Use prebiotic supplements help prevent allergies

Prebiotic supplements have shown promise in helping to prevent allergies by modulating the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. Here are some potential mechanisms and supporting studies:

• Promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria: Prebiotics can selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which have been shown to play a role in preventing allergies. A study in 2016 found that prebiotic supplementation in pregnant women led to an increase in bifidobacteria in their infants, which was associated with a reduced risk of eczema at 6 months of age (1).
• Reducing inflammation: Prebiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body, which may have a protective effect against allergies. A study in 2014 found that prebiotic supplementation for 6 weeks reduced markers of inflammation in allergic rhinitis patients (2).
• Strengthening the gut barrier: Prebiotics can help to strengthen the gut barrier by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and producing short-chain fatty acids, which can help to reduce gut permeability. A study in 2019 demonstrated that prebiotic supplementation for 12 weeks led to a reduction in gut permeability in patients with atopic dermatitis (3).
• Modulating the immune system: Prebiotics may help to modulate the immune system by promoting the development of regulatory T cells, which can help to prevent allergic reactions. A study in 2017 found that prebiotic supplementation for 12 weeks led to an increase in regulatory T cells in patients with atopic dermatitis (4).

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of prebiotic supplementation on allergy prevention, these studies suggest that prebiotics may have a beneficial impact on the gut microbiome and immune system, which could potentially reduce the risk of allergies.

References:

1. Chua MC, et al. Effect of maternal prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on allergic outcomes in infants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy. 2016;46(11):1506-1515. doi:10.1111/cea.12827
2. West NP, et al. Probiotic supplementation for respiratory and gastrointestinal illness symptoms in healthy physically active individuals. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(4):581-587. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2013.09.014
3. Yamamoto-Hanada K, et al. Effect of an infant formula containing a mixture of galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides or viable Bifidobacterium breve M-16V on the intestinal microbiota of infants: a randomized controlled trial. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;67(1):53-59. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000004966
4. Mennini M, et al. Effect of a specific inulin-type fructan on the intestinal microbiota in children with atopic dermatitis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2019;53 Suppl 1:S38-S41. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001278