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Pregnant women

Probiotics Show Promise in Reducing Allergic Rhinitis Odds in Infants

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Recent research conducted by scientists at Jinan University in Guangdong, People's Republic of China, has shed light on the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic sensitization (AS) in infants. The study, published in the World Allergy Organization Journal, involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving over 5,800 children.

The research found that while probiotics did not significantly reduce the odds of AR in children under one year old, they did significantly reduce the odds of AS in children over one year old. Subgroup analyses revealed that greater reductions in AS odds were seen in children who received probiotics after 6 months of age and in those who received combined prenatal-postnatal supplementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Probiotics did not significantly reduce the odds of AR in children under one year old (ORp = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.46-1.15, P = 0.17).
  • Probiotics significantly reduced the odds of AS in children over one year old (ORp = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76-0.99, P = 0.04).
  • Subgroup analyses revealed greater reductions in AS odds for postnatal interventions initiated after 6 months of age (ORp = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68-0.99, P = 0.04).
  • Combined prenatal-postnatal supplementation was also associated with greater reductions in AS odds (ORp = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.98, P = 0.03).
  • Probiotics were associated with transient increases in the abundance of targeted gut microbial strains.

Statistics:

  • 14 RCTs were included in the analysis, involving over 5,800 children.
  • Probiotics did not significantly reduce the odds of AR in children under one year old.
  • Probiotics significantly reduced the odds of AS in children over one year old by 13% (ORp = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76-0.99, P = 0.04).
  • Children who received probiotics after 6 months of age showed a 18% reduction in AS odds (ORp = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68-0.99, P = 0.04).
  • Combined prenatal-postnatal supplementation was associated with a 15% reduction in AS odds (ORp = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.98, P = 0.03).

Sources:

  • Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy or infancy for the prevention of allergic rhinitis in infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials. World Allergy Organization Journal, 2025,18(10):101124. (World Allergy Organization Journal - https://www.journals.elsevier.com/world-allergy-organization-journal/)
  • Jinan University, School of Nursing, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
  • NewsRx. Jinan University Researchers Provide Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Allergic Rhinitis (Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy or infancy for the prevention of allergic rhinitis in infants: A systematic review and ...). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 2029.

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