Denmark—An independent study conducted by the University of Copenhagen found Danisco’s Bi-07™ probiotic strain demonstrated beneficial immunological effects on child atopic dermatitis (AD)—eczema. The study evaluated the clinical and immunological changes of AD after consumption of Danisco’s probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07™. The study involved a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention in which 50 children with AD, aged 7 to 24 months, were given supplements containing either Danisco’s L. acidophilus NCFM (1,010 CFU/d), B. lactis Bi-07 (1,010 CFU/d) or a placebo for eight weeks. The immunological activity and clinical effect was evaluated by IgE, ECP, IL-10, IFN-gamma, IL-31, faecal calprotectin and the standardized Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index.
Post hoc analysis of the SCORAD results showed a significant reduction in severity of AD in the Bi-07 group, together with an improved ratio of IFN-gamma and IL-10. During the study period no adverse effects were reported on the otherwise sensitive population of children. This study provides additional evidence supporting the strains, L. acidophilus NCFM and B. lactis Bi-07, as well tolerated by the subjects and safe for consumption by people of all ages, including infants and young children, in the age of 7 to 24 months.
“The study shows there may be a role for certain probiotics in the management of atopic dermatitis,” commented Arthur Ouwehand, group manager health & nutrition, Danisco.