Probiotics during pregnancy, science rediscovers ancient wisdom

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Probiotics During Pregnancy May Help babies beat allergies

 

The findings that 7 children between the ages of 5 to 21 months

conceived by ART had breast development and/or pubic hair[1] bring

out the importance of intrauterine pollution, one of the main

threats for the health of the future generations. While medicines,

even herbal, are discouraged during pregnancy, the foods receive

maximum attention. Building immunity of the fetus is one concern,

briefly discussed in post#1659.

 

How nutrients in the mothers diet help strengthen the health and

immune system of bewborn baby is investigated by modern researchers

too. The nutrients studied include vitamin C , E, B-3 and Calcium.

omega-3 fatty acids in mothers diet help improve eye and brain

health, maintain a healthy blood pressure and improve eye-hand

coordination and even helping with long-term lung health. Same

benefits are also obtained by taking Indian cow ghee, a source of

Medium Chain Fatty acids(Post#14388).

 

The importance of milk products in pregnancy diet was also mentioned

in posts#11817,14288.

 

A recent study has found that probiotics, suggested in previous

research to possibly play a role in pregnancy health, may also help

with infant allergies. In the study, 171 women with newborns were

given either probiotics containing lactobacillus rhamnosus and

Bifidobacterium lactis (1 × 10(10) colony forming units each per day)

or placebo from the first trimester of pregnancy to the end of

exclusive breastfeeding. The researchers collected breast milk

immediately after birth to measure for levels of inflammatory

proteins that included IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-

2. They also tested allergy sensitivity in the infants by performing

the skin prick test (SPT).

 

The researchers found there were no significant differences overall

in the infants' risk of allergies between the two groups (29% of

probiotic infants vs. 31% of placebo infants). However, a significant

risk reduction was seen in infants breastfed for more than 2.5 months

by mothers with allergies. Specifically, only 26% of the at-risk

infants in the probiotic group were sensitized for allergies while

50% of at-risk infants in the control group were sensitized.

 

While stating that " probiotics belong among the promising means of

combating the allergy epidemic " , the reduced risk of allergies in

infants through probiotic supplementation led the researchers to

conclude that " the critical period of pregnancy and breastfeeding may

be the window of opportunity in allergy prevention. "

 

It is interesting to note that the number of children suffering from

eczema or asthma, recurrent cough/colds, fevers has been steadily

increasing all over the globe. In post#9626, the connection between

asthma and eczema was pointed out and associated treatment was also

discussed. The organic milk helping babies beat allergies has also

been pointed out by Todd in post#11817.

 

Our prakruti is to a great extent shaped in the womb and perinatal period.

Mother is the

chief architect. Author recommends taking a cup of yogurt with a pearl of

garlic crushed and 1/4 tsp turmeric (add honey to sweeten if needed) to

breastfeeding moms. It is seen to take care of thrush also.

 

1. Hormonal effects in infants conceived by assisted reproductive

technology, Rojas-Marcos PM, David R., Kohn B. Pediatrics. 2005

Jul;116(1):190-194

2. Impact of maternal atopy and probiotic supplementation during

pregnancy on infant sensitization: a double-blind placebo-controlled

study (p 1342-1348)

A. Huurre, K. Laitinen, S. Rautava, M. Korkeamäki, E. Isolauri

Published Online: May 8 2008 12:00AM

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03008.x

Online abstract:

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120123638/abstract