Role of probiotics in the management of patients with food allergy

Objective: This review will concentrate on the potential use of probiotics in treating or preventing allergic disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract. In small infants, most reactions to foods are manifested in the gastro-intestinal tract. As children get older, cutaneous and even systemic or respiratory manifestations of food intolerances may be more common. In most instances, allergic disorders in the gut cause inflammation in the mucosa. Data Sources: Recently, the role of gut microflora in allergic disease has gained increasing interest with reports of probiotics being used to treat food allergy. Study Selection: Pertinent scientific reports on the role of probiotics in the management of patients with food allergy will be reviewed. A recent study to determine the effect of very early probiotic colonization will be extensively reviewed as it presents an intriguing concept of a preventive strategy related to food allergy development. Results: Significant improvement has been noted in infants receiving Lactobacillus GG in their extensively hydrolyzed formula. Conclusions: It is likely more studies will be forthcoming with different probiotic organisms in the prevention and treatment of allergic disorders in children and adults.