Probiotics and pregnancy

Exposure to beneficial bacteria before and after birth may lower a child’s risk of developing allergies and eczema.

Wellington and Auckland researchers have previously shown that high risk mothers taking a daily dose of the helpful probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus during pregnancy and breastfeeding halved the rates of eczema in their children.

Now the researchers are planning a second study to see if taking the probiotic earlier in pregnancy will increase the benefit and prevent other conditions such as asthma and allergies.

Coverage of the study :

Dominion Post (and other Fairfax papers) : Fight to prevent allergies in the womb

Radio New Zealand: Probiotic study aims to cut eczema and allergies