The results of the present meta- analysis show that probiotic supplementation  prevents infantile eczema , thus suggesting a new potential indication for probiotic use in pregnancy and infancy
Growing evidence underlines the pivotal role of infant gut colonization in the development of the immune system .
The possibility to modify gut colonization through probiotic supplementation in childhood might prevent atopic diseases .
The aim of the present systematic review and meta- analysis was to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and early infancy in preventing atopic diseases .
Low breast milk TGF-beta2 is induced by Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation and associates with reduced risk of sensitization during infancy.
The immunological composition of breast milk differs between mothers . The reasons for these differences and the consequences for the breast-fed infants are poorly understood . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation on the immunological composition of breast milk in relation to sensitization and  eczema in the babies .  Total IgA , secretory IgA ( SIgA ) , TGF-beta1 , TGF-beta2 , IL-10 , TNF , soluble CD14 ( sCD14 ) , and Na/K ratios were analyzed in colostrum and mature milk obtained from women treated with L. reuteri ( n = 54 ) or placebo ( n = 55 ) from gestational week 36 until delivery . Bacteriological analyses of L. reuteri were performed in faecal sample s of the mothers . The infants were followed prospect ively for 2 yr regarding development of eczema and sensitization as defined by a positive skin prick test and /or circulating allergen-specific IgE antibodies at 6 , 12 , and 24 months of age . Supplementation of L. reuteri during pregnancy was associated with low levels of TGF-beta2 and slightly increased levels of IL-10 in colostrum . For TGF-beta2 , this association was most pronounced in mothers with detectable L. reuteri in faeces . Infants receiving breast milk with low levels of TGF-beta2 were less likely to become sensitized during their first 2 yr of life . A similar trend was observed for development of IgE-associated eczema . The levels of total IgA , SIgA , TGF-beta1 , TNF , sCD14 , and Na/K ratios in breast milk were not affected by the intake of L. reuteri . None of these parameters correlated with sensitization or development of eczema in the infant , except for high Na/K ratios that associated with increased risk of sensitization . Supplementation with L. reuteri during late pregnancy reduces breast milk levels of TGF-beta2 , and low levels of this cytokine are associated with less sensitization and possibly less IgE-associated eczema in breast-fed infants
The results of the present meta- analysis show that probiotic supplementation  prevents infantile eczema , thus suggesting a new potential indication for probiotic use in pregnancy and infancy
Growing evidence underlines the pivotal role of infant gut colonization in the development of the immune system .
The possibility to modify gut colonization through probiotic supplementation in childhood might prevent atopic diseases .
The aim of the present systematic review and meta- analysis was to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and early infancy in preventing atopic diseases .