Probiotics: a complementary approach in the treatment and prevention of pediatric atopic disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this article is to review recent primary research and developments in the area of probiotics and pediatric atopic disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Research developments in probiotics summarized in this article include the following: (1) the role of probiotics in primary prevention of atopic disease, (2) the effect of probiotics on cytokines involved in the allergic immune response, (3) the long-term effects of peri-natal probiotic use and (4) the relationship between the gut microflora and atopic dermatitis. SUMMARY: Probiotics continue to be an area of active investigation as our understanding evolves of the gut microbiota's role in the altered immune response of atopic patients. Physicians should be aware of these developments as probiotics may be an important complementary approach in the treatment and the natural and long-term course of various pediatric diseases. This article summarizes the research conducted over the past 10 years with a primary focus on the literature published since January 2003.