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