03.01.13
Nutraceuticals: Probiotics, Prebiotics & Fatty Acids
Indication: Atopic Dermatitis
Source: Archives of Dermatology (JAMA Dermatology), 2012:1-6. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.1495.
Research: This study intended to identify whether nutrient supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, formula or fatty acids prevents the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) or reduces the severity of AD in newborns to children younger than 3 years. Researchers searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature) from Jan. 1, 1946 to Aug. 27, 2012, and performed an additional manual search. Selected studies included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies examining nutritional supplementation in prevention and amelioration of AD among children younger than 3 years; of 92 articles, 21 met inclusion criteria. In the 21 studies, a total of 6,859 participants received supplements, which included infants or mothers who were either pregnant or breastfeeding; 4,134 infants or mothers served as controls.
Results: Nutritional supplementation was shown to be an effective method in preventing AD (11 of 17 studies) or decreasing its severity (5 of 6 studies). The best evidence lies with probiotics supplementation in mothers and infants in preventing development and reducing severity of AD. Specifically, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was effective in long-term prevention of AD development. Gamma-linolenic acid reduced severity of AD. Supplementation with prebiotics and black currant seed oil (gamma-linolenic acid and omega 3 combination) was effective in reducing the development of AD. Conflicting findings were reported from different research groups that performed supplementation with an amino acid–based formula. Researchers concluded that certain types of nutrient supplementation are beneficial in preventing AD development and reducing its severity. Future research elucidating the mechanisms underlying the actions of nutritional supplementation on AD is necessary.
Indication: Atopic Dermatitis
Source: Archives of Dermatology (JAMA Dermatology), 2012:1-6. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.1495.
Research: This study intended to identify whether nutrient supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, formula or fatty acids prevents the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) or reduces the severity of AD in newborns to children younger than 3 years. Researchers searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature) from Jan. 1, 1946 to Aug. 27, 2012, and performed an additional manual search. Selected studies included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies examining nutritional supplementation in prevention and amelioration of AD among children younger than 3 years; of 92 articles, 21 met inclusion criteria. In the 21 studies, a total of 6,859 participants received supplements, which included infants or mothers who were either pregnant or breastfeeding; 4,134 infants or mothers served as controls.
Results: Nutritional supplementation was shown to be an effective method in preventing AD (11 of 17 studies) or decreasing its severity (5 of 6 studies). The best evidence lies with probiotics supplementation in mothers and infants in preventing development and reducing severity of AD. Specifically, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was effective in long-term prevention of AD development. Gamma-linolenic acid reduced severity of AD. Supplementation with prebiotics and black currant seed oil (gamma-linolenic acid and omega 3 combination) was effective in reducing the development of AD. Conflicting findings were reported from different research groups that performed supplementation with an amino acid–based formula. Researchers concluded that certain types of nutrient supplementation are beneficial in preventing AD development and reducing its severity. Future research elucidating the mechanisms underlying the actions of nutritional supplementation on AD is necessary.
