index . This correlation was observed across the whole study cohort and not attributed to the probiotic intake . The main conclusion of the study is that administration of L. acidophilus NCFM and B. lactis Bi-07 does not affect the composition and diversity of the main bacterial population s in feces Objectives : Supplementation of probiotics and supplementation of zinc during acute gastroenteritis in children have been shown to exert positive effects on diarrhea duration and severity . Our aim was to evaluate a new diet enriched with zinc and probiotic bacteria in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in young children . Methods : In a double blind prospect i ve study , 65 children aged 6–12 months were r and omized to receive 6 × 109 colony forming units of Streptococcus thermophilus , Bifidobacterium lactis , Lactobacillus acidophilus ( 2 × 109 of each strain ) , 10 mg of zinc/day , and 0.3 grams of fructo-oligosaccharides in the supplemented group ( n = 33 ) or placebo ( n = 32 ) , given in a soy protein based rice cereal . For each child , age , sex , weight , degree of dehydration , the presence of fever or vomiting , stool frequency and consistency were recorded daily until diarrhea resolution . Results : Diarrhea resolution occurred after 1.43 ± 0.71 days in the supplemented group vs. 1.96 ± 1.24 in the control group ( p = 0.017 ) . In the subset of children who presented with vomiting , time to vomiting resolution was 0.27 ± 0.59 vs. 0.81 ± 0.91 days in the supplemented and control groups , respectively ( p = 0.06 ) . On day 3 , there was only 1 child with watery stools in the supplemented group versus 10 children in the control group ( p = 0.02 ) . Conclusions : In our series , the feeding of a cereal containing Streptococcus thermophilus , Bifidobacterium lactis , Lactobacillus acidophilus and zinc , reduced the severity and duration of acute gastroenteritis in young children . However , whether this combination is better than either the addition of probiotics or zinc alone is yet to be determined Purpose To evaluate a therapeutic efficacy of probiotics mixture ( probiotics ) in the treatment of children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis ( AD ) . Methods R and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , parallel trial with a washout period of 2 weeks and an intervention period for 6 weeks , conducted from November 2010 to October 2011 . One hundred children with mild to moderate AD ( 2 - 9 years old ) were r and omly allocated to the probiotics ( Lactobacilluss casei , Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus plantarum , and Bifidobacterium lactis ) or placebo groups . The assessment of efficacy was based on the change in eczema area severity index ( EASI ) , visual analogue scale for pruritus ( VASP ) , fecal cell counts of each strains ( log10[cell counts/g stool ] ) , and serum cytokine levels ( Interleukin-4 [ IL-4 ] ; IL-10 ; Tumor necrosis factor alpha , [ TNF-α ] ) in weeks 0 and 6 . Results Demographics and baseline characteristics at the week 0 were not significantly different between the 2 groups . The significant increments in fecal-cell counts were observed in the probiotcs group at week 6 ( P=0.00 ) , while the cytokine levels between the 2 groups were not significantly different in week 6 ( IL-4 , P=0.50 ; IL-10 , P=0.58 ; TNF-α , P=0.82 ) . The probiotics significantly improved clinical severity after 6 weeks ' intervention of probiotics ; however , the placebo group also showed significant improvement ( EASI ; P=0.00 , VASP ; P=0.00 ) . Conclusions Our findings showed that probiotics successfully colonized in the intestine after 6 weeks ' intervention ; nevertheless , we could not find an additional therapeutic or immunomodulatory effects on the treatment of AD . Further long-term studies will be necessary to clarify the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics Background Perinatal probiotics supplementation has been shown to be effective in the primary prevention of  atopic dermatitis ( AD ) in early childhood , although the long term effects of probiotics on AD and other allergic diseases is less certain . We have previously reported a significant reduction in the cumulative incidence of AD at 2 years after maternal probiotic supplementation . In this study we present the effects of perinatal probiotics given to women from a general population on allergy related diseases in their offspring at 6 years . Methods Four hundred and fifteen pregnant women were r and omised to receive  probiotic or placebo milk  in a double-blinded trial from 36 week gestation until 3 months postpartum . Probiotic milk contained Lactobacillus rhamnosos GG , L. acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp . lactis Bb-12 . At 6 years , children were re-assessed for AD , atopic sensitisation , asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis ( ARC ) . Results At 6 years , 81 and 82 children were assessed for AD in the probiotic and placebo groups , respectively . In a multiple imputation analysis , there was as trend towards a lower cumulative incidence of AD in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group ( OR 0.64 , 95 % CI 0.39 - 1.07 , p = 0.086 ; NNT = 10 ) . This finding was statistically significantly in the complete case analysis ( OR 0.48 , 95 % CI 0.25 - 0.92 , p = 0.027 , NNT = 6 ) . The prevalence of asthma and atopic sensitisation , and the cumulative incidence of ARC were not significantly affected by the probiotic regime at 6 years of age . Conclusions Maternal probiotic ingestion alone may be sufficient for long term reduction in the cumulative incidence of AD , but not other allergy related diseases . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov identifier : Controversy exists regarding the preventive effect of probiotics on the development of  eczema or atopic dermatitis .  We investigated whether supplementation of probiotics prevents the development of  eczema in infants at high risk . In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , 112 pregnant women with a family history of allergic diseases received a once-daily supplement , either a mixture of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 , B. lactis AD011 , and Lactobacillus acidophilus AD031 , or placebo , starting at 4 - 8 wks before delivery and continuing until 6 months after delivery . Infants were exclusively breast-fed during the first 3 months , and were subsequently fed with breastmilk or cow 's milk formula from 4 to 6 months of age . Clinical symptoms of the infants were monitored until 1 yr of age , when the total and specific IgE against common food allergens were measured . A total of 68 infants completed the study . The prevalence of eczema at 1 yr in the probiotic group was significantly lower than in the placebo group ( 18.2 % vs. 40.0 % , p=0.048 ) . The cumulative incidence of eczema during the first 12 months was reduced significantly in probiotic group ( 36.4 % vs. 62.9 % , p=0.029 ) ; however , there was no difference in serum total IgE level or the sensitization against food allergens between the two groups . Prenatal and postnatal supplementation with a mixture of B. bifidum BGN4 , B. lactis AD011 , and L. acidophilus AD031 is an effective approach in preventing the development of eczema in infants at high risk of allergy during the first year of life Objective : To investigate the effect of probiotic capsules on plasma lipids . Design : A r and omized , single-blinded , placebo-controlled , parallel-arm trial . Subjects : Fifty-five normocholesterolemic subjects ages 18–36 ( 33 premenopausal women and 22 men).Intervention : Each subject consumed either three probiotic capsules each containing a total of 109 colony-forming units Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum and 10–15 mg fructo-oligosaccharide or three placebo capsules daily for 2 months ( men ) or two menstrual cycles ( women ) . Plasma lipids were measured before and following the intervention ( during the early follicular phase for women ) . Results : Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were not altered by consumption of probiotic or placebo capsules and were not different between treatment groups following the intervention . Conclusions : These results do not support a beneficial effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DDS-1 and Bifidobacterium longum strain UABL-14 on plasma lipids in normocholesterolemic young women and men . Sponsorship : Supported by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and UAS Laboratories Background Recent review s suggest common infectious diseases continue to be a major cause of death among preschool children in developing countries . Identification of feasible strategies to combat this disease burden is an important public health need . We evaluated the efficacy of adding prebiotic oligosaccharide and probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 to milk , in preventing diarrhea , respiratory infections and severe illnesses , in children aged 1–4 years as part of a four group study design , running two studies simultaneously . Methods and Findings In a community based double-masked , r and omized controlled trial , children 1–3 years of age , willing to participate , were r and omly allocated to receive either control milk ( Co ; n = 312 ) or the same milk fortified with 2.4 g/day of prebiotic oligosaccharide and 1.9 × 107 colony forming unit (c.f.u)/day of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 ( PP ; n = 312 ) . Children were followed up for 1 year providing data for 1–4 years . Biweekly household surveillance was conducted to gather information on compliance and morbidity . Both study groups were comparable at baseline ; compliance to intervention was similar . Overall , there was no effect of prebiotic and probiotic on diarrhea ( 6 % reduction , 95 % Confidence Interval [ CI ] : −1 to 12 % ; p = 0.08 ) . Incidence of dysentery episodes was reduced by 21 % ( 95 % CI : 0 to 38 % ; p = 0.05 ) . Incidence of pneumonia was reduced by 24 % ( 95 % CI : 0 to 42 % ; p = 0.05 ) and severe acute lower respiratory infection ( ALRI ) by 35 % ( 95 % CI : 0 to 58 % ; p = 0.05 ) . Compared to children in Co group , children in PP group had 16 % ( 95 % CI : 5 to 26 % , p = 0.004 ) and 5 % ( 95 % CI : 0 to 10 % ; p = 0.05 ) reduction in days with severe illness and high fever respectively . Conclusions / Significance Milk can be a good medium for delivery of prebiotic and probiotic and result ed in significant reduction of dysentery , respiratory morbidity and febrile illness . Overall , impact of diarrhea was not significant . These findings need confirmation in other setting s. Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov Atopic dermatitis ( AD ) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by xerosis , pruritus and eczema . The role of probiotics in the prevention and the treatment of AD have been extensively studied in children with controversial results while there are few studies on an adult population . The aim of this r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the intake of a probiotic strain ( Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 ) in the treatment of adult patients with AD . A group of 38 patients was treated with probiotics or placebo ( maltodextrin )  for 16 weeks . The study was performed from January ( T0 ) to May , 2009 ( T16 ) . The assessment of efficacy was based on change in SCORAD ( SCORing Atopic Dermatitis ) index , dermatology life quality index ( DLQI ) improvement , cytokine production by P BMC s and ability to modify faecal microbial flora . No significant adverse events were recorded during the study . Patients treated with probiotics showed a statistically improvement of both clinical parameters ( SCORAD p < 0.0001 and DLQI p= 0.021 ) at the end of treatment ( T16 ) compared with the placebo group . Furthermore , after four months of treatment there was a significant reduction of Th1 cytokines ( IL-12+IFNγ ) ( p= 0.03 ) and Th1/Th2 ratio ( IL-12+IFNγ/IL-4+IL-5 ) ( p= 0.019 ) only in placebo-treated patients . A statistically relevant decrease of staphylococci in faeces of the probiotic-treated group was also observed at the end of treatment . In our study , the administration of L. salivarius LS01 was well tolerated and was associated with a significant improvement of clinical manifestation and QoL. This probiotic strain could have an important role in modulating Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles and could be considered as an important adjunctive therapy in the treatment of adult AD Background Recent data suggest a role for the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of functional bowel disorders ( FBDs ) . Probiotic studies in FBDs generated inconsistent results suggesting a strain-specific and product-specific effect . Aim To investigate the clinical efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM ( L-NCFM ) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 ( B-LBi07 ) in nonconstipation FBDs . Methods A double-blind , placebo-control clinical trial of the probiotic bacterias L-NCFM and B-LBi07 twice a day ( 2 × 1011CFU/d ) versus placebo over 8 weeks . Primary endpoints were global relief of gastrointestinal symptoms and satisfaction with treatment . Secondary endpoints were change in symptoms severity , well-being , and quality of life . Microbiological effect was assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction on fecal sample s. Results Sixty patients ( probiotic , n=31 ; placebo , n=29 ) , 72 % females , 84 % whites , mean age 37 years . Abdominal bloating improved in the probiotics compared with the placebo group at 4 weeks ( 4.10 vs 6.17 , P=0.009 ; change in bloating severity P=0.02 ) and 8 weeks ( 4.26 vs 5.84 , P=0.06 ; change in bloating severity P<0.01 ) . Analyses on the irritable bowel syndrome subgroup ( n=33 ) showed similar results . Conclusions L-NCFM and B-LBi07 twice a day improve symptoms of bloating in patients with FBDs . These data supports the role of intestinal bacteria in the pathophysiology of FBD and the role for probiotic bacteria in the management of these disorders Aim : Although numerous animal studies suggest that probiotic therapy has beneficial effects in various liver diseases , the evidence for beneficial effects in human liver disease is controversial . This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of probiotic therapy in alleviating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO ) and permeability in chronic liver disease . Methods : Fifty-three patients with chronic liver disease were r and omized to either probiotic therapy or placebo . Six bacterial species were used : Bifidobacterium bifidum , Bifidobacterium lactis , Bifidobacterium longum , Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus rhamnosus , and Streptococcus thermophilus . After 4 weeks , changes in the composition of fecal bacteria , SIBO , intestinal permeability , and clinical symptoms were examined . Results : Three of the six probiotic species , B. lactis , L. rhamnosus , and L. acidophilus , increased in the feces of the probiotic therapy group ( P<0.001 ) , whereas there was no change in fecal microbiota in the placebo group . SIBO disappeared in many individuals of the probiotic therapy group , but none in the placebo ( 24 vs. 0 % , P<0.05 ) . General gastrointestinal symptoms also improved more in the probiotic group and improvement in intestinal permeability was slightly but not significantly more frequent in the probiotic arm than the placebo arm ( 50 vs. 31.3 % , P=0.248 ) . Numbers of lactobacilli in stool were correlated negatively with intestinal permeability ( P for trend<0.05 ) . Liver chemistry did not improve significantly in either group . Conclusions : We conclude that short-term probiotic administration in chronic liver disease is effective in alleviating SIBO and clinical symptoms , but ineffective in improving intestinal permeability and liver function BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that oral bacteriotherapy with probiotics might be useful in the management of atopic dermatitis ( AD ) . OBJECTIVE The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical and anti-inflammatory effect of probiotic supplementation in children with AD . METHODS In a double-blind , placebo-controlled , crossover study , 2 probiotic Lactobacillus strains ( lyophilized Lactobacillus rhamnosus 19070 - 2 and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 122460 ) were given in combination for 6 weeks to 1- to 13-year-old children with AD . The patients ' evaluations were registered after each intervention ( ie , better , unchanged , or worse ) . The clinical severity of the eczema was evaluated by using the scoring atopic dermatitis ( SCORAD ) score . As inflammatory markers , eosinophil cationic protein in serum and cytokine production by P BMC s were measured . RESULTS After active treatment , 56 % of the patients experienced improvement of the eczema , whereas only 15 % believed their symptoms had improved after placebo ( P = .001 ) . The total SCORAD index , however , did not change significantly . The extent of the eczema decreased during active treatment from a mean of 18.2 % to 13.7 % ( P = .02 ) . The treatment response was more pronounced in allergic patients ( at least one positive skin prick test response and elevated IgE levels ) , and in this group the SCORAD score decreased ( P = .02 compared with nonallergic patients ) . During active treatment , serum eosinophil cationic protein levels decreased ( P = .03 ) . No significant changes in the production of the cytokines IL-2 , IL-4 , IL-10 , or IFN-gamma were found . CONCLUSIONS A combination of L rhamnosus 19070 - 2 and L reuteri DSM 122460 was beneficial in the management of AD . The effect was more pronounced in patients with a positive skin prick test response and increased IgE levels Goals : To evaluate the efficacy of a highly concentrated Lactobacillus salivarius preparation containing a gelling complex formed by Streptococcus thermophilus ST10 and tara gum in the treatment of atopic dermatitis ( AD ) . Background : Previous studies have demonstrated an improvement in AD symptoms after administration of the probiotic strain L. salivarius LS01 . S. thermophilus ST10 and tara gum create a gelling complex that adheres to intestinal mucus and improves barrier function . Study : A prospect i ve , controlled pilot trial was carried out to evaluate how the association of S. thermophilus ST10 and tara gum could improve the activity of L. salivarius LS01 administered at high doses to adults with AD . Twenty-five patients were included into the study : 13 were treated for 1 month with the active formulation , whereas 12 represented the placebo group . Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index was determined before and at the end of probiotic administration . Fecal sample s were also collected to evaluate changes in bacterial counts of Staphylococcus aureus and clostridia . Results : A significant improvement in SCORAD index was observed in the probiotic group after 1 month of treatment , whereas no significant changes occurred in placebo patients . A slight decrease in fecal S. aureus count was observed in probiotic-treated patients . Conclusions : Data obtained in this study suggest a potential role for L. salivarius LS01 in the treatment of AD . The addition of tara gum and S. thermophilus ST10 seems to improve the overall efficacy of the probiotic strain , in particular shortening the time required for the onset of the positive effects . Further studies to investigate the activity of this preparation are advisable BACKGROUND Recent insights into the role of the human microbiota in cognitive and affective functioning have led to the hypothesis that probiotic supplementation may act as an adjuvant strategy to ameliorate or prevent depression . OBJECTIVE Heightened cognitive reactivity to normal , transient changes in sad mood is an established marker of vulnerability to depression and is considered an important target for interventions . The present study aim ed to test if a multispecies probiotic containing Bifidobacterium bifidum W23 , Bifidobacterium lactis W52 , Lactobacillus acidophilus W37 , Lactobacillus brevis W63 , Lactobacillus casei W56 , Lactobacillus salivarius W24 , and Lactococcus lactis ( W19 and W58 ) may reduce cognitive reactivity in non-depressed individuals . DESIGN In a triple-blind , placebo-controlled , r and omized , pre- and post-intervention assessment design , 20 healthy participants without current mood disorder received a 4-week probiotic food-supplement intervention with the multispecies probiotics , while 20 control participants received an inert placebo for the same period . In the pre- and post-intervention assessment , cognitive reactivity to sad mood was assessed using the revised Leiden index of depression sensitivity scale . RESULTS Compared to participants who received the placebo intervention , participants who received the 4-week multispecies probiotics intervention showed a significantly reduced overall cognitive reactivity to sad mood , which was largely accounted for by reduced rumination and aggressive thoughts . CONCLUSION These results provide the first evidence that the intake of probiotics may help reduce negative thoughts associated with sad mood . Probiotics supplementation warrants further research as a potential preventive strategy for depression Background : This pilot study investigates the efficacy of a probiotic consortium ( Lab4 ) in combination with vitamin C on the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool facilities . Subjects/ methods : In a double-blind , r and omised , placebo-controlled pilot study with children aged 3–6 years , 57 received 1.25 × 1010 colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL21 ( NCIMB 30156 ) , Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL60 ( NCIMB 30157 ) , Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20 ( NCIMB 30153 ) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp . lactis CUL34 ( NCIMB 30172 ) plus 50 mg vitamin C or a placebo daily for 6 months . Results : Significant reductions in the incidence rate of upper respiratory tract infection ( URTI ; 33 % , P=0.002 ) , the number of days with URTI symptoms ( mean difference : −21.0 , 95 % confidence interval (CI):−35.9 , −6.0 , P=0.006 ) and the incidence rate of absence from preschool ( 30 % , P=0.007 ) were observed in the active group compared with the placebo . The number of days of use of antibiotics , painkillers , cough medicine or nasal sprays was lower in the active group and reached significance for use of cough medicine ( mean difference : −6.6 , 95 % CI : −12.9 , −0.3 , P=0.040 ) . No significant differences were observed in the incidence rate ratio or duration of lower respiratory tract infection or in the levels of plasma cytokines , salivary immunoglobulin A or urinary metabolites . Conclusions : Supplementation with a probiotic/vitamin C combination may be beneficial in the prevention and management of URTIs Objective Atopic dermatitis ( AD ) is the most common chronic relapsing skin disease seen in infancy and childhood . The intestinal microbiota play an important role in immune development and may play a role in the development of allergic disorders . Manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by synbiotics may therefore offer an approach to the prevention or treatment of AD and allergic diseases . We studied the clinical and immunologic effects of a new symbiotic ( a mixture of seven probiotic strains of bacteria and Fructooligosaccharide ) in infants and children with AD . Methods In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 40 infants and children aged 3 months to 6 years with AD received either a synbiotic or placebo for 8 weeks . The Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis ( SCORAD ) index was recorded at baseline and also at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment . Findings There was no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo group in baseline characteristics including sex , age , family history , corticosteroid usage and prick testing . Mean age was 23 months . The synbiotic group showed a significantly greater reduction in SCORAD than did the placebo group ( P=0.001 ) . No specific effect was demonstrated of the probiotics employed on cytokine profile ( P=0.4 , P=0.6 ) . Egg white was the most common ( 45 % ) allergen followed by peanut and cow 's milk . Conclusion This study provides evidence that a mixture of seven strains of probiotics and Fructooligosaccharide can clinical ly improve the severity of  AD in young children . Further studies are needed to investigate the effects on underlying immune responses and the potential long term benefits for patients with AD This r and omized , placebo-controlled , double blind , parallel dose-response study investigated the impact of 4-week commercial yoghurt consumption supplemented with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp . lactis ( BB-12 ) and Lactobacillus acidophilus ( LA-5 ) on fecal bacterial counts of healthy adults . Fifty-eight volunteers were r and omly assigned to three different groups : 1 . placebo ( no probiotic , no starter and no green tea extract ) ; 2 . Yoptimal ( 10(9)cfu/100 g of BB-12 and LA-5 and 40 mg of green tea extract ) and 3 . Yoptimal-10 ( 10(10)cfu/100 g of BB-12 , 10(9)cfu/100 g of LA-5 and 40 mg of green tea extract ) . These yoghurt products also contained Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp . bulgaricus ( 10(7)cfu/100 g ) and Streptococcus thermophilus ( 10(10)cfu/100 g ) . The quantitative PCR ( qPCR ) results showed that there were significant increases ( P=0.02 ) in bifidobacteria counts with the Yoptimal treatment as compared to baseline . The fecal numbers of B. animalis subsp . lactis and LA-5 significantly increased in the two probiotic treatments compared to the placebo treatment . Viable counts of fecal lactobacilli were significantly higher ( P=0.05 ) and those of enterococci were significantly lower ( P=0.04 ) after the intervention when compared to placebo . No significant difference was observed between treatments in volunteers ' weight , waist girth , blood pressure , fasting plasma triglyceride and HDL-C concentrations , as well as cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio . However , a significant increase in plasma cholesterol levels was observed in the placebo group ( P=0.0018 ) but the levels remained stable in the two probiotic yoghurt groups . These results show that probiotic strains supplemented in the form of yoghurt remain active during gut transit and are associated with an increase in beneficial bacteria and a reduction in potentially pathogenic bacteria . This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT00730626 Objectives : To investigate the eradication rates and side effects of probiotics added in st and ard triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) . Methods : A prospect i ve open study was performed in the outpatient clinics of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology , School of Medicine , Suleyman Demirel University , Isparta , Turkey between March 2012 and May 2013 . Sixty-one symptomatic children ( range 7 - 18 years ) with H. pylori infection were r and omized to 2 groups : group 1 received st and ard triple therapy ( lansoprazole , amoxicillin , and clarithromycin for 14 days ) , group 2 received the st and ard triple therapy plus probiotics ( Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus acidophilus , and Bifidobacterium lactis ) . Side effects of the drugs were recorded . The 14C-urea breath test was performed for 6 weeks after discontinuation of the therapy . Results : Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 61 of 95 ( 64.2 % ) children . Fifty-six patients ( 38 girls and 18 boys ) completed the study . Their mean age was 13.9 ± 2.7 years . Helicobacter pylori eradication rate was 68.9 % in group 1 , and 66.6 % in group 2 ( p=0.78 ) . No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of side effects . Conclusion : We found no evidence in terms of eradication of H. pylori , or impact on adverse effects obtained after the addition of probiotics to st and ard treatment . Larger r and omized controlled investigations are needed to clearly underst and the effects of probiotics on H. pylori eradication BACKGROUND . The value of probiotics for primary prevention is controversial . Published trials vary considerably in study design and the applied probiotics , thereby limiting comparability of the results . OBJECTIVE . The purpose of this trial was to study the preventive effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus GG on the development of atopic dermatitis . METHODS . In a double-blind , placebo-controlled prospect i ve trial , 105 pregnant women from families with ≥1 member ( mother , father , or child ) with an atopic disease were r and omly assigned to receive either the probiotic Lactobacillus GG ( American Type Culture Collection 53103 ; 5 × 109 colony-forming units of Lactobacillus GG twice daily ) or placebo .  Ninety-four families ( 89.5 % ) completed the trial . The supplementation period started 4 to 6 weeks before expected delivery , followed by a postnatal period of 6 months . The primary end point was the occurrence of atopic dermatitis at the age of 2 years . Secondary outcomes were severity of atopic dermatitis , recurrent episodes of wheezing bronchitis , and allergic sensitization at the age of 2 years . RESULTS . Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 14 ( 28 % ) of 50 in the Lactobacillus GG group and in 12 ( 27.3 % ) of 44 in the placebo group . The risk of atopic dermatitis in children on probiotics relative to placebo was 0.96 ( confidence interval 0.38–2.33 ) . Severity of atopic dermatitis was comparable between the 2 groups . Notably , children with recurrent ( ≥5 ) episodes of wheezing bronchitis were more frequent in the Lactobacillus GG group ( 26 % ; n = 13 ) , as compared with the placebo group ( 9.1 % ; n = 4 ) . No difference was observed between both groups in total immunoglobulin E concentrations or numbers of specific sensitization to inhalant allergens . CONCLUSIONS . Supplementation with Lactobacillus GG during pregnancy and early infancy neither reduced the incidence of atopic dermatitis nor altered the severity of atopic dermatitis in affected children but was associated with an increased rate of recurrent episodes of wheezing bronchitis . Therefore , Lactobacillus GG can not be generally recommended for primary prevention Background : The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of probiotics on  moderate or severe atopic dermatitis ( AD ) in young children . Methods : Fifty six children aged 6–18 months with moderate or severe AD were recruited into a r and omised double blind placebo controlled trial in Perth , Western Australia ; 53 children completed the study . The children were given a probiotic ( 1 × 109Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC ; Probiomics ) or an equivalent volume of placebo , twice daily for 8 weeks . A final assessment at 16 weeks was performed . Results : The main outcome measures were severity and extent of AD at the end of the study , as measured by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis ( SCORAD ) index . The reduction in the SCORAD index over time was significant in the probiotic group ( p = 0.03 ) but not the placebo group . Significantly more children receiving probiotics ( n = 24 , 92 % ) had a SCORAD index that was better than baseline at week 16 compared with the placebo group ( n = 17 , 63 % ) ( p = 0.01 ) . At the completion of the study more children in the probiotic group had mild AD ( n = 14 , 54 % ) compared to the placebo group ( n = 8 , 30 % ) . Conclusion : Supplementation with probiotic L fermentum VRI-003 PCC is beneficial in improving the extent and severity of AD  in young children with moderate or severe disease BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis ( AD ) through induction of immunosuppression and immune tolerance ; however , the exact underlying mechanism is unclear . Few studies to date have examined the effects of probiotics on adult-type AD . OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis LKM512 on adult-type AD and the expression of metabolites that are known to be influenced by gut microbiota in fecal sample s. METHODS Forty-four patients were r and omly assigned to receive LKM512 or a placebo and underwent medical examinations . Fecal microbiota were analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction . Metabolomic analysis was conducted to search for antipruritic metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria using feces derived from 3 patients whose itch scores had improved using capillary electrophoresis with time-of-flight mass spectrometry . Antipruritic effects of kynurenic acid were observed using AD-induced NC/Nga mice . RESULTS LKM512 administration alleviated itch in AD patients compared with controls and improved the dermatology-specific quality -of-life scores when compared with the controls . Administration of LKM512 also increased the expression of the antipruritic and antinociceptive metabolite kynurenic acid ( KYNA ) in patients whose itch score had improved after LKM512 treatment . In mouse experiments , scratching behavior counts tended to be decreased by KYNA injection when compared with no treatment . CONCLUSION LKM512 administration may exert antipruritic effects by increasing KYNA production . LKM512 could therefore be a potentially effective therapeutic c and i date for the reduction of pruritus . TRIAL REGISTRATION umin.ac.jp/ctr Identifier : UMIN000005695 Previous studies have suggested that probiotic administration may have therapeutic and /or preventive effects on atopic dermatitis in infants ; however , its role in allergic airway diseases remains controversial . To determine whether daily supplementation with specific Lactobacillus gasseri A5 for 8 weeks can improve the clinical symptoms and immunoregulatory changes in school children suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis ( AR ) . We conducted a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study on school children ( age , 6 - 12 years ) with asthma and AR . The eligible study subjects received either L. gasseri A5 ( n = 49 ) or a placebo ( n = 56 ) daily for 2 months . Pulmonary function tests were performed , and the clinical severity of asthma and AR was evaluated by the attending physicians in the study period . Diary cards with records of the day- and nighttime peak expiratory flow rates ( PEFR ) , symptoms of asthma , and AR scores of the patients were used for measuring the outcome of the treatment . Immunological parameters such as the total IgE and cytokine production by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( P BMC s ) were determined before and after the probiotic treatments . Our results showed the pulmonary function and PEFR increased significantly , and the clinical symptom scores for asthma and AR decreased in the probiotic-treated patients as compared to the controls . Further , there was a significant reduction in the TNF-α , IFN-γ , IL-12 , and IL-13 production by the P BMC s following the probiotic treatment . In conclusion , probiotic supplementation may have clinical benefits for school children suffering from allergic airway diseases such as asthma and AR
Conclusion : The administration of a probiotic mixture containing L. acidophilus DDS-1 , B. lactis UABLA- 12 , and fructo-oligosaccharide was associated with significant clinical improvement in children with AD , with corresponding lymphocyte subset changes in peripheral blood .
Abstract Background : The role of probiotics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis ( AD ) remains controversial .
A recent systematic review of the available evidence called for further clinical trials with new probiotic formulations .
Objective : To assess the clinical efficacy and impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 , Bifidobacterium lactis UABLA-12 with fructo-oligosaccharide on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in preschool children with moderate-to-severe AD .