Differences were potentially attributable to differences in infant risk , prebiotic formulation or measurement of eczema .
There is insufficient evidence to determine the role of prebiotic supplementation of infant formula for prevention of allergic disease and food hypersensitivity .
Further trials are needed to determine whether this finding persists over a longer period of time , applies to other manifestations of allergic disease , is associated with reductions in allergen sensitisation , and is reproducible
BACKGROUND The composition of the intestinal microflora may be different in individuals with atopic eczema from those without this condition , and such differences may precede the development of eczema .
Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that benefit the host by selectively stimulating the growth or activity of non-pathogenic bacteria in the colon .
Prebiotics ( commonly oligosaccharides ) added to infant feeds have the potential to prevent sensitisation of infants to dietary allergens .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of prebiotics given to infants for the prevention of allergic disease or food hypersensitivity .
Effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis: a randomised controlled trial
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
Differences were potentially attributable to differences in infant risk , prebiotic formulation or measurement of eczema .
There is insufficient evidence to determine the role of prebiotic supplementation of infant formula for prevention of allergic disease and food hypersensitivity .
Further trials are needed to determine whether this finding persists over a longer period of time , applies to other manifestations of allergic disease , is associated with reductions in allergen sensitisation , and is reproducible
BACKGROUND The composition of the intestinal microflora may be different in individuals with atopic eczema from those without this condition , and such differences may precede the development of eczema .
Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that benefit the host by selectively stimulating the growth or activity of non-pathogenic bacteria in the colon .
Prebiotics ( commonly oligosaccharides ) added to infant feeds have the potential to prevent sensitisation of infants to dietary allergens .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of prebiotics given to infants for the prevention of allergic disease or food hypersensitivity .