Novel approaches to the nutritional management of the allergic infant

Abstract

The increased prevalence of atopic diseases, i.e. atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma, has been described as the epidemic of the 21st century in Western societies. New approaches in the fight against allergic diseases are clearly called for, the target being the persistence of the allergic responder pattern beyond infancy. The advantage afforded by elimination diets lies in the silencing of specific allergic inflammation induced by an offending food. Novel nutritional approaches, beyond the treatment of food allergies, have recently attracted research interest subsequent to the identification of the immunomodulatory potential of specific dietary compounds. Dietary lipids as immunomodulators may prevent allergic sensitization by down-regulating inflammatory response whilst protecting the epithelial barrier. Probiotic bacteria have been shown to reinforce the different lines of gut defence: immune exclusion, immune elimination and immune regulation. On this basis, the strategy against allergic disease proposed here is based on the administration of tolerogenic gut-processed peptide fragments of a specific protein, in addition to the use of specific dietary compounds such as fatty acids and antioxidants, and introducing a microbial stimulus for the immature immune system by means of cultures of beneficial live micro-organisms characteristic of the healthy infant gut microbiota.

Probiotics—From Metchnikoff to bioactives

“…Similarly, another study suggested that treatment with Lactobacillus GG may alleviate atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome symptoms in IgE-sensitized infants but not in non-IgE-sensitized infants , while a 4-week treatment with Lactobacillus GG alleviated intestinal inflammation in infants with atopic eczema/ dermatitis syndrome and milk allergy (Viljanen, Kuitunen, et al, 2005). The mechanisms of the protective effects of probiotics on allergic reactions are not entirely known; although the reinforcement of the different lines of gut defence including immune exclusion, immune elimination and immune regulation has been suggested (Isolauri, Ouwehand, & Laitinen, 2005).…”

Impact of transglutaminase reaction on the immunoreactive and sensory quality of yoghurt starter

“…The mechanism of the preventative impact of probiotics on allergic reactions is not well known. However, the reinforcement of the different mechanisms of gut defence, including immune exclusion, immune elimination, and immune regulation has been suggested (Isolauri et al 2005). Early consumption of probiotic preparations containing Lactobacillus GG may reduce prevalence of atopic eczema later in life (Gueimonde et al 2006).…”

Management of food allergy: vitamins, fatty acids or probiotics?

“…V Fully established allergic disease: consolidation of the immune responder type; control of allergic inflammation. Figure modified from Isolauri [73].…”

“…The treatment of food allergy should therefore counteract the mechanisms that initiate and perpetuate intestinal inflammation and promote mechanisms that terminate immunoinflammatory responses ( Fig. 1) [73]. All these aspects of the gut barrier function are potential targets for probiotic intervention.…”